Celebrities with Skin Problems


Posted on May 9th, by staff in Celebrity. 31 comments

kim-kardashian-psoriasis

Being famous doesn’t make them immune to skin woes. Whether through heredity, allergy, hormonal changes or immune malfunction, skin diseases affect people of all backgrounds and nationalities. Living with a skin disorder can be stressful, embarrassing and terribly uncomfortable so it’s important to remember that you’re not alone and that help is available at the dermatology clinic. Here are 9 celebrities with skin problems.

Kim Kardashian has Psoriasis

WHAT IT IS: A chronic inflammatory skin disease that causes skin cells to pile up rapidly on the surface of the skin.  This results in thick, silvery scales or itchy, dry, red patches usually found on the elbows, knees and scalp but can affect any skin site. Occasionally, patients can have psoriasis occurring over their whole body.

TREATMENT OPTIONS: Our go-to derm Dr. Lisa Kellett treats psoriasis in many ways using topical agents such as steroids, vitamin D, and light therapy such UVB and UVA light with Psoralen. “There are many systemic or oral agents including biologics, methotrexate, among others,” she adds.

Ewan McGregor has Basal Cell Carcinoma

WHAT IT IS: A type of “nonmelanoma” skin cancer, which is not generally fatal and primarily a cosmetic problem. Basal Cell Carcinoma develops at the lowest layer of the epidermis. It often appears as no more than than a tiny pinprick or shiny bump on the top of the head, the nose, the face, the neck, or the chest that bleeds and crusts over.

TREATMENT OPTIONS: Dr. Kellett treats precancerous lesions with photodynamic therapy (a blue light that is also used to reduce acne). “This treatment treats the precancerous cells one sees and also those precancerous cells that are lurking but not yet visible. Treatments for cancerous cells include surgery,” says Dr. Kellett.

Kate Middleton has Eczema

WHAT IT IS: A chronic, itchy inflammation of the skin that results in bumpy red patches most frequently found on the inner elbows, backs of the knees, hands and feet. It is often accompanied by asthma or hay fever.

TREATMENT OPTIONS: “There are many clinical solutions including topical medications, special products that can be used in the bath and oral medications. With the advent of these new medications, there is no need to suffer from eczema,” says Dr. Kellett.

Katy Perry has Acne

WHAT IT IS: Acne is a common yet complex skin condition characterized by pimples on the face, chest and back. It occurs when hair follicles become clogged with dead skin cells, oil and bacteria. When acne occurs deep within the hair follicle, it can become inflamed and pus-filled leading to painful cystic acne.

TREATMENT OPTIONS: Self-diagnosing and relying on over-the-counter products may make acne-prone skin worse. Leave it to the pros! Click here for the latest clinical treatments for adult acne.

Morgan Freeman has

Dermatosis Papulosa Nigra

 

WHAT IT IS: A skin condition characterized by small, soft, brown papules on the face and neck of people of African, Indian, Latin or Asian decent.  These lesions are benign and generally increase in number with age.

TREATMENT OPTIONS: “An experienced dermatologist can remove these lesions with heat in just one treatment,” says Dr. Kellett.

 Brooke Burke has Melasma

 

WHAT IT IS: A patchy hyperpigmentation that occurs most often on the forehead, upper lip, cheeks and chin, which worsens with sun exposure. It occurs commonly in women and is caused by hormonal changes, including pregnancy and the birth control pill. It can also occur in men.

TREATMENT OPTIONS: A dermatologist needs to assess and confirm the diagnosis and form a management plan. This may include a series of chemical peels that contain pigment-busting compounds such as trichloroacetic acid, azelaic acid, glycolic acid, lactic acid and various fruit extracts.

 Seal has Discoid Lupus Erythematosus

WHAT IT IS: Discoid lupus erythematosus is a chronic autoimmune disease that affects, primarily, the skin of the face.  It is distinguished by well-defined, red, scaly patches that tend to heal with atrophy, scarring and pigmentary changes.

TREATMENT OPTIONS: “It is imperative that patients with lupus see a dermatologist as there are many different of  lupus and thus many different managenent plans including topical steroids, light treatments and systemic medications, depending on the type of lupus the patient has,” says Dr. Kellett.

 Jon Hamm has Vitiligo

 

WHAT IT IS: A condition in which the skin loses pigment, resulting in white patches. It occurs when the cells that produce melanin cease to function or die. The Mad Men actor has said that the stress of filming the critically-acclaimed show has left him with discoloured and blotchy hands that “comes and goes.”

TREATMENT OPTIONS: “There are various options for vitiligo but it is necssary to see a dermatologist,” says Dr. Kellett, who adds that people with vitiligo must be diligent with sunscreen protection because   their skin is very sensitive to sunlight.

Cynthia Nixon has Rosacea

 

WHAT IT IS: Rosacea is a chronic skin condition marked by redness and flushing of the face and tiny red, pus-filled bumps.

TREATMENT OPTIONS: A combination of physician-dispensed oral antibiotics like minocycline, tetracycline, and doxycycline may be recommended. Dr. Kellett Light uses therapies, such as Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) using the Lumenis One machine can help “The Lumenis One is the best laser for treating the telangiectasia, erythema, and visible blood vessels that are present in patients with rosacea,” she notes.

 

 

 





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