Barb's Daily Dose

10 Things Your Skin Says About Your Health

Today's Featured Guest Writer is Paula Spencer, Senior Editor at Caring.com

10 Clues Your Skin Gives About Your Well-Being

If skin were merely a sausage casing for the rest of you, it wouldn't be nearly so useful. An organ itself (your body's largest in terms of both weight and surface area), skin protects against invasive bacteria, regulates body temperature, and picks up information from the stimulation of touch, pressure, pain, heat, and cold. Little wonder, then, that when there's something wrong with you on the inside, your skin sometimes sends up the first warning flare.

Questions of the Week

Question 1

Is there any other treatment for Lichen Sclerosus other than steroid creams?

Lichen Sclerosis is a chronic skin condition that can affect men and women. We don’t know what causes it.  It can cause a white patch of skin near the genitals or rectal area. Often there is intense itching and eventually the skin can become thicker and can tear easily.

Unfortunately right now, the best treatment for Lichen Sclerosis is steroid cream. I'd advise you to talk to your dermatologist or rheumatologist.  Many women find that they use a medium to high potency cream or ointment for a short time 2 times/day to get it under control and then can move to a lower dosage and use it 1-2 times/week.

Question 2

I am in my 21st week of pregnancy. When I check my breasts, milk comes out. Is this normal.  It's not unusual for a pregnant woman to already see some milk from her breasts.  It's normal and please don't worry.  I would advise you not to keep checking as any nipple stimulation can cause contractions and early labor.  It’s also perfectly normal not to see any milk, until after you deliver the baby.