Latest news with #dermatologist
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Woman thought she had a pulled muscle working out. It was a rare cancer.
Jennifer Frederick was in the best shape of her life in 2023, so when she felt a small lump in her groin area after a week of workouts. She thought it was just a pulled muscle, but a month later, the lump was still there. Four months later, the lump was growing. Frederick went to a dermatologist and testing found more lumps in her leg. She scheduled a biopsy. On December 14, surgeons cut into her leg and removed the largest lumps. A week later, she had a diagnosis: Metastatic malignant melanoma. The disease is usually heralded by a mole on the skin, but Frederick never had one. More tests showed the cancer wasn't just in her leg. One scan found four lesions on her lungs. Another found five lesions on her brain. The results were shocking, Frederick said. "I never had a migraine, headache, blurry vision, never had problems breathing, never had a cough," Frederick, 50, said. "I never felt off at all." What is metastatic malignant melanoma? Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Metastatic melanoma is any time of cancerous melanoma that has spread from one location to another, said Dr. Michael Postow, a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering, who was not involved in Frederick's treatment. Metastatic malignant melanoma refers to late-stage metastatic melanoma. "Melanoma is a kind of cancer that can spread pretty widely throughout the body," Postow said. "It's one of the cancers that frequently involves the brain, so spread from melanoma to the brain ... can be quite a common occurrence. The lung is also a common site of metastatic melanoma." Typically, melanoma is recognized by a brown or black mole on the skin. Postow said it's unusual but not unheard of for a patient to have no mole or a "microscopic" one. He said that in addition to keeping an eye out for a new mole or an existing mole that changes color, size or texture, people should watch for lumps under the skin like the one Frederick had. Any concerns should be brought to a dermatologist, Postow said. The five-year survival rate for patients with advanced metastatic melanoma is about 35%, according to the American Cancer Society. Postow said clinical trials show that for patients who receive certain immunotherapy treatments, that number rises to 50%. Just a decade ago, the five-year survival rate was closer to 10%, he said. Immunotherapy was what Frederick's doctor, Cleveland Clinic medical oncologist Dr. Lucy Boyce Kennedy, recommended. The two talked over the options and decided to go with an intensive treatment that would combine gamma knife radiation and two immunotherapy drugs. Kennedy described the treatment protocol as "fairly high risk" and warned it could lead to the immune system attacking other organs. Frederick was undeterred. "She explained what this was going to look like. And I looked at her and I said, 'I don't care what it is. If it's the most aggressive treatment, I'm willing to do whatever it is,'" Frederick said. "I just wanted to be my healthy Jen Frederick again so I can get back to a normal life." A difficult treatment Frederick underwent gamma knife radiotherapy on January 7. The treatment uses precise gamma rays to target cancer tumors. Frederick said that it went well, but when she started receiving the biweekly immunotherapy medications on January 17, she began feeling "bad side effects," including "flu-like symptoms, rash, nausea," and high fevers. As she continued the treatment, the side effects expanded to include vomiting, chills and problems with her stomach and eyes. She was using the bathroom "25 plus times a day," Frederick said. She was hospitalized and spent a month in and out of the hospital. There was significant inflammation in her colon. She weighed only 95 pounds. "They would release me. I would go home. I'd be home 24 hours, and have to go back because I would just start vomiting again. I couldn't hold any food down," Frederick said. She had to take two months off from the immunotherapy to take steroids, antibiotics and other medications to treat the side effects. After recovering, she resumed treatment. When Frederick underwent her first PET scan since starting treatment, it showed "major, major improvement," she said. That made the months of pain, discomfort and illness worth it. A second scan several weeks later showed things were continuing to move "in the right direction," Frederick said. The immunotherapy was reduced to every three weeks, then every four weeks as she continued to improve. "My doctor said that I'm a Stage IV miracle," Frederick said. "Cancer does not have me" After 18 months of treatment, Frederick has not seen any progression of her cancer and continues to improve, her care team said. Kennedy believes that she has "a really excellent chance of having really long-term survival." Clinical trial patients who received the same treatment Frederick did are still doing well 10 years after the study, according to a recent update, Kennedy said. She believes Frederick will have a similar journey. "I only use the 10-year number because that's just as old as the drugs are. I think those patients will have responses that last beyond that, potentially indefinitely," Kennedy said. Frederick will continue her treatment until December 2025, Kennedy said. Then, she will start undergoing regular screening scans to make sure her cancer is not returning. Frederick said that once she is done with active treatment, she wants to share her story and make sure people know the importance of early screening. She has begun mentoring other cancer patients through the Cleveland Clinic's 4th Angel program. "I want people to know it gets harder before it's easier," Frederick said. "My saying has always been 'I may have cancer, but cancer does not have me.' And I want people to feel that way, because it isn't a death sentence." Wall Street Journal reports Trump sent "bawdy" birthday letter to Epstein, Trump threatens to sue Medical expert on Trump's chronic venous insufficiency diagnosis Americans on whether the U.S. should return to the moon, travel to Mars Solve the daily Crossword
CBS News
4 days ago
- Health
- CBS News
Woman thought she had pulled a muscle working out. It was a rare cancer that had spread to her brain.
