Almost everyone has had a beauty problem that they wished they could get rid of. Some of them are so common that there are a wide range of products available to address them, and your first inclination may be to embark on the trial and error process of finding the right remedy.
But sometimes, common beauty problems indicate health concerns or warrant medical attention.
Growing Moles
Moles are common on black skin. And, they can be very annoying if they start growing, especially on your face, neck, or another highly visible area. But more importantly, this growth can signal melanoma, a deadly form of skin cancer. Other warning signs include changes in the color or shape of a mole and the development of one that looks different from those you have or one that has ragged, fuzzy edges.
To confirm or dismiss the possibility of melanoma, you will need a biopsy. The disease is highly curable if it is discovered and treated early enough, but it can be fatal otherwise. Treatment generally involves surgical removal of the troubled growth.
Discolored Nails
Maybe you’ve washed dishes, cleaned the house, or you were gardening without gloves. Maybe you walked outside barefoot or borrowed someone’s socks. Now, you notice that your nails are turning white, yellow, or green around the nail beds or under the nail. You may prematurely dismiss this problem as a temporary effect of exposure to something you don’t normally come into contact with and you may ignore the problem or hide it with nail polish. But, there is good possibility that you have a fungal infection.
If so, your nails may thicken and become distorted. The infection, if left untreated, can spread to your skin, hair, and other people. Fungal infections commonly require a prescription. Topical over-the-counter treatments are often ineffective. Even with a prescription, treatment can span from several weeks to several months, with toenail infections generally requiring the longest treatment periods.
Nail discoloration is sometimes an indication of a serious health condition such as diabetes or kidney and liver conditions. This is beauty problem that a doctor should check out.
Darkness Around the Eyes
If you have dark circles around your eyes, you may blame it on lack of sleep, stress or mother nature. Serum, concealer and foundation may seem like your best options. But instead of masking the problem, you may be able to eliminate it if there is an underlying cause.
Darkness around the eyes can result from colds, sinus infections or allergies and over-the-counter remedies may be easy fixes. Some medications, such as those used to treat blood pressure, may be the cause. There is a possibility that your face could be letting you know that you are suffering from poor nutrition or dehydration, which you may be able to correct with changes in your habits if the problem is not too advanced.
However, in some cases, dark circles could indicate serious health problems such as liver, kidney, or heart problems. If you attempt to correct the problem and it persists or it is accompanied by other symptoms, suggesting a serious underlying condition, you should see a doctor.
Hair Loss
Hair loss is problem that is so perplexing that proper marketing can easily incite vulnerable people to spend money on useless remedies. Falling for ploys may not only result in wasted money but also in wasted time.
Dr. Seymour M. Weaver, III, M.D., a dermatologist who specializes in black hair conditions, says that too often individuals seek treatment when the scalp condition is irreversible and hair loss is permanent.
Within the African-American community a problem known as cicatricial alopecia is gaining increasing amounts of attention. This condition is characterized by damaged hair follicles, scarring, which may be below the surface, and eventually permanent hair loss. The cause is largely unknown but it can be treated. Treatments include oral medication, topical medication, or injections in the scalp and often extend for prolonged periods. But, if you wait too long and allow the hair follicles to become damaged, the hair will not regrow.
Women also commonly experience hair loss due to a decrease in estrogen and an increase in a hormone called DHT. When this is the cause, the problem can be tackled with hormone treatments.
via BlackDoctor
