Louisiana has sent a strong message to young people that indoor tanning can be dangerous to their health by passing a law that bans minors under the age of 18 years old from using indoor tanning devices. Louisiana is the ninth state that has instituted a ban on indoor tanning for minors under 18.
The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) today launched “Lawn,” a public service advertisement (PSA) that encourages older men to check their skin for suspicious or changing spots. Although melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, can strike anyone, men older than 50 are at a higher risk of developing melanoma than the general population.
Minnesota Gov. Mark Dayton has signed a bill into law that protects minors from the dangers of indoor tanning. Minnesota joins Vermont, California, Illinois, Oregon, Nevada, Texas and Washington by passing legislation that prohibits minors under the age of 18 from indoor tanning. The law will go into effect on Aug. 1, 2014.
Recently, there has been media coverage about “drinkable sunscreen” that claims to provide sun protection through the ingestion of water that allegedly has been infused with electromagnetic waves.
Prom season is right around the corner and with that comes dress shopping and trips to the local tanning salons for many girls. Nearly 70 percent of tanning salon patrons are Caucasian girls and women, primarily ages 16-29 years.
Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is the second most common form of cancer for teens and young adults ages 15 to 29, and the leading cause of cancer death in women ages 25 to 29. Unprotected exposure to ultraviolet rays – from the sun and indoor tanning devices – is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma.
To highlight the dangers of tanning, the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) has released new public service advertisements (PSAs) targeting teen girls and young women.
While warmer weather means more outdoor activities, it also means carefully protecting your skin from the sun. A common problem during spring and summer, sunburn can cause skin to become tender, red, and even scaly. Without the proper protection of sunscreen and clothing, sunburn can cause long-term damage, as well as considerable pain and discomfort.
The risk of dying from the most dangerous type of skin cancer is significantly reduced with regular doctor visits, according to a Henry Ford Hospital study.
This is believed to be the first study of its kind to link melanoma mortality with routine health care use.
The acronym "ABCDE", created by NYU Langone Medical Center dermatologists, aids in self-examination of skin lesions -- and helps reduce the risk of melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer.
It is estimated that one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in the course of their lifetime, and one person dies from melanoma – the deadliest form of skin cancer – every hour.
In recognition of Melanoma/Skin Cancer Detection and Prevention Month® in May and Melanoma Monday®, observed on May 5, the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) is encouraging the public to learn how to SPOT Skin Cancer™. The campaign aims to save lives by emphasizing the importance of early detection.
Skin cancer is the most common form of cancer in the United States, with one in five Americans developing it over the course of their lives. It’s also one of the most preventable types of cancers. In recognition of May’s Skin Cancer Awareness Month and Melanoma Monday on May 5th, Mount Sinai Health System experts are arming the public with vital tips on prevention and offering FREE skin cancer screenings.
As summer approaches and the landscape turns greener, so too are the leaves from poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. When the oil from these plants touches the skin, most people (about 85 percent) develop an itchy, blistering rash. Although the rash itself is not contagious, the oil can spread to other areas of the body and from person to person if not quickly washed off after touching the plants. Fortunately, there are simple steps people can take to safely treat the rash at home.
More awareness about skin cancer is needed for minorities because they believe they are at low risk of developing it, says Henry Ford Hospital dermatologist Diane Jackson-Richards, M.D.
While many pregnant women experience a beautiful healthy glow and skin that has never looked better, a number of pregnant women are bothered by pesky acne flares caused by an increase in androgen hormones. The good news is that acne that occurs during pregnancy can be safely treated with a number of effective acne treatments – from over-the-counter products to topical or oral medications depending on acne severity.
New research disputes the link between isotretinoin use and inflammatory bowel disease and provides evidence that suggests other medical conditions may be to blame for the drug’s association with psychiatric conditions. In addition, high dose isotretinoin therapy and a new formulation could help some patients achieve even better results.
Within the last three years, significant progress has been made in treating advanced melanoma. Now, new immunotherapeutics and molecularly targeted therapies are offering a glimmer of hope in stopping the progression of advanced melanoma and prolonging life for patients fighting this deadly disease.
From products promising to help thinning hair to those that offer temporary changes to the texture of one’s hair, consumers can potentially spend hundreds or even thousands of dollars on products without knowing if their claims are scientifically based or if they pose potentially damaging long-term effects. Fortunately, dermatologists – experts in hair health and treating conditions of the hair – can help consumers navigate the road to better hair.
Although it is one of the most common skin conditions, hyperpigmentation can be difficult to treat and often leads to a negative impact on a person’s psychological well being. New topical ingredients – including some that are plant-based – are offering more treatment alternatives showing promise for this tricky skin condition.
As more people look for ways to turn back the clock or improve their appearance, dermatologists are pioneering many of the newest aesthetic laser technologies – from tattoo removal to erasing fine lines and wrinkles to reducing fat or cellulite. Before considering any cosmetic procedure, dermatologists recommend that consumers do their homework to better understand the best technologies available for their specific needs.
To aid in the function and appearance of battlefield scars, military dermatologists began experimenting with ablative fractional laser surgery – known to improve the appearance of acne scars. Results over the last seven years have been impressive, and dermatologists now are treating civilians injured from car accidents, fires and job and household accidents with this laser therapy to enhance scar and wound healing.
Researchers from Montefiore Medical Center and the Albert Einstein College of Medicine of Yeshiva University will present findings from studies at the 72nd Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Although many athletes understand the importance of keeping their muscles and bones healthy, it’s also important for them to take care of their skin. Sports equipment, especially protective helmets and pads, creates a warm, moist and dark environment for the germs that can cause skin infections to grow.
• Deadly skin cancer (melanoma) cells spread by creeping along the outside of blood vessels: extravascular metastatic migration (EVMM).
