Yellowing hair leads to uncommon diagnosis

May 18, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I am writing in reference to the lady with white hair that is turning yellow. I, too, had the same problem only to be diagnosed shortly after with the autoimmune disease dermatomyositis. This was the cause of my yellowing hair. I am not saying that she has this, but it is another potential cause. I would also appreciate your opinion on this disease. I enjoy your column very much.

DEAR READER: Dermatomyositis is an uncommon inflammatory disease that causes a distinctive skin rash and muscle weakness. It can occur at any age, but is most common in adults in their late 40s to early 60s, as well as in children between the ages of 5 and 15. Women are affected more often than are men. It may appear suddenly, develop gradually, or take several weeks or months. [Read more...]

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Visual exam needed for cause of skin rash

May 7, 2011 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: I’m an 87-year-old woman with a circle about the size of a quarter on my right thigh, about four inches above my knee. All the skin around it is very smooth, but it is rough to the touch and appears to be flaking. Sometimes it is pale pink; other times it is an angry, dark pink. Occasionally, it itches. Neosporin and other creams don’t help. Can you?

DEAR READER: I don’t know without seeing it, but my first thought is eczema or psoriasis. My recommendation is that you see your primary-care physician or a dermatologist for a diagnosis. Once the lesion is examined, appropriate medication can be prescribed.

While you are waiting for your appointment, be sure to keep your skin moistened. Treat the area with a petroleum-based product. If you bathe in a tub instead of shower, add Epsom salts or bath oil to the water.

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Did med cause skin condition?

October 2, 2010 By

DEAR DR. GOTT: While in Vietnam, I was taking a dapsone pill daily, as the Army suggested. Unknown to me, I had an allergy to the pill and became methemoglobinemic. I stopped taking the pill, but still have lichen planus on my legs and buttocks that comes and goes. I can go weeks with no trouble, then I have a breakout that will last for up to a month before clearing. I read that the dapsone could be the cause of the onset of the lichen planus. Can you tell me if this is right or wrong? Where can I find more information?

DEAR READER: Dapsone is commonly prescribed to treat dermatitis, herpetiformis (a skin condition that commonly appears on the elbows and knees), acne, infection and more.
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