A meta-analysis of four studies found that photodynamic therapy (PDT) is more effective than cryotherapy in clearing actinic keratoses (AKs), a common skin lesion caused by sun damage. At three months after treatment, patients treated with PDT had a 14% better chance of complete lesion clearance compared to those who received cryotherapy.
A new technique can quickly screen products for mercury content, helping to identify those at risk of serious health problems. The method uses total reflection x-ray fluorescence and has been shown to be just as accurate as existing techniques.
Researchers found that brief acute psychological stress promotes healing in mouse models of three different types of skin irritations. The study revealed that the anti-inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids produced by the adrenal glands under stress are beneficial for inflammatory disorders and acute injury in both mice and humans.
Researchers at Helmholtz Munich have created a diagnostic procedure that uses only two genes to reliably differentiate between psoriasis and eczema. The new test is expected to pave the way for personalized medicine in chronic inflammatory skin diseases, reducing the need for expensive treatments.
A new medication called dupilumab has shown promising results in treating atopic dermatitis, a chronic and debilitating skin disease. Dupilumab blocks the action of two proteins involved in inflammation, leading to a marked improvement in disease activity and itch.
Dr. Herndon has made significant contributions to burn care, including discoveries related to metabolic responses and increased caloric needs after burns. He is recognized as one of the elite surgeons globally, with numerous publications and a prestigious award from the International Burn Foundation.
Individuals hospitalized for Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) have a high risk of recurrence, with over 7% of patients experiencing subsequent episodes.
Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital have developed a new source of skin grafts to treat seriously burned patients, using pigs lacking the Gal sugar molecule. The grafts were as effective as human skin and showed signs of rejection similar to deceased-donor grafts.
Engineers at the University of Illinois and Northwestern University have developed thin, soft stick-on patches that incorporate commercial chip-based electronics for sophisticated wireless health monitoring. The patches are wirelessly powered and can send high-quality data about human body to a computer in real-time.
A study of over 7,000 children found that most had eczema symptoms persisting into their 20s, suggesting the condition is likely to be a lifelong illness. The study suggests physicians should inform children with mild to moderate AD that it is a lifelong illness.
Scientists have discovered that changes in the hair growth cycle affect fluctuations in the thickness of underlying fat tissue, allowing skin to regulate fat production. This breakthrough could lead to topical creams that 'pause' fat cell growth, treating obesity and hair loss.
Chinese surgeons develop 'monoblock' flaps to reconstruct severe facial defects using a prefabrication/overexpansion technique. This approach enables the creation of large skin flaps suitable for full-face resurfacing, improving facial contour and emotional expression.
Research at the University of Southampton found that sunlight alters nitric oxide levels in the skin and blood, reducing blood vessel tone and lowering blood pressure. This could be beneficial for cardiovascular health, particularly during winter months when blood pressure tends to be higher.
A collaboration between PETA, Simulab, and trauma surgeons is providing state-of-the-art TraumaMan surgical simulators to nine countries, replacing animal testing for medical training. This initiative is expected to save thousands of animals from being hurt and killed in training procedures.
A La Jolla Institute researcher has discovered that mast cells and a cellular protein called STAT5 play a crucial role in causing eczema by triggering increases in mast cells. The study opens new therapeutic avenues to prevent or treat eczema, including blocking STAT5 in mast cells.
The MRSA USA300 strain acquired genes from skin bacteria, allowing it to thrive on human skin where other strains cannot. This adaptation enabled the strain to dominate and spread rapidly across the US, becoming the leading cause of community-acquired MRSA infections.
Researchers discovered that skin can communicate with the liver, affecting metabolism and fat accumulation. Covering skin with a substance like vaseline or latex prevents heat loss, which leads to reduced fat accumulation in the liver.
A Stanford study found that dilute bleach baths can impede skin damage caused by aging, excess sun exposure, or radiation therapy. The inexpensive chemical may provide a new way to treat radiation dermatitis, a common side effect of cancer treatment.
Researchers have developed a novel topical therapy targeting genetic abnormalities in deeper skin layers to improve psoriasis symptoms. The new treatment, Dual-F-NALP, has shown promising results by reducing inflammation and suppressing immune hypersensitivity.
Researchers have identified two genetic variations associated with persistent atopic dermatitis in African-American children, shedding light on the skin disorder's mechanisms. The study found that loss-of-function mutations to Filaggrin-2 were linked to increased risk of AD in African American children.
