A rigorous skin-care routine has kept my face and neck looking younger than my actual age, but my hands tell a different story. Why is that and what can I do about it?
Aging skin tends to lose its ability to retain moisture, leading to dryness, flakiness, and a rough texture, especially if hands are frequently washed or exposed to harsh household chemicals, and fat loss in the hands can make them appear bony and hollow, contributing to an older look. Prominent veins and enlarged joints due to arthritis are other common visible signs of aging.
There are effective ways to rejuvenate and care for your hands to help them look younger. Hydration is key—regularly applying a rich, emollient hand cream can combat dryness, restore moisture, and improve skin elasticity. Look for creams with ingredients like hyaluronic acid, glycerin, and shea butter. Sun protection is also essential, as UV exposure contributes to age spots and skin thinning. Applying sunscreen daily, even to your hands, can prevent further damage and reduce the appearance of dark spots over time.
For existing age spots, treatments like retinol-based creams or products containing vitamin C can help fade discoloration gradually. More intensive options include chemical peels, laser treatments, or intense pulsed light (IPL) therapy performed by a dermatologist. To address bulging veins, which are often caused by thinning skin and reduced fat beneath the skin, fillers or sclerotherapy are options to explore with a specialist.
Simple lifestyle changes can also improve hand appearance. Wearing gloves while gardening, cleaning, or doing dishes protects hands from harsh chemicals and physical stress. Maintaining hydration by drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet rich in antioxidants can further support skin health. By combining daily care with targeted treatments, older women can keep their hands looking supple and healthy.
I no longer menstruate and am rarely sexually active. What are some reasons I might experience vaginal odor and discharge, and can prebiotic supplements help alleviate this?
If you’re a postmenopausal woman experiencing vaginal discharge or odor, it could signal a variety of underlying conditions. One common cause is Atrophic Vaginitis, also known as genitourinary syndrome of menopause (GSM). Declining estrogen levels after menopause can lead to thinning, drying, and inflammation of the vaginal walls, disrupting the natural balance of the vaginal microbiome. This often results in symptoms like vaginal dryness, itching, burning, pain during intercourse, and sometimes an unusual odor or discharge.
Another possibility is bacterial vaginosis (BV), which occurs when harmful bacteria overgrow in the vagina, often due to pH imbalances or low lactobacilli levels. BV typically causes a strong “fishy” odor, gray or white discharge, and mild itching, and although it’s more common in reproductive years, it can still occur postmenopause. Similarly, a yeast infection caused by Candida overgrowth may lead to thick, white “cottage cheese-like” discharge, itching, and redness, though it usually lacks a strong odor. These conditions are typically diagnosed through vaginal swabs, pH testing, and urine cultures. Treatments may include antibiotics, antifungals, or hormonal therapies like vaginal estrogen.
The post Ask Dr. Etingin: Aging Hands….Vaginal Discharge appeared first on University Health News.
