From a health point of view, perhaps the most important feature of the skin is its shear visibility. Skin diseases are easily seen, and thus can be promptly treated. Visibility, however, is a two-edged sword. Skin diseases are significant not only because they may impair physical health, but because they are often unattractive in appearance. The psychological consequences can be more devastating than the physical ones. The skin and the psyche are intimately and intricately related. Skin disorders can be both a cause and a consequence of psychological disturbances. Adolescent acne, for instance, can be psychologically and socially crippling. Particular attention must be paid to this complex organ, the skin, in order to reap multiple health dividends.

Most often, the face we present to the world creates the first impression others have of us. To keep our skin its healthy, glowing best sometimes takes more than daily washings and good nutrition. Conditions such as acne, skin rashes and eruptions, and damage due to sunburn can all work to keep us from putting our best face forward. A dermatologist can help in these areas and others. For an appointment Monday through Saturday at the ATHERTON SKIN CARE CLINIC, 16 Fogg Road, call 893-7748.