The medical news about our skin and hair, the most visible of our attributes, is good. Now, more than ever, medical science can reverse ugly disruptions of our skin and help us display a smooth, healthy complexion and a clean, thick head of hair. Although dermatologists (skin doctors) cannot cure every skin affliction or grow a mop on a bald pate, they probably can do more for their patients than any other medical specialist.

Says a friend of mine, Dr. J. E. Jelinek, clinical professor of dermatology at New York University Medical Center: “Today we have deep knowledge about the skin and powerful techniques to clear up infections and imperfections. And the skin is on the outside – we can get to it.”

The skin, the largest organ of your body, weighs about 6 pounds and covers an area of about 20 square feet. It guards your internal organs against invading germs and regulates your temperature by sweating and cooling. The skin also makes vitamins, hormones, and lubricants, and it stores energy.

When skin and hair are victims of the environment – sun, wind, germs, chemicals – dermatologists can offer the following help:

•   Protect against cancer of the skin.

•   Clear up acne in almost all cases.

•   Block invasions of germs and fungus.

•   Stop psoriasis, eczema, and dermatitis.

•   Smooth out scars, pits, and wrinkles.

•   Treat disease through the skin.

•   Transplant hair to cover baldness.

•   Grow some new hair on your head (not a lot).

*146/266/5*