Category: Dermatology

First described in the 18th century, Casal's necklace, or Casal's collar, is a distinctive red and hyperpigmented rash around the neck, serving as a tell-tale sign of pellagra, a severe nutritional disorder. Historically, it was named after the Spanish physician Don Gaspar Casal, who first identified the syndrome among the poor population in Spain in 1735.

Over 50% of topical vitamin C products containing L-ascorbic acid can lose their potency and oxidize quickly when exposed to light or air. This instability led to the development of enhanced vitamin C derivatives like e-ascorbic acid, which offer improved stability and absorption for more consistent results.

According to dermatologists, skin tone can vary dramatically across different parts of the body due to factors like genetics and blood flow. This means that for some, a pinkish or reddish hue on the thighs is perfectly normal and not a cause for alarm. However, there are many potential causes for this coloration, and understanding the difference between a natural variation and a medical issue is crucial for proper skin health.

According to the Linus Pauling Institute, skin cells naturally contain high concentrations of vitamin C, highlighting its importance for dermatological health. This is because vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential cofactor in collagen synthesis, the process vital for creating strong connective tissues throughout the body.

Did you know that after water, protein is the most abundant molecule in your skin? It's true—proteins in skin are the fundamental building blocks that provide its structure, strength, and elasticity. Without them, your skin would lose its shape, firmness, and protective abilities.

The average pH of healthy skin is between 4.7 and 5.75, which is slightly acidic. When you apply a highly concentrated vitamin C serum, particularly one with L-ascorbic acid, its low pH can clash with your skin's natural pH, triggering that familiar tingling sensation. This initial tingle is often normal, but understanding its root causes is key to differentiating a product that is 'working' from one that is irritating your skin.

Carotenemia, a harmless condition causing yellow or orange-tinted skin, is surprisingly common, especially in infants and people with restrictive diets. It occurs when there is an excessive intake of foods rich in beta-carotene, a plant pigment that our bodies convert into vitamin A. This article delves into the specific foods responsible, how to differentiate carotenemia from more serious issues like jaundice, and what you can do about it.

Cold sores are not caused by food but by the herpes simplex virus (HSV), which resides latently in the body. Therefore, eating too many tomatoes cannot be the root cause of a cold sore, but it can potentially trigger a flare-up in some susceptible individuals, especially if they are prone to outbreaks.

Despite biotin's popularity, a true deficiency of this vitamin is extremely rare in healthy individuals who eat a balanced diet. For those without a clinical deficiency, biotin's effect on hair growth or loss is often minimal, meaning discontinuing it is unlikely to trigger hair fall directly.

According to the World Health Organization, an estimated 3.8 billion people under the age of 50 globally have a Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 (HSV-1) infection. While there is no cure, certain vitamins and nutrients can play a supportive role in managing its symptoms and recurrence.