Psoriasis Archive

Conventional medical wisdom has held that taking antibiotics for longer periods of time produces better results and lowers the risk for antibiotic resistance. But the evidence for this is slim, and researchers are now questioning this approach.

Soaps that strip away microbes aren't good, but it may be too soon to try products that add bacteria back.

You may have noticed that antimicrobial skin cleansers have disappeared from the shelves. In September 2016, the FDA ruled that over-the-counter antiseptic soaps and wash products containing triclosan, triclocarban, or 17 other antimicrobial agents could no longer be marketed because their manufacturers didn't demonstrate that the ingredients were both safe and effective in preventing the spread of infections. Moreover, the widespread use of antimicrobials is thought to promote the growth of antibiotic-resistant bacteria, like methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), which can cause infections that are difficult to treat and even life-threatening.

You may also have noticed some new sprays, creams, and lotions whose purpose is just the opposite. Rather than eradicating microbes from our skin, these products, called probiotics, are designed to aid the growth of certain beneficial skin bacteria.

On call

 Image: © EunikaSopotnicka/Thinkstock

Q. I've noticed recently that I sweat excessively, regardless of the temperature. Should I be concerned?

A. Your genes can determine whether you sweat a lot, but a sudden change in your regular sweating may suggest an underlying condition. Sweating is regulated by your nervous system and can be triggered by a number of causes. The primary signal for perspiration originates in the brain in response to a temperature-related or emotional cue, and then is carried by the autonomic nervous system to the sweat glands in the skin.

Ask the doctors

Q. I have fairly thick hair in the summer, but it seems to thin out in late fall. Is there anything I can do now to prevent losing hair in a few months?

A. Sadly, no. What you've experienced is common to all of us. On average, about 90% of the hairs on our heads are in the growing phase and about 10% are in the resting phase. After a few months in the resting phase, the hairs are shed. It's normal to shed up to 100 hairs a day.

On call

Q. I have had a dandruff problem for years. I have tried selenium and zinc shampoos, as well as ketoconazole shampoo. Nothing has worked. Are there other options?

A. Dandruff, which is a chronic skin condition known as seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp, can range from a minor irritant to a severe rash of the entire scalp.

Vaccinating babies and toddlers prevents many illnesses, but it also helps the avoid high costs associated with treating those illnesses, helps reduce sick time taken by parents, and contributes to greater immunity in a population.