Articles tagged with Dermatology
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...
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.
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%.
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 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 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 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.
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 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.
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.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology found that mobile teledermoscopy is a feasible and effective method for short-term monitoring of atypical nevi, with high diagnostic concordance rates. Patients were receptive to the technology, which involves taking images of monitored lesions via a mobile dermatoscope.
Adults with eczema are more likely to experience health problems such as diabetes, high blood pressure, and insomnia due to the emotional toll of the disease. Physicians need to address these lifestyle risks alongside skin treatments.
According to a study published in JAMA Dermatology, indoor tanning decreased among female US high school students from 25.4% in 2009 to 20.2% in 2013. Frequent indoor tanning was also on the decline, with 10.3% of females engaging in frequent use in 2013. Despite these reductions, indoor tanning remains a common practice among youth.
A recent study on personal care products found that most contain skin allergens despite being marketed as hypoallergenic. The FDA has not set standards for the label, and companies are self-regulating, but this doesn't guarantee a safer product.
Pilots flying at 30,000 feet receive the same amount of UV-A radiation as a 20-minute tanning bed session, increasing melanoma risk. Authors recommend sunscreen use and periodic skin checks for pilots and cabin crew.
Researchers identified a genetic susceptibility factor for UV tanning dependence, with variations in the PTCHD2 gene linked to increased risk. The study of over 319,000 participants highlights the importance of genetics in shaping individual responses to UV exposure.
A laser used for tattoo removal has been found to improve facial acne scarring in a small study. The treatment showed significant improvement in skin appearance and texture, with patients reporting satisfaction rates of 25-100%. Additional research is needed to confirm these findings.
A study of over 20,000 noninvasive and minimally invasive cosmetic procedures found a low incidence of adverse events, with most being minor and rapidly remitting. The procedure types most commonly associated with adverse events were those on the cheeks, nasolabial lines, and eyelids.
A new Northwestern University study analyzed over 20,000 minimally invasive cosmetic procedures and found no risk of serious adverse events. The study suggests that these procedures are exceedingly safe, with fewer than 1% minor complications, offering a significant cosmetic boost through mixed procedures.
A one-year randomized controlled trial found that patients with atopic dermatitis who accessed online dermatologic follow-up care achieved equivalent clinical improvement as those receiving traditional in-person care. The study included 156 patients and showed significant improvements in disease severity, including a reduction in POEM ...
A new treatment regimen has been found to be safe and effective in restoring skin pigmentation in vitiligo patients. The study, led by Henry Ford Hospital, showed that a combination of afamelanotide and phototherapy using narrowband ultraviolet-B rays resulted in faster repigmentation compared to UVB treatment alone.
Researchers at Columbia University Irving Medical Center have identified the immune cells responsible for destroying hair follicles in people with alopecia areata. A small number of patients showed complete hair regrowth after treatment with an FDA-approved drug, JAK inhibitors, which eliminated attacking T cells and restored hair growth.
A recent study led by American scientists found that plastic surgeons believe they are the most skilled at performing aesthetic injections. However, nurses with specialized training in this area may be considered more capable of administering vaccines. The study highlights the importance of training requirements and guidelines for inje...
The National Psoriasis Foundation has awarded 13 fellowships to early-career physicians to study psoriasis and its impact on patients. The fellowships aim to increase the number of scientists studying and treating psoriasis, with a focus on developing new treatments and improving patient outcomes.
Researchers found that patients who visited a specialist prior to melanoma diagnosis had a significantly lower risk of dying from the disease. This suggests that being invested and an advocate for one's own health may play a crucial role in improving prognosis.
A study found that free medication samples in dermatology offices change prescribing practices for acne and rosacea. Branded drugs accounted for 79% of prescriptions, while generic alternatives were less common. This may lead to higher prescription costs.
A study by Stanford researchers found that dermatologists with access to free drug samples prescribe more expensive brand-name drugs, despite some benefits of the samples in helping uninsured patients. The study suggests that physicians may not be aware of cost differences between brand-name and generic drugs.
Minorties are diagnosed with advanced stage skin cancer and lower survival rates than Caucasians, highlighting the need for increased awareness. Educating minority populations on sun protection guidelines can reduce their risk of developing skin cancer.
A new teledermatology app system has been shown to be reliable in prioritizing care for hospitalized patients with skin conditions. The study found that the system agreed with in-person consultants on diagnoses in 82% of cases and suggested urgent consultations in 90% of cases.