Primary care physicians who took an online training course about skin cancer detection significantly improved their skill to properly diagnose and manage benign and malignant lesions. The enhanced skill level led to a reduction in unnecessary referrals to dermatology specialists.
A study found that lawsuits related to procedures when non-physicians operate the laser are increasing, particularly outside traditional medical settings. Non-physician operators, including nurse practitioners and medical assistants, were involved in 75.5% of hair removal lawsuits from 2004 to 2012.
A new University of Michigan study found that Medicare's data source for reporting rates of pressure ulcers is not accurate for comparing hospital quality. The study revealed drastic differences in performance depending on the type of data used.
Researchers have identified a potential new therapy for eczema by blocking sensory nerves' itch receptors, which may prevent severe consequences like asthma and allergies. The treatment targets the immune system's role in reacting to chemicals that cause itching and inflammation.
A recent study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences has discovered that two sets of nerve receptors in the skin convey information about fine textures through vibrations. This finding suggests that humans can discriminate between different fine textures, such as silk and satin, through these subtle vibrations.
A study published in JAMA Dermatology found over 200 mobile apps related to dermatology, but most are free with no guarantees of accuracy. Doctors advise users to use common sense and cross-reference apps with other sources before relying on them.
Researchers at Bonn University have discovered that UV-light induced DNA damage triggers lupus-like autoimmune symptoms by activating the cGAS signaling pathway. This study provides a crucial understanding of the immune mechanism behind lupus and offers potential new therapy targets.
A study by UNC researchers found that over three-quarters of Hispanic patients in North Carolina aren't performing skin self-exams, highlighting the need for better education and physician guidance on this potentially life-saving practice.
Researchers have developed a new subcutaneous implantable cardiac defibrillator (S-ICD) that detects abnormal heart rhythms and delivers shocks without wires touching the heart. The device has shown promising results in a 33-site study, with 99% of patients remaining complication-free 180 days after implantation.
A structural defect in skin cells, specifically desmoglein 1, contributes to allergy development, including skin and food allergies. This finding could lead to a better understanding of the importance of other structural proteins in the skin barrier.
Researchers from Penn Medicine discovered that the immune system governs the skin microbiome, which is crucial for maintaining diverse microbes and healthy skin. The complement system, an ancient branch of the immune response, influences the skin microbiome.
A genetic study conducted by 23andMe has identified four genetic markers associated with the development of non-syndromic striae distensae (stretch marks), a skin condition affecting approximately 50-80% of people. The study suggests that elastin, a key component of elastic fibers in the skin, plays a crucial role in the formation of s...
A psoriasis researcher has received a third NIH grant to explore the nervous system's involvement in psoriasis. The study aims to identify new targets for drug development and improve patient care by investigating nerve-derived peptides critical to sustaining the disease.
A Marshall University researcher has developed a technology for repairing skin injuries using nanotechnology. The $20,000 grant will help produce device prototypes and market the product to potential customers.
A small study at Massachusetts General Hospital found evidence of nerve damage in approximately half of fibromyalgia patients, leading to the identification of a treatable disease called small-fiber polyneuropathy (SFPN). Researchers hope that this discovery will lead to better treatments for some with chronic pain syndrome.
A new study reveals that pressure ulcers in children are more common than previously thought, with medical devices such as facemasks and pulse oximeters identified as major contributors. Cincinnati Children's researchers developed a quality improvement initiative that reduced pressure ulcers by 50 percent.
A recent study suggests that eczema can trigger food sensitivity in babies, potentially leading to the development of food allergies. Infants with impaired skin barriers and eczema are over six times more likely to be sensitized to common allergenic foods like egg, cow's milk, and peanut.
A team at Jadavpur University has developed a computer algorithm that can analyze the minutiae of blood vessels revealed by an infra-red scan of a person's face. The thermogram shows the pattern of blood vessels almost down to the smallest capillary with an accuracy of over 97%, making it suitable for high-security applications.
The National Psoriasis Foundation has awarded twelve fellowships totaling nearly half a million dollars to researchers working to cure psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. The fellowships will support studies on the impact of diet, exercise, and lifestyle on psoriasis severity and treatment outcomes.
Research found that crocodylians have unique multi-sensory organs called dome pressure receptors or Integumentary Sensory organs, which grant fingertip sensitivity and detect surface pressure waves. These sensors also help regulate body temperature and detect suitable habitats.
