Skin Deep

My first ever visit to a dermatologist happened last week, in a lovely area of Los Altos where there's strangely a large settlement of medical professionals and clinics.

He told me I have some kind of "atropic" condition -- it's a combination of asthma, allergies (hay fever), dry skin, and keratosis pylaris (KP).

- KP causes those little (darker) bumps that some people get on their skin, commonly on their triceps, that make their skin all rough. Medications (lotions) are available, but they are only temporary -- once you stop using them, KP returns.
- My appendectomy scar will eventually heal itself and won't get any worse, but it can be healed more quickly with a few direct injections of cortisone. I forgot to ask how much it would cost, but might consider it if it's an insignificant inconvenience.

He also recommended two points for people with dry hands.

- After you wash your hands, put a little moisturizer on them. Any time you wash your hands.
- For long exposure to water, like doing dishes, wear a cotton glove under the latex gloves. And don't wear gloves for over 15 minutes at a time, or your hands will start to sweat, and that's no good.

And finally, the gyst of all of his advice was this.

- All those beauty products are over-priced hype, and aren't worth their salt.
- Just wash your face with soap and take care of your skin.

There. I just saved you $82.