Jennifer Frederick was in the best shape of her life in 2023, so when she felt a small lump in her groin area after a week of workouts. She thought it was just a pulled muscle, but a month later, the lump was still there. Four months later, the lump was growing. Frederick went to a dermatologist and testing found more lumps in her leg. She scheduled a biopsy. On December 14, surgeons cut into her leg and removed the largest lumps. A week later, she had a diagnosis: Metastatic malignant melanoma. The disease is usually heralded by a mole on the skin, but Frederick never had one. More tests showed the cancer wasn't just in her leg. One scan found four lesions on her lungs. Another found five lesions on her brain. The results were shocking, Frederick said. "I never had a migraine, headache, blurry vision, never had problems breathing, never had a cough," Frederick, 50, said. "I never felt off at all." Melanoma is the deadliest form of skin cancer. Metastatic melanoma is any time of cancerous melanoma that has spread from one location to another, said Dr. Michael Postow, a medical oncologist at Memorial Sloan Kettering, who was not involved in Frederick's treatment. Metastatic malignant melanoma refers to late-stage metastatic melanoma. "Melanoma is a kind of cancer that can spread pretty widely throughout the body," Postow said. "It's one of the cancers that frequently involves the brain, so spread from melanoma to the brain ... can be quite a common occurrence. The lung is also a common site of metastatic melanoma." Typically, melanoma is recognized by a brown or black mole on the skin. Postow said it's unusual but not unheard of for a patient to have no mole or a "microscopic" one. He said that in addition to keeping an eye out for a new mole or an existing mole that changes color, size or texture, people should watch for lumps under the skin like the one Frederick had. Any concerns should be brought to a dermatologist, Postow said. The five-year survival rate for patients with advanced metastatic melanoma is about 35%, according to the American Cancer Society. Postow said clinical trials show that for patients who receive certain immunotherapy treatments, that number rises to 50%. Just a decade ago, the five-year survival rate was closer to 10%, he said. Immunotherapy was what Frederick's doctor, Cleveland Clinic medical oncologist Dr. Lucy Boyce Kennedy, recommended. The two talked over the options and decided to go with an intensive treatment that would combine gamma knife radiation and two immunotherapy drugs. Kennedy described the treatment protocol as "fairly high risk" and warned it could lead to the immune system attacking other organs. Frederick was undeterred. "She explained what this was going to look like. And I looked at her and I said, 'I don't care what it is. If it's the most aggressive treatment, I'm willing to do whatever it is,'" Frederick said. "I just wanted to be my healthy Jen Frederick again so I can get back to a normal life." Frederick underwent gamma knife radiotherapy on January 7. The treatment uses precise gamma rays to target cancer tumors. Frederick said that it went well, but when she started receiving the biweekly immunotherapy medications on January 17, she began feeling "bad side effects," including "flu-like symptoms, rash, nausea," and high fevers. As she continued the treatment, the side effects expanded to include vomiting, chills and problems with her stomach and eyes. She was using the bathroom "25 plus times a day," Frederick said. She was hospitalized and spent a month in and out of the hospital. There was significant inflammation in her colon. She weighed only 95 pounds. "They would release me. I would go home. I'd be home 24 hours, and have to go back because I would just start vomiting again. I couldn't hold any food down," Frederick said. She had to take two months off from the immunotherapy to take steroids, antibiotics and other medications to treat the side effects. After recovering, she resumed treatment. When Frederick underwent her first PET scan since starting treatment, it showed "major, major improvement," she said. That made the months of pain, discomfort and illness worth it. A second scan several weeks later showed things were continuing to move "in the right direction," Frederick said. The immunotherapy was reduced to every three weeks, then every four weeks as she continued to improve. "My doctor said that I'm a Stage IV miracle," Frederick said. After 18 months of treatment, Frederick has