The Doctors: Signs of Eczema & Dr. Sandra Lee Punch Biopsy

The Doctors: Dark, Leathery Skin

The Doctors tackled another embarrassing health issue with Nathalie, a woman with dark, leathery skin on her hands and feet. Nathalie had been dealing with this issue since puberty and was tired of hiding her discolored hands from view; even texting had become embarrassing because of her dark knuckles. Thankfully, dermatologist Dr. Sandra Lee knew just what to do!

Dr. Sandra Lee: Punch Biopsy

Dr. Lee and Dr. Andrew Ordon explained that hyper-pigmentation is caused by too much melanin in the skin. Most commonly, this results in discolored areas of the hands, feet, elbows and armpits. If this is an issue you’re facing, visit your dermatologist for a punch biopsy. It’s simple, painless and is commonly used to diagnose skin conditions.

Dr. Lee believed that Nathalie had either acrokeratoelastoidosis or focal acral hyperkeratosis (try saying those 10 times fast). Further tests were needed to determine exactly which one. However, while there’s not exactly a cure for hyper-pigmentation, Dr. Sandra still wanted Nathalie to remain hopeful. There are many treatments available for skin discoloration, including creams and other topical treatments.

The Doctors: Signs Of Eczema

Dr. Lisa visited with another patient who was dealing with an equally embarrassing skin condition. Val, who chose to remain anonymous, believed that she had eczema. She suffered from dry, itchy patches of skin all over her body, even including intimate areas. The itching became worse at night and during the summer months and affected nearly every part of Val’s life, especially her love life.

Dr. Lisa examined Val, but could not exactly diagnose eczema without further tests. However, she explained that eczema is a very common skin condition which results in itchy, irritated patches of skin. Here are some of the most common signs of eczema:

• Itching
• Redness
• Dryness
• Swelling
• Soreness