• Ultraviolet light exposure accelerates EVMM in a mouse model.
• New drug targets that slow or stop EVMM could potentially reduce the death rate from melanoma.
A researcher at the Rutgers Cancer Institute of New Jersey seeks to understand the mindset of indoor tanners and encourage them to reduce or change behavior.
Journal of Drugs in Dermatology (JDD) today released a clinical study highlighting the efficacy of Triple Protection Factor Broad Spectrum Sunscreen, TPF 50, to prevent skin sun damage and Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer (NMSC). In this head-to-head comparison study, investigators Enzo Emanuele MD, PhD, James M. Spencer MD, MS and Martin Braun MD found that TPF50 was more effective than both the main DNA repair and AO existing products.
Spring allergies aren't the only thing to worry about these days. More people are developing an itchy, painful rash in an effort to stay clean. An Ohio State dermatologist says a preservative in many pre-moistened wipes is linked to a dramatic rise in allergic reactions.
A new study from Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center indicates that systemic corticosteroids are prescribed by dermatologists even though expert guidelines discourage their use for psoriasis treatment.
They keep tanning, even after turning a deep brown and experiencing some of the negative consequences. Skin cancer is among the most common, preventable types of the disease, yet many continue to tan to excess.
Despite the name, athlete’s foot can happen to anyone. It is a common fungal infection that most people get from walking barefoot in moist public places like a swimming pool deck or locker room.
"If our endgame is to modify their behavior, we need to tailor our message in the right way and in this case the right way is by highlighting consequences to appearance rather than health," says April W. Armstrong, PhD, MPH.
A new Penn Medicine study shows that remote consultations from dermatologists using a secure smart phone app are reliable at prioritizing care for hospitalized patients with skin conditions.
The next time your baby develops a rash or your teen has a severe acne outbreak, help is just a quick appointment away. Loyola University Health System pediatric dermatologists now offer same-day or next-day appointments to see your child.
A survey of young women who use tanning beds found that despite being aware of the health risks associated with indoor tanning, they continue to take part in the activity, according to research conducted by University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center.
Skin cancer is often diagnosed at a more advanced stage in people of color, which can make it more difficult to treat. A new study provides recommendations for the prevention and early detection of skin cancer in people of color based on a comprehensive review of available data.
A new Mayo Clinic study found that among middle-aged men and women, 40 to 60 years old, the overall incidence of skin cancer increased nearly eightfold between 1970 and 2009, according to a study published in the January issue of Mayo Clinic Proceedings.
Skin cancer surgery involves successive removal of tissue, which is processed using a 45 minute procedure to determine if residual cancer remains and is often repeated several times. Now, NIBIB-funded researchers have developed a microscopic technique that identifies residual cancer tissue in 90 seconds, promising to dramatically reduce the length, inefficiency, and cost of this common surgery.
Researchers have come up with a method to convert adult cells into epithelial stem cells, the first time anyone has achieved this in either humans or mice. The epithelial stem cells, when implanted into immunocompromised mice, regenerated the different cell types of human skin and hair follicles, and even produced structurally recognizable hair shaft, raising the possibility that they may eventually enable hair regeneration in people.
The ultraviolet radiation (UVR) present in sunlight is the most common environmental carcinogen. To develop better methods of protection from the sun, we need to understand how the human skin detects and responds to UVR. Researchers provide new insight into the molecular pathway underlying this process.
Moffitt Cancer Center researchers have laid the groundwork for a revolutionary new combination therapy for the treatment of advanced melanoma – melanoma that cannot be removed surgically or has spread to other areas of the body. The newly FDA-approved therapy, Mekinist (trametinib) in combination with Tafinlar (dabrafenib), is one of the biggest advancements in melanoma treatment in the past 30 years.
Winter time woes extend beyond cold temperatures and sometimes gloomy weather. Your skin can react negatively to the constant temperature changes as you move indoor to outdoor for daily living activities.
Rita Pichardo-Geisinger, M.D., of the Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center dermatology department, is part of an internationally renowned team of clinicians who provide quality care for patients. Pichardo-Geisinger provides tips that are easy to incorporate into your daily routine to help keep your skin and hair in prime condition.
- Use a fragrance free soap – “Perfumes and additives can dry the skin which can lead to flaking and itching or exacerbate conditions like eczema.”
- Use a moisturizing lotion after the shower – “When you apply a moisturizer to damp skin right after showering, this helps seal in water to prevent skin from drying out. A moisturizer helps to act as a barrier of protection for your skin. Look for one that has ceramides, a new technology that helps resto
Researchers from the La Jolla Institute for Allergy and Immunology have revealed a critical player in the cellular interactions leading to eczema – a chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting more than 14 million U.S. children and adults.
A deadly, rare type of soft-tissue cancer may be completely eradicated simply by inhibiting a key protein involved in its growth, UT Southwestern Medical Center researchers report.
A study led by the University of Utah and Texas Tech University, shows that although the average individual may not be able to identify melanomas, groups of people can through a process known as collective effort.
The American Academy of Dermatology Association (Academy) applauds the New York City Board of Health for strengthening its indoor tanning regulations. The Board unanimously adopted new rules that require clearer warning labels about the dangers of indoor tanning, and routine inspections of tanning facilities to ensure that tanning devices are operating within the ultraviolet range limits allowed by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration.
Dry skin is a common problem during the winter and its effects can be painful – causing the skin to flake, itch, crack and even bleed. Yet dermatologists say there are ways people can find relief by implementing a few changes to their daily lives.
A low level of daily exposure to a common component of sunlight can cause skin damage at the molecular level after just a few days, new research shows. The findings highlight the need for better sunscreens to protect against these damaging rays.