A new study published in Journal of Investigative Dermatology reports initial success with imiquimod, a topical skin cream for low-risk basal cell carcinoma lesions. The 5-year follow-up results show sustained efficacy and low recurrence rates for patients treated with imiquimod.
A new study shows that a combination of two topical drugs triggers a robust immune response against precancerous skin lesions, reducing their number by up to 88%. The therapy activates T cells to attack abnormal skin cells, offering a more effective and better-tolerated treatment alternative.
Fungal skin infections are commonly misdiagnosed due to difficulty distinguishing between various skin conditions. Misdiagnosis can result in incorrect therapy selection and worsening symptoms, according to a survey by GW dermatologist Adam Friedman.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that patients with a family history of melanoma, multiple primary melanomas, or many moles are at higher risk for developing melanoma. The researchers recommend tailoring surveillance programs to individual risk factors to improve early detection and treatment.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that patients given electronic prescriptions were more likely to fill and pick up their dermatological medications. Rates of primary nonadherence decreased in older patients but increased in those over 70.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that adults who frequently tanned indoors were more likely to practice poor outdoor sun protection and have multiple sunburns. The results highlight the importance of emphasizing avoidance of indoor tanning and reiterating the need for sun protection and skin cancer screening.
A new study from Drexel University College of Medicine found that all organ transplant recipients, regardless of race, should receive routine total-body screenings for skin cancer. Nonwhite transplant recipients were more likely to have aggressive and deadly skin cancers due to anti-rejection medications.
A recent review found that over-the-counter head lice treatments have declined in effectiveness, likely due to widespread use leading to pyrethroid resistance. Prescription products such as malathion and spinosad are safer alternatives with proven efficacy.
Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis have similar coronary calcification as those with type 2 diabetes, both five times higher than in healthy controls. Early cardiovascular risk assessment is recommended for those with psoriasis due to increased atherosclerosis risk.
Physicians and patients utilized social media to diagnose cutaneous leishmaniasis in a youth travel group, leveraging posted images of skin lesions. The disease was effectively treated thanks to rapid recognition facilitated by the online community.
A unique dermatology residency program at Boston University School of Medicine aims to develop well-rounded dermatologists with careers focused on teaching, patient care and research. The program provides personalized career development courses and structured mentorship for junior faculty members.
A task force has been criticized for not recommending melanoma screening due to lack of evidence, but dermatologists believe early detection reduces risk of death from melanoma through visual inspections. The issue highlights the need for refined standards on skin cancer screenings with potential life-saving benefits.
A recent study by researchers at Johns Hopkins finds that people with a history of nonmelanoma skin cancers still get sunburned, likely due to ineffective use of sun-protective methods. The study urges healthcare providers to better educate patients on protective skin care practices.
A new study of over 1,000 primary care melanoma screenings found no significant increase in surgical treatments or specialist referrals. The practice did result in a 79% increase in per-patient melanoma diagnoses among the most trained group, but this was not associated with an increase in dermatologist visits or surgeries.
A Northwestern University study found that 40% of top-selling sunscreens on Amazon.com fail to meet water or sweat resistance standards. Consumers spend up to 3,000% more for similar products, highlighting a need for affordable and effective options.
Research found that 40% of top-rated sunscreens on Amazon don't adhere to AAD standards due to lack of water resistance. Consumers prioritize cosmetic aspects over photoprotection, highlighting the need for healthcare professionals to educate patients about sunscreen options.
Patients with melanoma and their partners can help detect early signs of a second primary melanoma with skin self-examination. A clinical trial found that trained partners identified 43 new melanomas, compared to none in the control group.
Researchers discovered weaker electric currents in diabetic wounds, which can lead to delayed healing and increase the risk of complications. This finding opens up new avenues for managing diabetic patients and could have significant implications for reducing healthcare costs associated with chronic ulcers and wounds.
Researchers report that two topical creams are effective in most primary, low-risk superficial BCC patients, with favorable comparison to photodynamic therapy. The study found high clearance rates for imiquimod and fluorouracil treatments, but noted a higher recurrence rate for fluorouracil.
A survey of 255 dermatology patients found that professional attire, including white coats, was the most preferred, with 73% of responses. Surgical attire was preferred in only 19% of responses, suggesting a possible link between physician appearance and patient perceptions.
