- With Mayo Clinic dermatologist
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
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Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Dr. Lawrence Gibson likens bad health information on the Internet to food poisoning.
Consumers, he says, need to be aware and will find reliable information at MayoClinic.com.
Dr. Gibson, a Covington, Ky., native, has been with Mayo Clinic since 1986 and is board certified in dermatology, dermatopathology and immunodermatology. He is a professor of dermatology at Mayo Medical School and a consultant in the Department of Dermatology.
Dr. Gibson has served as the fellowship director for dermatopathology and as chair of the Laboratory Division in the Department of Dermatology. He is especially interested in inflammatory disorders of the skin, including vasculitis, and in lymphoma affecting the skin.
"Electronic information has become a staple in the diet of a health conscious society," he says. "It's important to avoid misinformation and provide a credible source for health information. Using this analogy, it's critical to avoid 'indigestion' or, worse yet, 'food poisoning' by the ingestion of tainted information."
Staying healthy (12)
- Will an air purifier eliminate cigarette smoke?
- Cellphones and cancer: What's the risk?
- Sitting risks: How harmful is too much sitting?
- see all in Staying healthy
Dental care (7)
- Dental floss vs. water pick: Which is better?
- Sensitive teeth: What treatments are available?
- Electric toothbrush: Better than a manual toothbrush?
- see all in Dental care
Skin care (9)
- Hydrated skin: Does drinking water help?
- Shaving hair: Does shaved hair grow back thicker?
- Foods for healthy skin: Top picks
- see all in Skin care
Nail care (4)
- Nail biting: Does it cause long-term damage?
- Nail ridges: Cause for concern?
- Split fingernails: Can they be prevented?
- see all in Nail care
Eye care (2)
- Choosing sunglasses: Is UV protection important?
- Eye exam: Is a laser retina scan worthwhile?
Sleep (7)
- Melatonin side effects: What are the risks?
- Sleep aids: Could antihistamines help me sleep?
- Sleep and weight gain: What's the connection?
- see all in Sleep
Mental health (2)
- Stop multitasking and learn how to focus
- Passive-aggressive behavior: What are the red flags?
Healthy at work (4)
- Shift work: Improving daytime sleep
- Sitting risks: How harmful is too much sitting?
- Leg pain after prolonged standing or sitting: A concern?
- see all in Healthy at work
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Question
Tattoo removal cream: Does it work?
Does tattoo removal cream really work?
Answer
from Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.
Tattoo removal creams are widely available online — but there's no evidence that they work. At best, tattoo removal cream might fade or lighten a tattoo. The tattoo will remain visible, however, and skin irritation and other reactions are possible.
Remember, tattoos are meant to be permanent. Because the ink is placed beneath the top layer of skin, complete removal of a tattoo is difficult. If you're interested in tattoo removal, don't attempt it on your own. Ask your dermatologist about laser surgery or other options for tattoo removal.
Next questionLatisse: The answer for longer, thicker eyelashes?
- Schmidt RM, et al. Tattooing in adolescents and young adults. http://www.uptodate.com/index. Accessed Dec. 2, 2011.
- Tattoos and body piercings. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/media-resources/stats-and-facts/prevention-and-care/tattoos-and-body-piercings. Accessed Dec. 2, 2011.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Dec. 22, 2011.
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