Health TheABCDErule helps us become suspicious and should prompt a physician’s assessment. A is for asymmetry − one half of a mole does not have the same shape as the other half. B is for border − the edge of the mole is uneven. It can look jagged, notched or blurry. The colour may spread into the area around the mole. C is for colour − which is not the same throughout. It could have shades of tan, brown and black. Sometimes other colours appear. D is for diameter − the size is larger than ¼-inch across, which is about the size of a pencil eraser. E is for evolving − there is change in the colour, size, shape or feel of the mole. The mole may become itchy, or you may have a burning or tingling feeling. Actinic keratosis is one of the most common conditions affecting seniors, especially men, who did little over their lifetime to protect themselves from sunlight. These reddish, scaly spots most commonly affect the face, ears, balding scalp, neck, lips or hands. Treatment varies according to the extent and location of the spots, but changes should be examined when noted, as the risk of squamous skin cancer developing is increased with this condition. Persons who already have actinic keratosis should be even more vigilant in protecting themselves from the sun’s rays, as the condition can worsen with further exposure. Treatments by your family doctor or dermatologist include the use of liquid nitrogen for local spots and, for more generalized areas of keratosis, Fluorouracil cream, a drug used for certain cancers. Seborrheic dermatitis is a common condition that mainly affects the scalp, but can appear on the face or chest. It may be as simple as areas of dandruff or more extensive coverage, with patches of flaky yellow or white crusts or scales. Home treatment with Selsun shampoo as well as over-the-counter 1% hydrocortisone cream will help in most cases, with further attention needed by your doctor or a dermatologist in resistant cases. Atopic dermatitis (eczema) is a skin condition characterized by red, itchy patches of skin that often start out in childhood, but can affect persons of any age. It is related to a gene variation which reduces the protective properties of the skin from irritants and allergens. Although there is no cure for the condition, a number of measures can be used to lessen itching and prevent new outbreaks. Treatment includes avoiding known irritants, reducing the frequency and temperature of baths or showers, using only gentle soaps and applying moisturizing creams or lotions twice daily. Winter itchoccurs at any age, but especially in seniors. It typically presents in autumn CSANews | SPRING 2020 | 33
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MzMzNzMx