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Scratching the surface of psoriasis

A study published in the Journal of Clinical Investigation found that mice lacking interleukin-36 (IL-36) were protected from psoriasis-like skin inflammation. This suggests that targeting IL-36 could be a promising approach for treating psoriasis.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateOct 15, 2012

Skin hair skims heat off elephants

A new study suggests that elephant skin hair plays a role in heat dissipation, allowing them to maintain a constant body temperature in hot regions. Researchers found that sparse skin hair increases heat loss from the skin, benefiting large terrestrial mammals like elephants.

SourcePLOS·JournalPLOS ONE·DateOct 10, 2012

Laser-powered 'needle' promises pain-free injections

A new laser-based system can propel tiny, precise streams of medicine into the skin with minimal force, potentially eliminating pain from injections. The device uses an erbium-doped yttrium aluminum garnet laser to create a vapor bubble that forces drug-laden jets into the targeted depth of the skin.

SourceOptica·JournalOptics Letters·DateSep 13, 2012

Baby wipes as safe as using water, study finds

A University of Manchester study found Johnson's Baby Extra Sensitive Wipes equivalent to water in hydrating newborn skin, challenging current NICE guidelines. The trial involved 280 babies and showed no significant differences in hydration or secondary outcomes, except for a slight increase in napkin dermatitis.

SourceUniversity of Manchester·JournalBMC Pediatrics·DateMay 31, 2012

Mechanistic discovery links psoriasis to increased risk of cardiovascular disease

Researchers discovered a causal link between chronic skin inflammation and cardiovascular disease, with aggressive reversal of psoriasis reducing the risk. A mouse model demonstrated that persistent inflammation leads to vessel wall inflammation and blood clot formation, which can increase stroke or heart attack risk.

SourceCase Western Reserve University·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateMay 10, 2012

Research breakthrough for drugs via the skin

Researchers at Karolinska Institutet have made a significant breakthrough in understanding the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of human skin. By determining its molecular structure and function at a detailed level, they aim to develop new methods for drug delivery via the skin.

SourceKarolinska Institutet·JournalJournal of Investigative Dermatology·DateApr 26, 2012

Thomas Jefferson University Hospital cuts Whipple procedure wound infections in half with new measures

A new surgical care bundle of 12 measures, including smoking cessation and gown change prior to skin closure, reduced Whipple procedure wound infections by 49% compared to a less comprehensive routine preoperative preparation. The measures also included intraoperative wound edge protection and chlorhexidine-alcohol skin preparation.

SourceThomas Jefferson University·JournalJournal of Surgical Research·DateOct 26, 2011

Smaller 2 cm excision margin for melanomas thicker than 2 mm results in similar levels of recurrence and death as larger 4 cm margin

A new study published in The Lancet suggests that a 2cm excision margin for skin melanomas thicker than 2mm is safe and effective, with similar levels of recurrence and death compared to a larger 4cm margin. This finding challenges current recommendations and may lead to changes in treatment guidelines.

SourceThe Lancet_DELETED·JournalThe Lancet·DateOct 23, 2011

Non-cocaine, topical anaesthetics can kill pain when repairing skin wounds

A systematic review of 32 trials involving 3128 patients found that cocaine-free topical anaesthetics substantially reduce pain without triggering serious side effects. These agents offer an attractive alternative to injecting pain killers into damaged tissue, making them easier and less painful for patients.

SourceWiley·JournalCochrane Database of Systematic Reviews·DateJul 27, 2011

Genetic study shows that low body fat may not lower risk for heart disease and diabetes

A recent genetic study found a link between a specific gene variant and lower body fat percentage, yet an increased risk of type 2 diabetes and heart disease. The researchers discovered that this gene only affects the subcutaneous fat under the skin, which may store fat elsewhere in the body, increasing organ function interference.

Skin sensitivity to food allergens explained

Researchers found that skin contact with food allergens can lead to the reprogramming of gut-homing T cells into skin-homing T cells, exacerbating atopic dermatitis. This discovery has important implications for preventing and treating atopic dermatitis in patients with food allergies.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateMay 2, 2011

Lavender oil has potent antifungal effect

Scientists have discovered that lavender oil has a potent antifungal effect against strains of fungi responsible for common skin and nail infections. The essential oil was found to be lethal to dermatophytes and various species of Candida, making it a promising alternative to existing treatments.

SourceMicrobiology Society·JournalJournal of Medical Microbiology·DateFeb 14, 2011

Acne bug could be the cause of your infections

Recent research suggests that P. acnes within the body may be the cause of infections, contradicting previous assumptions about contamination from skin. This oversight could lead to incorrect diagnoses and complications if treated with the wrong bug.

SourceWiley·DateJan 11, 2011

How bacteria get from catheter to patient

Researchers have identified bacterial products that enable Staphylococcus epidermidis biofilms to detach from surfaces, leading to infection. Inhibiting these mechanisms could provide a new approach to preventing biofilm-associated infections.

SourceJCI Journals·JournalJournal of Clinical Investigation·DateDec 6, 2010