What it is: "Psoriasis is a skin disorder characterized by red scaly plaques classically on the elbows and knees but also elsewhere on the body," Waldorf says.
How to treat it: For mild cases, topical moisturizers or steroids will usually work, but for more extreme cases, your dermatologist will need to prescribe a biologic drug, Waldorf says. Unfortunately, psoriasis can't be prevented.
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Excessive Facial Hair or Hirsuitism
Who is susceptible: Waldorf says this problem can be genetic or hormonal. "If you have significant facial hair in a male pattern area, it is important to have lab tests by your physician (your dermatologist, gynecologist or endocrinologist)," she says. "Some women with excessive facial hair have polycystic ovary syndrome which is treated by the endocrinologist."
How to treat it: "Beyond shaving, waxing and depilatories, which are all temporary ways to remove hair, the options for permanent hair removal are electrolysis or laser hair removal," Waldorf says. She adds that dark hair works best with laser removal, but it's important to find a doctor that knows what he or she is doing. Another option is prescription Vaniqa Cream, which can slow hair growth.
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Completely Botched Hair Color
How to fix it at home: Trygstad says most of the time when we mess up our hair color it ends up too dark. To lighten it (or remove a color you're not happy with), shampoo your hair as soon as possible, using the hottest water you can stand and either a clarifying shampoo or dish soap. This will help strip the color.
When to visit a salon: If shampooing with dish soap a couple times doesn't work, head to a salon for color correction (even if you dyed it at home). Trygstad says that trying anything else (like re-dying it) without a professional can just cause more damage to your hair and create an even bigger emergency.
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Milia
What they are: "Think of milia like a large whitehead or a little cyst," Waldorf says. They look like small white bumps on your skin.
How to treat them: Waldorf says that if you are predisposed to them, you should avoid comedogenic products (a.k.a. products that can clog your pores), like thick eye creams or lotions. To treat them, try topical retinoids, microdermabrasion or products with salicylic acid. If they really bother you, a dermatologist can extract them, but Waldorf warns against trying to do this yourself.
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Contact Dermatitis
What it is: Basically, this is an allergy-induced rash. Poison ivy falls under this category, but allergies from cosmetics fall under this as well. Common triggers: neomycin in Neosporin and preservatives in makeup and fragrance.
How to treat it: "Treatment is with steroids -- topical if the reaction is mild, injectable and/or oral if it is severe (eyes swollen, etc.)," Waldorf says. To prevent future reactions, figure out what you are allergic to and avoid it. If you're having trouble, a dermatologist or allergist can help you get to the bottom of your reaction with contact patch testing.
Sure, we all get the occasional breakout or dry patch of skin, but if you're suffering from a more serious hair or skin issue then you need serious help. That's why we asked Dr. Heidi Waldorf, director of Laser and Cosmetic Dermatology at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, Arielle N. B. Kauvar, M.D., director of New York Laser & Skin Care, Jerry Teuschler, Principal Scientist for Proctor and Gamble Beauty and Grooming Science, and Head & Shoulders hairstylist Ryan Trygstad to weigh in. They gave advice for the big issues facing TotalBeauty.com readers (per their outreach for help on our message boards and in letters to the editors), so read on for relief from your hair and skin woes.