not seen any progression of her cancer and continues to improve, her care team said. Kennedy believes that she has "a really excellent chance of having really long-term survival." Clinical trial patients who received the same treatment Frederick did are still doing well 10 years after the study, according to a recent update, Kennedy said. She believes Frederick will have a similar journey. "I only use the 10-year number because that's just as old as the drugs are. I think those patients will have responses that last beyond that, potentially indefinitely," Kennedy said. Frederick will continue her treatment until December 2025, Kennedy said. Then, she will start undergoing regular screening scans to make sure her cancer is not returning. Frederick said that once she is done with active treatment, she wants to share her story and make sure people know the importance of early screening. She has begun mentoring other cancer patients through the Cleveland Clinic's 4th Angel program. "I want people to know it gets harder before it's easier," Frederick said. "My saying has always been 'I may have cancer, but cancer does not have me.' And I want people to feel that way, because it isn't a death sentence."
Daily Mail
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mail
Tired of dry, flaky skin? Shoppers say this under $50 moisturizer works wonders in JUST Days
Daily Mail journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission - learn more Dry skin is the absolute worst, and if you're like me, you've probably suffered from peeling skin at some point in your life. Till this day, I still wake up with extremely dry skin between my eyebrows, and very few moisturizers can actually help keep that area hydrated all day long. One such formula comes from EltaMD in the form of their EltaMD AM Restore Moisturizer. This top-rated moisturizer is under $50 and can help protect and replenish your moisture barrier. The EltaMD AM Restore Moisturizer is designed to thicken your facial skin's epidermis and uses a blend of vitamin B3, hyaluronic acid, and caffeine, among other ingredients. It has many benefits apart from hydrating your skin. It also reduces redness, smooths skin texture, and improves skin tone and texture. It also reduces dark spots from UV damage and delivers visibly brighter skin, according to the brand. It's oil- and fragrance-free too, making this a great option for sensitive skin. All you need to do is apply pearl-sized dots to your skin after using your favorite serum. Then, massage it into your face gently using circular motions. From there, add a sunscreen to seal in the moisturizer, and you're good to go! EltaMD's products also come dermatologist-tested and recommended, so you know you're buying a quality product that's actually good for you. And while this is a daily morning moisturizer, you can also buy the PM version of the same if you need an extra boost of hydration as the day ends. EltaMD shoppers seem to love this product too, giving it a 4.6-star rating. 'Love this. I have sensitive, acne-prone skin and use this periodically if I am feeling dry. It does not cause breakouts and moisturizes well,' says one shopper. 'Lightweight and oil-free, perfect for daily use. Hydrates deeply without clogging pores – great for acne-prone or combo skin. Smooths and brightens the skin over time,' adds another reviewer. 'My daughter is an NP who specializes in skin care. She recommended this moisturizer and I just love it,' says a third. 'I love how this moisturizer has helped me recover my confidence, my skin is looking so good again,' says a fourth. Clearly, the EltaMD AM Restore Moisturizer has earned rave reviews from many and is a great product to replenish hydration over time. If you're struggling with dry, flaky skin, this is your one-stop solution, and under $50, it's a steal.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Yahoo
Don't Waste Your Money on These 5 ‘Essentials' That People Have Lived Just Fine Without for Years
