Warts are noncancerous skin growths caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). Many different types of HPV exist that can cause warts. Warts are usually pink to flesh-colored and have a rough texture, but some have a dark color and a smooth feel.

Warts are contagious, but most only pose a very low risk of being passed to another person through direct or indirect contact.

Most warts pose no significant health risks and will disappear within a year or two of first appearing. However, because warts can be unsightly – and in the case of genital warts, may pose significant health risks – some patients may choose to treat them with medications or chemicals, or to have them surgically removed. However, it is not uncommon for warts to recur even after they’ve been treated effectively.

There are several different major categories of warts. The type of HPV a person contracts will determine the type of wart that develops. More than 100 HPV viruses have been identified. These viruses stimulate the rapid growth of cells on the outer layer of the skin (epidermis), causing the formation of warts on the skin and mucous membranes.

We can identify diferents categories of warts:

- Common warts: Typically appear on the fingers, especially in areas where skin has been broken around the nails and on the back of the hand.

- Plantar warts: they appear on the soles of the feet at pressure points (such as the balls and heels of the feet).

- Flat warts: smooth warts that typically grow in large groups more than 20 at a time, most commonly on the face of children and in areas irritated by shaving in adults.

- Genital warts: irregular, bumpy growths with the texture of a small cauliflower that can be transmitted through sexual contact or contaminated things. Beware, some types may cause abnormalities that can lead to genital cancer.

In WARTS part II you will learn more…

Best wishes from Brazil!

Dr. Érica Monteiro - Cosmetic Dermatologist
www.dermatologia.com.br

Getting a manicure or pedicure puts you at risk for developing skin problems as allergy from the glues or some of the chemicals or developing a skin infection. Here are some tips to prevent problems:
- You must make sure that the place is licensed.
- You can ask questions to the staff as far as how their instruments are cleaned or what type of chemicals are used.
- I recommend delay a visit to the salon if you have a cut or an injury near the nail.
- Cuticles are there to protect you, so cutting the cuticles is a no-no.
- You might even want to bring your own instruments to the salon to avoid infections.
- If you observe any problem on your nails, be sure to see your dermatologist.

Best wishes from Brazil,

Dr. Érica Monteiro
www.dermatologia.com.br

The Fitzpatrick´s skin type focus tanning ability. It has VI types:

Type I: Pale white skin, blue/hazel eyes, blond/red hair. Always burns, does not tan.
Type II: Fair skin, blue eyes. Burns easily, tans poorly.
Type III:Darker white skin. Tans after initial burn.
Type IV:Light brown skin. Burns minimally, tans easily.
Type V: Brown skin. Rarely burns, tans darkly easily.
Type VI: Black skin. Never burns, always tans darkly.

It is very important to protect skin from the sun damaging because exposure to ultraviolet radiation contributes to ageing skin and is the main cause of skin cancer. The pale skin people may need to take particular care because of photodamage.

The point is: no matter what the weather, or what you are doing, protect your skin. Take particular care in summer and make sure your children are appropriately protected as well as yourself. You must protect your skin in the winter.

Best wishes fro Brazil!

Dr. Érica Monteiro - Dermatologist
www.dermatologia.com.br

The skin is the body’s largest organ. It protects against heat, light, injury, and infection. It helps control body temperature, it makes vitamin D and stores water and fat. The skin reflects your general health and social behaviour. Situations which effect your health can have an important effect on your skin, for example ultraviolet sun exposure and cigarette smoking causes ageing and wrinkling of the skin with time.
The skin has three main layers:
Epidermis: The epidermis is the upper layer of the skin and it is mostly made of squamous cells. Under the squamous cells there are the basal cells. Melanocytes cells are located in the lower part of the epidermis and they make the skin´s pigments (color).
Dermis: The dermis is under the epidermis. It contains blood vessels, lymph vessels, and glands. Some of these glands make sweat, which helps cool the body. Other glands make sebum. Sweat and sebum reach the surface of the skin through tiny openings called pores.
Subcutaneous Fat: It is made mostly of fat and helps your body stay warm and absorb shocks.

