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8 B SIUSLAW NEWS | SATURDAY, JULY 1 2017 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH Treatment Not Fading Dark Patches on Face DEAR DR. ROACH: A few years ago, despite regular use of sunscreen, I noticed a couple of small, dark patches on my face. I began using a product that contained 2 percent hydroquinone, which the package says is a “targeted skin lightener.” The problem is, those dark patches haven’t changed at all, except that they are a lot bigger. My questions are: Is this product really effective? Would my skin discoloration be even worse if I hadn’t used it? Does the product perhaps make the problem worse? Finally, what is your recom- mendation for treating skin discolor- ations? -- N.C. ANSWER: Hydroquinone inhib- its an enzyme necessary for making melanin, so if the darkening of the skin on your face is due to melanin (and most are), then hydroquinone ought to work. If it’s not, it’s possible SALOME’S STARS ARIES (March 21 to April 19) You clever Ewes and Rams love nothing more than to rise to a challenge. So, by all means, if you feel sure about your facts, step right up and defend your side of the issue. TAURUS (April 20 to May 20) You’ve done some great work recent- ly. Now it’s time to reward yourself with something wonderful, perhaps a day at a spa or a night out with some- one very special. GEMINI (May 21 to June 20) You love to talk, but don’t forget to make time to do a little more listening, otherwise you could miss out on an important message someone might be trying to send you. CANCER (June 21 to July 22) Your aspect indicates some uncertainty that of the more than 50 conditions that can cause dark coloration of the skin listed in my textbook, you have one not due to melanin production. It’s also possible that the 2 percent strength of hydroquinone isn’t strong enough for you. Concentrations over 2 percent (up to 4 percent) are available only by prescription. Also, sunlight can reverse the effect of hy- droquinone, so you need to stay out of the sun. I’d recommend both sun- protective clothing (e.g., a hat) AND a sunscreen of level 35 or higher. Not only will sunlight reverse the lighten- ing effect, but your skin is more sen- sitive to the harmful and potentially cancer-causing effects of the sun af- ter using hydroquinone. Hydroquinone can be very irritat- ing to some people. A rare complica- tion is ochronosis, a blue-black dis- coloration of the skin. The safety of hydroquinone is argued: It has been banned in Europe, although ochro- nosis happens primarily in Africa, where large portions of the body of- ten are treated and the purity of the product is, at best, questionable. It’s unlikely that hydroquinone has made the problem worse, but I can’t answer if things would be worse if you hadn’t used it. As far as my recommendation goes, think twice before lightening the skin at all, and consider other options, including covering makeup or laser surgery. If you decide to continue hydroqui- none, I would fi rst visit a derma- tologist to diagnose the type of dark coloration, give you your personal options and then use prescription- grade hydroquinone, if appropriate. DEAR DR. ROACH: I had tinni- tus. I read a lot and found a research study at the Mayo Clinic that tests the effectiveness of magnesium 500 mg daily for moderate to severe tinnitus. I took a 500-mg tablet of magne- sium (over the counter) and got re- lief fairly rapidly from the tinnitus. I stayed on the magnesium for about a year. Occasionally, it returned, and I went back on that supplement. -- Anon. ANSWER: The results of the study you found are not yet available, but I think there has been enough published on the possible effective- ness and safety of magnesium sup- plementation that it is reasonable to give it a try. Magnesium defi ciency is common, especially in people tak- ing diuretics (“water pills”) for high blood pressure. The major side effect of magnesium supplementation is diarrhea, which is unlikely at a low dose. about one of your goals. Use this period of shift ing attitudes to reassess what you really want and what you’re ready to do to get it. LEO (July 23 to August 22) Your social life is picking up, and you’ll soon be mingling with old friends and making new ones. But ‘twixt the fun times, stay on top of changing workplace conditions. VIRGO (August 23 September 22) A trusted friend off ers understanding as you vent some long-pent-up feel- ings. Now, move on from there and start making the changes you’ve put off all this time. LIBRA (September 23 to October 22) You might well feel uneasy as you face a diffi cult situation involving someone close to you. But you know you’re doing the right thing, so stick with your decision. SCORPIO (October 23 to November 21) You’re a good friend to others. Now is the time to allow them to be good friends to you. Rely on their trusted advice to help you get through an uncertain period. SAGITTARIUS (November 22 to December 21) Family and friends are always important, but especially so at this time. Despite your hectic work- place schedule, make a real eff ort to include them in your life. CAPRICORN (December 22 to January 19) Th at project you’ve been working on is almost ready for pre- sentation. But you still need some information from a colleague before you can consider it done. AQUARIUS (January 20 to February 18) Don’t let those negative attitudes that have sprung up around you drain your energies. Shrug them off , and move ahead with the confi - dence that you can get the job done. PISCES (February 19 to March 20) Aspects favor some dedicated fun time for the hardworking Piscean. A nice, refreshing plunge into the social swim can recharge your physical and emotional batteries. Siuslaw N ews ! AD IT DAY E R TO www. the siuslawnews.com E -E DITION • S PORTS • T OP S TORIES • O BITUARIES • W EATHER • F ORUMS • B LOGS