Social media has shortened the time it takes for consumer fads that appear out of nowhere to fully entrench themselves into consumers' lives. GOBankingRates recently looked at some of the more wasteful of these out-of-the-blue 'essentials,' and invited Mary Clements Evans, an accredited behavioral financial professional, bestselling author and founder and president of Evans Wealth Strategies, to suggest money-saving alternatives. Check Out: Read Next: Skincare Routines for Kids Children and adolescents have turned skincare into a hobby. The most zealous are the 'Sephora kids' obsessed with expensive products and elaborate skincare routines. Not only are many of the products a waste of money, some contain ingredients that can damage young skin. 'Any good dermatologist will tell you that the best thing you do for your skin or for your children's skin is to keep them out of the sun,' Evans said. 'A good tube of sunscreen will cost you a fraction of skincare routines, and last a long time.' See More: Meal Kits Meal kit subscribers like the convenience of selecting recipes, then having the ingredients delivered to their doors. But despite claims that the kits save money by reducing waste, they're actually quite pricey — often $11 or $12 per meal under some of the most popular plans. 'The great news is, most large supermarkets have so many things that are partially prepped for you,' Evans said. As a working mom, Evans prepared food in large batches because it didn't cost much more to make 12 servings as it did to make four. 'You save yourself a lot of money, and now you don't have to prepare dinner a few nights a week,' she said. Bachelor and Bachelorette Trips Brides and grooms used to celebrate their last days of singlehood with a party or a night on the town. Now, bachelor and bachelorette trips are increasingly common, and they're stretching the budgets of brides and grooms as well as their attendants. 'I think people need to ask themselves: What is the best part of being with friends? I know with my group of girlfriends, it's just being in each other's company, talking, laughing and having a good time,' Evans said. 'If you get together for a party in someone's home, that can be just as memorable as going someplace.' She added, 'It might not sound as exciting when you post on social media, but having money in the bank is really exciting.' Fitness Trackers People are using fitness trackers to collect data on everything from heart rate to steps taken, calories burned and the length and quality of sleep. Maintaining healthy habits is a good thing. But obsessive monitoring doesn't necessarily provide more benefit, and it can cost a small fortune in expensive devices and subscription fees. 'Keeping yourself fit is not just healthy, it's a way to save money,' Evans noted, but she acknowledged that most people aren't taking action based on all of that data. 'Only buy one [tracker], that has the data that you will really use. Don't pay for data you don't use.' Designer Water Bottles Remember when you only drank water if you were actually thirsty, and you drank it out of a plain old glass? As awareness about the importance of hydration has grown, water bottles have become as much an accessory as a way to carry fluids while you go about your day. Name-brand bottles easily cost $30 or more. 'The return on the investment comes from drinking the water, not from what the outside of the bottle says,' Evans said. More From GOBankingRates Are You Rich or Middle Class? 8 Ways To Tell That Go Beyond Your Paycheck This article originally appeared on Don't Waste Your Money on These 5 'Essentials' That People Have Lived Just Fine Without for Years Solve the daily Crossword
CNN
6 days ago
- Entertainment
- CNN
The 10 best bikini trimmers, according to dermatologists
If you're looking to upgrade your grooming routine, a bikini trimmer can make all difference, while saving you the pain of waxing and laser hair removal. It can also be a more cost-effective method, since you cut down on repurchasing plastic razors. But electric trimmers can be harder to shop for, since there are a few more features to consider as you're searching. We spoke to dermatologists to find electric trimmers they recommend for a clean shave of your bikini area. On top of that, we shared some of our own picks and read through product reviews of models from top brands to find even more bikini trimmer options. We're breaking down everything you need to know about adding a bikini trimmer to your routine. Clio Palmperfect Electric Bikini Trimmer "This compact, cordless trimmer is ideal for travel and quick touch-ups," Dr. Marisa Garshick, a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology, said. The dual-sided trimmer comes with a foil shaver head, which Garshick said makes it easy to shape and smooth sensitive areas without irritation. She also notes the ceramic blades make it a gentle and versatile option. Remington Smooth and Silky Body and Bikini Kit This kit comes with not only a trimmer for shaving but