Combating Dermatitis

In another big advance, dermatologists have learned to control allergic skin inflammation, or contact dermatitis. For 14 years, Renate Charbonneau, a hairdresser in Milwaukie, Oregon, suffered unknowingly from chemicals in acid permanent-wave solutions. They caused severe eczema on her hands. Cortisone ointment relieves the pain, she says, adding, “By avoiding the acid perms and hair that has been permed, I can still work. I love my job.”

Ms. Charbonneau’s physician, Dr. Frances Storrs, professor of dermatology at the Oregon Health Science University at Portland, heads a committee that is studying the ingredients in cosmetics for the American Academy of Dermatology. “Many substances are irritating,” says Dr. Storrs, “but allergy happens very, very rarely.” Dr. Alexander Fisher, clinical professor of dermatology at New York University, calls cosmetics far safer than they used to be.

Cancer Check

Find the early signs of melanoma on your own body and save your life. The American Cancer Society has developed a self-exam technique in which you should look for skin moles that have changed in color, size, elevation, surface, sensation, or consistency or whose surrounding skin has changed.

Dr. Darrell S. Rigel, of New York University Medical Center, has an ABCD rule, standing for asymmetry, border, color, and diameter. Melanomas tend to be irregular in shape (asymmetrical), their outlines (borders) are uneven, their colors are a mixture of browns, and their diameters are wider than a pencil eraser.

Seeing your doctor for regular checkups is also important.

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