Researchers found that respecting patient preferences for physician gender and clothing preferences can increase comfort during full-body skin cancer checks. These simple steps may lead to higher rates of skin cancer detection, ultimately saving lives.
A 44-year-old man with confirmed Zika virus infection exhibited a diffuse papular rash, petechiae on the palate, and hyperemic sclerae. Early recognition of these mucocutaneous findings is crucial for healthcare providers to differentiate Zika from other erythematous skin eruptions.
A RAND/Harvard study found that teledermatology improved access to dermatologists for Medicaid patients, with half of those receiving any dermatology care using the service. The collaboration between Direct Dermatology and Health Plan of San Joaquin achieved significant increases in patient visits with dermatologists.
A study found that primary care practices offering teledermatology services had a 64% increase in patients visiting a dermatologist compared to non-participating practices. This expansion of care improved access to dermatologists for Medicaid enrollees, particularly newly enrolled patients.
A new study found that virtual dermatology care can nearly double the number of patients receiving dermatological care from a specialist. Teledermatology expanded access to younger and healthier patients with targeted skin conditions like acne and warts, while serving half of all enrollees who received any dermatology care.
Certain scalp-pulling hairstyles, such as tight ponytails and braids, are associated with traction alopecia in African-American women. Moderate-risk styles include thermal straightening, permanent waving, and wig use, while low-risk styles include loose buns and natural styles that avoid chemicals.
Researchers found that dogs with atopic dermatitis have a sharp decrease in skin bacterial diversity, leading to impaired barrier function and increased Staphylococcus species. Antibiotic therapy restored normal levels, suggesting a correlation between skin barrier dysfunction and bacterial overgrowth.
A hospital-based study found carriers of MC1R variants were at higher risk of melanoma, regardless of sun exposure. The study suggests a potential molecular mechanism underlying melanoma development.
Two drugs, Vismodegib and Sonidegib, target the Hedgehog pathway to treat basal cell carcinoma, a common skin cancer affecting nearly 2.8 million Americans annually. The FDA-approved treatments have shown promise in shrinking tumors and improving response rates.
Researchers at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston found that smartphones can detect 90% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 60% of melanomas, improving diagnosis in remote areas. A DIY smartphone microscope can be made with a ball lens and tape, and additional studies are needed to enhance detection rates.
Most melanoma patients had zero to 20 total moles and no atypical moles. In younger patients under 60, having few total moles reduced the risk of thick melanomas, while having more atypical moles increased tumor thickness.
Researchers at Newcastle University have identified a significant decrease in mitochondrial complex II activity with age in human skin cells, offering a new pathway for anti-aging treatments. The discovery may also lead to a greater understanding of other organs' aging processes and potential drug developments for age-related diseases.
A national survey reveals that high school wrestlers are prone to skin infections, with the head and neck being the most frequent site. Most skin infections can be treated within three to six days, but some may have more serious eye and neurological involvement.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that women younger than 40 who were diagnosed with melanoma had initiated indoor tanning at an earlier age and reported more frequent tanning. The study suggests that indoor tanning is a significant risk factor for developing melanoma, especially among young women.
Analyses of a survey suggest an association between substance use and indoor tanning among Colorado high school students. Lifetime steroid use was most strongly linked to indoor tanning, especially among adolescent boys.
Researchers discovered a significant link between pregnancy and higher risk of melanoma, including increased death rates, metastasis, and recurrence.
A Swedish study found that psoriasis patients over 30 years old are 65% less likely to receive efficient treatment with biologics. Researchers analyzed health data from 1,465 patients and controlled for variables such as gender, BMI, and comorbidity.
Researchers from Brigham and Women's Hospital re-evaluate guidelines for testing and treating toenail fungus, finding that confirmatory testing may no longer be necessary for certain therapies. The study suggests that blanket recommendations should be replaced with tailored recommendations based on specific treatments.
A study analyzing over 1,000 headshots of department leaders at top US medical institutions reveals women are underrepresented in leadership roles. Women make up only 13% of department leader positions, despite efforts to address gender disparities.