A breakthrough discovery by scientists at Integrated Tissue Dynamics LLC has provided a biological rationale for fibromyalgia. Researchers found an increase in sensory nerve fibers around specialized blood vessel structures in the skin of female patients with fibromyalgia, which may be driving the reported symptoms.
New UK coins made of nickel-plated steel will increase exposure to nickel, potentially causing a four-fold rise in skin allergies. Scientists analyzed the new coins and found that handling them for one hour can deposit four times more nickel onto the skin than copper-nickel coins.
Researchers discovered that immune system cells and lymph capillaries regulate sodium balance and blood pressure in the skin, contrary to traditional views focusing on the kidney and brain.
Researchers sequenced DNA of fungi at skin sites to define normal populations and provide framework for investigating fungal skin conditions. The study found that feet, including toenails, heels, and toe webs, contain tremendous diversity of fungi.
A novel gene associated with canine atopic dermatitis has been identified by researchers. The gene encodes a protein called plakophilin 2, which is crucial for the formation and proper functioning of the skin structure. This finding opens new possibilities in understanding the disease mechanism leading to atopic dermatitis.
Researchers found that exposure to sunlight lowers blood pressure and improves overall health by reducing the risk of heart attack and stroke. The study's results suggest that the benefits of sunlight outweigh the risks of skin cancer.
Researchers at Boston University School of Medicine found that UVA induces progerin protein, accelerating skin aging, linked to genetic and environmental factors. Long-term exposure to UVA rays, particularly from tanning beds, accelerates photoaging by causing alternative splicing of the LaminA gene pre-mRNA.
Scientists developed a cell-based alternative test that uses mouse skin cells in the laboratory to detect skin sensitisers. The test was found to be highly accurate, correctly identifying actual sensitizers in 92% of cases and producing no false positives.
A new syndrome, juvenile-onset small-fiber polyneuropathy (JOSeFINE), has been identified as a possible cause of widespread chronic pain in children. Diagnostic tests including skin biopsies and autonomic function testing have been found to be useful in diagnosing the condition.
A recent study by UCLA and Washington University researchers discovered that acne-causing bacteria contain both 'bad' and 'good' strains. The 'good' strain is found in healthy skin but rarely occurs in those with acne, suggesting it may have a natural defense mechanism to protect the skin.
Researchers discovered two strains of acne bacteria associated with pimples and one strain linked to healthy skin. Increasing the body's friendly strain through a cream or lotion may help calm spotty complexions.
Researchers from University of Southern Denmark used RICS technique to investigate liposome movement on skin. They found that liposomes are destroyed before entering the skin and spilling their cargo of active ingredients. The study advises against trusting claims about liposomes carrying active ingredients into the skin.
Newborns require gentle and careful skin care to prevent infection and irritation. The Mayo Clinic suggests bathing every other day, using warm water only a few inches deep, and selecting mild cleansers without dyes or fragrances.
Researchers develop small peptide that blocks antibody recognition of desmogleins, improving cell-cell adhesion and preventing skin blistering in mice. The peptide could serve as a potential treatment option for pemphigus vulgaris, a life-threatening autoimmune skin disease.
Researchers found a small peptide that blocks antibody recognition of desmogleins, improving cell-cell adhesion and preventing skin blistering in pemphigus vulgaris. Additionally, spironolactone reduced vascular calcification in kidney disease mice, increasing their life span. A glioblastoma fusion gene promoted tumor growth and progre...
Eczema is a persistent skin rash that can be triggered by inadequate Ctip2 protein, leading to inflammation and immune dysfunction. Researchers have identified two ways in which improper Ctip2 function contributes to eczema, paving the way for personalized treatments and new therapies.
Researchers have identified previously unseen anatomy preserved in fossils using synchrotron-based imaging techniques. The study reveals that a 50 million-year-old lizard skin contains teeth, changing the understanding of this fossil animal.
Researchers at the University of Michigan have made skin cells in senior citizens act like younger cells again by adding more filler to the surrounding extracellular matrix. The study shows that this approach can trigger a signal for cells to wake up and respond positively to alterations in their environment.
Researchers found that metal-binding agents applied to the skin, prescribed for autism treatment, are not absorbed and ineffective. The study contradicts claims made by some practitioners treating children with mercury-binding agents.
Angioedema, a rare but serious condition, can be misdiagnosed or under-treated due to lack of understanding. The report aims to provide best clinical practices for diagnosing and managing all its forms, helping patients find relief and live healthy lifestyles.