Articles tagged with Dermatology
The use of glutathione for skin bleaching is on the rise in the UK despite potential risks and lack of regulation. The practice has been linked to serious side effects such as Stevens Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis, as well as transmission of infectious diseases like HIV and hepatitis.
A systematic review and meta-analysis of 13 studies found no significant difference in surgical site infection (SSI) rates between procedures using sterile and nonsterile gloves. The analysis included 11,071 patients from 228 SSI cases, with rates of 2.1% for non-sterile glove procedures and 2% for sterile glove procedures.
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.
The USPSTF found insufficient evidence to recommend visual skin examination by clinicians for skin cancer screening in asymptomatic adults. The balance of benefits and harms cannot be determined due to limited direct evidence on effectiveness and potential harms, including unnecessary biopsies and overdiagnosis.
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.
A survey of 3,316 US women found that 84% reported grooming their pubic hair, with daily grooming rare. Factors influencing grooming habits include partner preference and education level.
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 found that sweat glands contribute less cells to wound closure in elderly skin, leading to delayed healing and thinner repaired epidermis. Chronic sun exposure damages skin structures supporting sweat glands, highlighting the importance of sunscreen use.
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.
A study assessed the performance of direct-to-consumer teledermatology services, finding they often made incorrect diagnoses and provided inadequate treatment information. The services also failed to disclose potential adverse effects and pregnancy risks in prescriptions.
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.
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 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.
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.
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.
A large-scale study found a significant link between traffic-related air pollution and the formation of lentigenes (facial dark spots) on cheeks of Asian women over 50. The study also showed that exposure to nitrogen dioxide gas had a stronger impact on dark spot formation than particulate matter.
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.
Two studies investigated the relationship between skin disorders and endocrine diseases. The first study found a higher prevalence of insulin resistance among men with acne, while the second study identified hirsutism and acanthosis nigricans as key skin features of polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS).
A review of medical literature suggests that isotretinoin therapy does not require frequent laboratory monitoring for most patients. The analysis of 26 studies found low rates of high-risk laboratory abnormalities and no significant increase in liver function or lipid levels. This finding supports less frequent lab testing, potentially...
The study found that prices for all surveyed classes of brand-name drugs increased by an average of 401%, with topical antineoplastic drugs experiencing the largest percentage increase at 1240%. Psoriasis medications had the smallest average percentage increase, rising by just 180%.
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.
Researchers investigated skin samples from pregnant women with recent-formed stretch marks, finding disrupted elastic fibers that remain damaged after giving birth. The study suggests that preserving existing elastic fibers may be a more effective approach than repairing damaged ones within stretch marks.
A Belgian study compared dermatologist-conducted lesion-directed screening with standard total-body examination for skin cancer screening. The results showed that lesion-directed screening was an acceptable alternative method with a similar skin cancer detection rate, despite being less time-consuming.
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 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 new pneumatic compression device has been shown to significantly reduce cellulitis episodes in patients with lymphedema, resulting in an 80% decrease. The device also leads to a 37% reduction in lymphedema-related healthcare costs. This study highlights the potential benefits of advanced devices in managing chronic conditions.
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.
A study found voriconazole significantly increases risk for skin cancer and death in lung transplant recipients, with a 73% greater risk for skin cancer. Physicians are advised to counsel patients on skin cancer risk and consider patient-specific factors when prescribing the drug.
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.
Soldiers who served in Iraq and Afghanistan returned home with a higher risk of skin cancer, largely due to inadequate sun protection and lengthy daily sunlight exposure. The study found that only 13% of veterans routinely used sunscreen and 63% experienced at least one sunburn during deployment.
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.
Indoor tanning rates declined significantly among US adults from 2010 to 2013, with notable decreases in younger age groups and certain health conditions. The decrease is attributed to increased awareness of indoor tanning's harms, including its link to cancer risk.
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.
Researchers at Temple University Health System used fMRI imaging to study brain activity in chronic itch patients and healthy subjects. The study found that areas of the brain involved in motor control and reward processing were overactivated in chronic itch patients, explaining their addictive scratching behavior.
A review of clinical studies suggests that plant-based terpenoids have therapeutic potential for treating various skin diseases, including actinic keratosis and hyperpigmentation. The compounds' anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties may help alleviate symptoms of these conditions.
Google searches for information on melanoma and skin cancer rose over summer months from 2010 to 2014. The correlation between these searches and actual melanoma incidence and mortality rates was limited, suggesting that increased search volumes do not necessarily translate to improved detection rates.
MoleScope is an innovative hand-held tool that uses a smartphone to monitor skin for signs of cancer. The device has received approval from Health Canada and the FDA, and is expected to provide healthcare benefits in communities without access to medical specialists.
A study of Colorado local government organizations found that only 87% had sun-safety policies, with few addressing environmental controls and administrative procedures. Most employers failed to provide sun-protection equipment or training, leaving workers vulnerable to UV radiation.
A high-dose treatment of sodium nitrite with citric acid was found to be more effective in clearing up anogenital warts compared to lower doses or a placebo. The study showed a dose-related increase in side effects, but the optimal dose is considered to be the current one.
A study published in Diagnosis found that a computer-assisted diagnosis tool, VisualDx, was used by physicians without an increase in dermatology consultations. The tool aids in diagnosing skin conditions by generating possible diagnoses accompanied by photographs from a database of over 1,300 pediatric and adult conditions.
The study tested Google Glass for real-time dermatological consultations in emergency departments, finding that patients preferred video consultations over phone calls. The device allowed doctors to appreciate the gestalt of skin eruptions and interact with each other remotely, improving diagnosis accuracy.
A study of 32,501 melanoma cases found that 1 in 5 patients experienced a delay of surgery lasting longer than 1.5 months. Surgical delays were more common among older patients and those with prior melanoma or multiple medical conditions.
Researchers from INSERM found that spironolactone, an antihypertensive drug, limits skin atrophy when used with corticosteroid-based creams. This study improves the efficacy and safety of corticosteroid-based dermatological treatments for inflammatory skin conditions.
A 10-year follow-up study of over 7,400 children found no significant association between topical pimecrolimus use and increased cancer risk. The study provides reassurance for the use of pimecrolimus in treating eczema in children.
A new study found that healthcare workers are 4.5 times more likely to suffer from irritant contact dermatitis after increased hand washing efforts, highlighting a potential counter-productive effect on infection reduction campaigns.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that providing an information sheet on contraceptives significantly improved women's understanding of their effectiveness, leading to a safer use of isotretinoin. The study showed that even small investments of time can greatly enhance contraceptive knowledge and prevent pregnancies.
Providing fact sheets on contraception during dermatology office visits can improve women's awareness of the most effective birth control options. This education may prevent unintended pregnancies and birth defects caused by acne drugs like isotretinoin.
A smartphone app improved some sun protection behaviors, including increased shade use and combined use of all sun protection behaviors. However, there was no significant difference in sunburns between groups. Strategies to increase mobile app usage are needed for effective deployment.