- 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."
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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 may 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 questionShaving hair: Does shaved hair grow back thicker?
- Schmidt RM, et al. Tattooing and body piercing. http://www.uptodate.com/home/index.html. Accessed Aug. 31, 2009.
- Tattoos, body piercings, and other skin adornments. American Academy of Dermatology. http://www.aad.org/public/Publications/pamphlets/tattoo.htm. Accessed Oct. 1, 2009.
- Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. Oct. 16, 2009.
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