The skin is a complex structure with many functions. So, it is important to know better your skin.
Next time we are talk about Fitzpatrick Skin Type.
Best wishes from Brazil,

Dr. Érica Monteiro
www.dermatologia.com.br

Infant Skin

The skin of a newborn is not fully formed or functional. It is thin and it is not a good protective barrier. The swet glands, oil glands and hair follicules also may not be fully developed. The infant skin is more delicate and more easily harmed by things that come in contact with it. Avoid sun exposure, even moderate exposure may cause a severe sunburn. Chemicals, medication or other products can easily penetrate the skin causing sensibilization.
I recomend moisturise the skin everyday using appropriate cream.

Best wishes from Brazil!

Dr Érica Monteiro
www.dermatologia.com.br

More men are interested in taking care of their skin and male skin care has undergone significant development over the past decade, with many companies now marketing skin care products directly to the male consumer. Beyond the world of shaving their faces, it is rare for a man to dedicated a few hours to his skin. However, proper skin care is very important, the skin is the body’s first line of defense against the effects of the sun, climate, and other environmental factors such as air pollution. The skin is responsable for essential functions: body-temperature regulation, elimination of perspiration and toxins, and more. A man’s skin is approximately 20% thicker than a woman’s, and is typically firmer because it’s richer in collagen and elastin. The men’s skin tends to be much oilier because of more active sebaceous glands. A man’s skin is approximately 20% thicker than a woman’s, and is typically firmer because it’s richer in collagen and elastin. However, because of more active sebaceous glands, men’s skin tends to be much oilier. It is also more prone to dehydration because of daily or regular shaving.
In general, male skin is oilier, with larger pores, a richer blood supply, and less prone to less prone to wrinkling than women, and may require deep cleansing daily. The skin aging process is the same for men and women, but for men it occurs later and is more marked. In a man’s skin, the dermis is thicker and richer in collagen, and the epidermis is often more oily. Around the age of 40 to 50 years, the dermis layer of a man’s skin thins, and the level of collagen decreases naturally yet dramatically, causing deeper wrinkles to appear. Just as for women, men can prevent and correct the aging skin with appropriate skin care.
Skin care for men is similar to that for women. They should clean their skin every day, use a sunscreen and moisturize it. They will spend just a few minutes everyday.
Best wishes from Brazil,

Dr. Érica Monteiro
www.dermatologia.com.br

Human sweat itself is odorless until it is fermented by bacteria that thrive in hot, humid environments such as the human underarm. The armpits are among the consistently warmest areas on the surface of the human body, and sweat glands provide moisture. Underarm hair adds to the odor by providing increased surface area on which these bacteria thrive. Body odor is controlled by reducing moisture, killing bacteria or masking the bacteria’s smell with perfume. Deodorants are frequently used to reduce the body odor caused by the bacterial breakdown of perspiration. Subgroups of deodorants are “antiperspirants”, which prevent odor and reduce sweat produced by parts of the body. Antiperspirants are typically applied to the underarms, while deodorants can also be used on feet and other areas in the form of body sprays. Deodorants and antiperspirants come in many forms. What is commonly used varies in different countries. Here in Brazil, aerosol sprays and roll-on are very popular.
Best wishes from Brazil!
Dr. Érica Monteiro

Hello everyone,

I am doctor Érica Monteiro dermatologist from São Paulo, SP- Brazil.
Brazil is the largest Country in South America and the only one that speakes Portuguese. I am Dr. Baumann´s friend and I have translated her book The Skin Type Solution to Portuguese and in Brazil the book is called PELE SAUDÁVEL.
Here we will talk about skin diseases and about cosmetic dermatology.
Best wishes from Brazil!

Dr. Erica Monteiro