attachments for detailed grooming and exfoliating for a whole body care routine. "It's a solid pick for those looking for a full-body grooming solution on a budget, though [it's] best used on dry skin," Garshick said. It's also cordless, battery-powered and easy to travel with. Philips Beauty Essential Bikini Trimmer 2000 Isfahan Chambers-Harris, a certified trichologist with a doctorate in biomedical sciences and founder of Alodia, likes this trimmer because it's totally cordless. It's battery-operated so you don't need to worry about charging it either. It's a great option for traveling and easy to store when you're not using it. Meridian The Original Trimmer Beauty editor Sophie Shaw shopped this trimmer after it went viral on social media and was quickly won over. She likes that it's easy to use for any area of your body and can be used for both wet and dry shaving. Shaw hasn't noticed any razor burn in the two years she's been using it. She also said that she rarely needs to charge it, which makes it even more convenient. Panasonic Bikini Trimmer and Shaver Chambers-Harris likes this trimmer because it's adjustable, so it can easily fit your needs. It comes with four attachment heads so you can get a clean shave or just a trim. You can also use the shaver wet or dry, making it a versatile tool in your grooming routine. Olov Bikini Trimmer This electric trimmer is designed with ceramic blades that are gentle on the skin. When you're not using it, you can charge it in the included stand until the next time you need it. It's listed as waterproof too, and can be used in the shower. It comes in eight different colors if you want to find something more fun than other standard shavers. Meridian The Slimmer Trimmer The Meridian the Original Trimmer we listed above is designed for overall body grooming, while the Slimmer Trimmer was designed specifically for bikini area grooming. Shaw also tested this one and thinks it's great if you're looking for a more travel-friendly trimmer. It features a small LED spotlight for clear vision while you're shaving, and it has the same waterproof design as the Original Trimmer. Gillette Venus Intimate Grooming Electric Razor The head of this electric razor opens up for easy cleaning after shaving, and it's waterproof and easy to pack if you're heading on a vacation. It comes with one trimmer head and one comb attachment to easily glide through thick hair. Philips Norelco OneBlade Intimate Pubic Groomer Philips Norelco makes some of our editors' favorite men's shavers. This rechargeable trimmer can be used by anyone. It's slim, easy to hold and comes with a body comb attachment to make shaving easier. It's IPX7 rated, which makes it a waterproof option for shaving in the shower, though you can use it dry as well. Pritech Bikini Trimmer Pritech's trimmer has over 11,000 reviews on Amazon. It's another rechargeable option that's IPX6 waterproof rated, meaning you can easily use it in the shower, but you can also use it to dry shave. Plus, the trimmer comes with a styling comb, a cleaning brush and four protective attachments for different hair lengths. A bikini trimmer is designed to do the same thing as a women's razor and can get you just as clean of a shave. But, there's a bit more to know before using a bikini trimmer compared to your standard razor. 'Start by cleaning the skin — that helps prevent bacteria from getting into any small nicks or bumps. Then make sure your trimmer is clean,' said Dr. Raman Madan, dermatologist director of cosmetic dermatology at Northwell Health in New York. 'Trim in the direction of hair growth, not against it. After you're done, rinse the area with cool water and moisturize. And don't forget to clean the trimmer afterward so it's ready for next time.' Dr. Purvisha Patel, a board-certified dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates and founder of Visha Skincare, notes that you'll want to make sure any razor used on the bikini area is sharp and preferably has more than one blade. This increases the chance of getting a clean shave with the fewest passes of the trimmer. Shopping for a trimmer over regular razors can feel intimidating, but it can be a simple process once you know what you're looking for. You'll want to note that there are rechargeable and battery-powered options, and having something cordless makes it easy to use. 