A consultant dermatologist warns that widespread misuse of skin creams with steroids is causing substantial damage in India. Over 14% of patients using these creams suffered from harmful effects, highlighting the need for stricter regulations and public education on safe use.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that a common heart medication can stop the progression of angiosarcoma, a highly lethal blood vessel cancer. The treatment used propranolol, which costs significantly less than current therapies.
Researchers found that patients were left on ineffective antibiotics for too long before receiving potent therapy, such as isotretinoin. The study highlights the dangers of antibiotic resistance and the need for early switching to more effective treatments.
The study found that VivoSight OCT significantly improved diagnostic certainty for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) by a factor of four over clinical examination alone, increasing diagnostic accuracy by 50%. The use of OCT also reduced overall biopsies by 36% and correctly diagnosed BCC cases in 87.8% of cases.
A UCSF-led study reveals that gay and bisexual men are up to six times more likely to engage in indoor tanning and twice as likely to report a history of skin cancer compared to heterosexual men. The study suggests increased education and screening may reduce skin cancer rates among at-risk men.
A study using Google AdWords disseminated targeted messages about indoor tanning and skin cancer, with 235,913 ad views and 2,000 clicks. The campaign's effectiveness on changing behavior remains unknown, highlighting the need for further research.
A UCSF study found that online ads about indoor tanning and skin cancer were effective in reaching a large audience, with one ad viewed by almost 200,000 users and generating a click-through rate of 1.04%. The researchers believe this approach could be used for other major public health issues.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that gay and bisexual men have a higher risk of skin cancer from indoor tanning compared to heterosexuals. The study also revealed significant disparities in skin cancer prevalence and indoor tanning behaviors among sexual minority women.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that psoriasis is associated with a higher risk of major depression, regardless of severity. Patients with psoriasis reported daily functional impairment more frequently than those without the condition.
A study found that training patients with melanoma and their partners on skin examinations increased patient self-efficacy in performing self-examinations. The intervention showed the greatest benefit for pairs with low relationship quality and limited time together.
Researchers at UC Davis found that a novel combination therapy of Interleukin (IL)-2 combined with imiquimod and topical retinoid is highly effective in treating patients with skin metastases, resulting in complete clinical response and high survival rates.
A phase 1 trial demonstrates the safety and effectiveness of resiquimod gel in treating early-stage cutaneous T cell lymphoma, causing regression of both treated and untreated tumor lesions. The treatment also enhances immune response, leading to healing of even untreated lesions.
Researchers at Yale School of Medicine have successfully treated patients with moderate to severe eczema using a rheumatoid arthritis drug. Treatment led to dramatic improvement in itch, sleep, and skin redness, offering hope for a new standard of care for the chronic condition.
Researchers found that nanoparticles release nitric oxide to kill Proprionobacterium acnes bacteria and inhibit inflammation. This approach may lead to better treatment options for acne and other inflammatory skin conditions.
A systematic review of 24 studies found statistically significant improvement in patient outcomes with acupuncture compared to placebo acupuncture or no treatment. The findings support the potential for acupuncture as a treatment modality in dermatology.
Researchers developed a non-invasive technique using Raman spectroscopy to detect various forms of skin cancer. Malignant melanoma can be detected with an accuracy of 91%, while non-melanoma skin cancers are accurately identified between 73% and 85%.
Researchers have documented the full spectrum of UV radiation-induced DNA damage in human skin cells, allowing manufacturers to develop targeted sunscreen products. The study's findings reveal that prolonged sun exposure leads to an accumulation of damaging free radicals, causing skin aging and potentially initiating skin cancers.
A Yale University study found that an arthritis medication restored skin color in a vitiligo patient after just two months of treatment. The patient experienced partial repigmentation on her face, arms, and hands, with nearly all white spots gone after five months.
Eleven early-career physicians received one-year, $50,000 fellowships to study various aspects of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The fellowships aim to increase the number of scientists expertly treating these conditions.
A study surveyed patients about their knowledge of new sunscreen labels and found that most understood protection against sunburns but struggled with broad-spectrum protection. Fewer than half correctly identified terminology indicating skin cancer protection, leading to calls for improved labeling clarity.
A Northwestern Medicine study found that many people are confused by sunscreen terminology, with only 43% understanding SPF values and 7% knowing how to protect against early skin aging. This confusion can lead to inadequate protection against sunburns and premature skin aging.