'It really depends on what you care about most. But in general, you want something with stainless steel blades, because that holds up better to cleaning and rubbing alcohol,' Madan said. He also recommends looking for something that's waterproof so you can use it in the shower. A trimmer that can be used both wet or dry can make it easier for you to shave your bikini area as part of your regular routine. Madan also suggests looking for a trimmer with adjustable length settings that give you more control. That way, you can trim hair to your preferences and comfort levels. The following FAQs have been answered by dermatologist Dr. Raman Madan and Laura Schubert, the cofounder and CEO of Fur. Is using a bikini trimmer better than shaving? Is using a bikini trimmer better than shaving? The opinions on this are mixed, but overall, it comes down to personal preference. 'It kind of depends on what you're looking for. Bikini trimmers don't go as close to the skin, which actually helps prevent irritation and those pesky ingrown hairs,' Madan said. 'Shaving, on the other hand, gives you that really smooth finish, but you're more likely to end up with bumps or irritation afterward. So, it's a bit of a trade-off.' 'No grooming routine is 'better' than any other, per se, but trimming is a great option for people who deal with extreme skin sensitivity,' Schubert said. Trimming and shaving can be more gentle than waxing, sugaring or laser hair removal. How do you prevent ingrown hairs when using a bikini trimmer? How do you prevent ingrown hairs when using a bikini trimmer? Ingrown hairs occur when the hair follicle has been forced to grow inward due to shaving or another irritant on the skin. The best way to prevent ingrown hairs, according to the dermatologists we spoke with, is to make sure you're shaving in the same direction your hair grows. 'Going against it — that's when you run into trouble,' Madan said. 'It can push the hair under the skin, and it doesn't grow out properly, which leads to ingrowns.' He recommends going with the grain and taking your time to ensure a smooth shave. If you do end up with razor bumps, there are ways to get rid of them. Making sure the area has been cleaned and exfoliated ahead of shaving, and using a shaving cream, can help reduce pores from clogging with dead skin cells. How do you clean a bikini trimmer? How do you clean a bikini trimmer? Keeping your bikini trimmer clean can help prevent hair and dead skin buildup on your razor. 'The best thing to do is clean off any hair first — you can rinse the head if it's waterproof,' Madan said. 'Then I usually recommend sterilizing it with rubbing alcohol. Just let it dry out after that. And if you have clipper oil, it's a good idea to use a drop or two to keep the blades from rusting. That's going to help the trimmer last longer.' If you feel like your trimmer is getting dull or has rusted, it's smart to replace it with a new blade. You want to make sure you're not using a dirty razor blade, especially one with rust, that can cause small infections if you cut yourself shaving. What should you put on your skin after using a bikini trimmer? What should you put on your skin after using a bikini trimmer? Madan said that if your skin feels irritated after trimming, you can use a light hydrocortisone cream. If you don't have that on hand, you can use a gentle moisturizer. He recommends something like CeraVe or Cetaphil. 'You want to keep your skin calm and hydrated,' he said. 'Cool-water rinsing also helps right after trimming.' For this article, we consulted the following experts to gain their professional insights. Isfahan Chambers-Harris, trichologist with a doctorate in biomedical sciences and founder of Alodia Dr. Marisa Garshick, board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York and New Jersey Dr. Raman Madan, dermatologist and director of cosmetic dermatology at Northwell Health in New York Dr. Purvisha Patel, board-certified dermatologist at Advanced Dermatology & Skin Cancer Associates and founder of Visha Skincare Laura Schubert, cofounder and CEO of Fur CNN Underscored has a team of writers and editors who have many years of experience testing, researching and recommending products, and they ensure each article is carefully edited and products are properly vetted. We talk to top experts when relevant to make certain we are testing each product accurately, recommending only the best products and considering the pros and cons of each item. For this article, writer Ellen McAlpine talked to dermatologists to learn about what makes bikini trimmers a better option than standard razors and which ones they recommend.
