The Armchair Dermatologist

HPV Infection May Increase Risk For Recurrent SCC.

2011-12-13T15:00:00.000-05:00

HPV Infection May Increase Risk For Recurrent SCC.

MedWire (7/29, Albert) reported that infection "with type beta or gamma human papillomavirus (HPV) increases the risk for recurrent squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)," according to a study published online in the British Journal of Dermatology. Among "107 patients with a prior SCC or basal cell carcinoma (BCC)," researchers "found that patients with seropositivity to various beta or gamma HPV subtypes at baseline were significantly more likely to develop subsequent SCC's at five years than those without HPV at baseline."

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UK Patients Will Be Given Online Access To Medical Records.

2011-12-10T12:02:00.000-05:00

UK Patients Will Be Given Online Access To Medical Records.

The UK's Telegraph (12/1, Smith) reports, "The controversial system would allow patients to check their medical documents online and raise any inaccuracies or problems with their doctor, however concerns have been raised over the plans." Documents released along with the Chancellor's Autumn Statement said, "All patients in the NHS will have online access – where they wish it – to their personal GP records by the end of this Parliament." But "there are worries over the security of the system and that the information will be passed on or sold in so called 'technology and data markets.'"

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Higher SCC Rates Associated With Elevated Levels Of Radon Gas.

2011-12-08T12:02:00.002-05:00

Higher SCC Rates Associated With Elevated Levels Of Radon Gas.

Reuters (12/1, Norton) reports that according to a study published online Nov. 11 in the journal Epidemiology, rates of squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) may be increased in areas in which radon gas occurs at elevated levels. After examining the rates of various skin cancers in 287 postal codes in the southwestern part of England, researchers found that in areas in which radon was more than 230 Becquerel per cubic meter (Bq/m3), squamous cell cancer rates were some 76% higher than in areas with much lower levels of the radioactive gas. No similar association appears to exist for melanoma or for basal cell carcinoma, however.

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Utah's Highest Rates Of Melanoma.

2011-11-30T11:15:00.002-05:00

Report: Southeast Sandy Has Utah's Highest Rates Of Melanoma.

The AP (11/30) reports, "Southeast Sandy has the state's highest rate of melanoma, breast and colorectal cancer cases, according to a Utah Department of Health report released Tuesday." The new "report also identified more than two dozen other Utah locations as having higher-than-average cancer rates."

According to the Deseret Morning News (UT) (11/30, Leonard), "The report identifies breast, colon, lung, prostate and skin cancer, mortality and screening rates in 61 designated small areas of Utah, to give community leaders and policymakers an idea of what can and needs to be done to 'best allocate limited funds to communities with the greatest need,' said State Epidemiologist Dr. Robert Rolfs."

The Salt Lake (UT) Tribune (11/30, May) reports that "women from Utah are some of the least likely to get mammograms to detect breast cancer, and health officials are stumped as to why." According to the Tribune, however, "Utah has the nation's second-lowest cancer rate and the lowest cancer death rate in the country."

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Study Analyzes Bacteria On Public Restroom Surfaces.

2011-11-28T14:48:00.000-05:00

Study Analyzes Bacteria On Public Restroom Surfaces.

The Los Angeles Times (11/24, Stein) "Booster Shots" blog reported a paper in PLoS ONE in which researchers used "high-throughput genetic sequencing to detect bacteria on 10 different surfaces in 12 men's and women's bathrooms on a college campus." They found that "bacteria associated with the gut were common on toilet surfaces, signifying fecal contamination (and an argument for seat protectors). ... The floor had the biggest bacteria party, revealing what the authors called 'diverse bacterial communities' of organisms, including several typically found in soil. ... The authors said this emphasizes the importance of hand washing after using the facilities."

The Washington Post (11/24, Huget) "The Checkup" blog reported, "Most of the bacteria found throughout the bathrooms were those typically found on human skin. That finding's important, the authors note, because those bacteria can include pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, which can easily be spread when hands come into contact with contaminated surfaces."

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Summertime Photosensitivity

2011-10-20T09:39:00.000-04:00

Some Summertime Rashes May Be Photosensitivity Reactions.

In "Personal Health," the New York Times (D7, Brody, Subscription Publication) reports that some mysterious summertime rashes may "result from a photosensitivity reaction, a combination of the sun's UVA radiation and exposure to a drug, perfume or another substance." Some "commonly used drugs can cause such a reaction, including antibiotics like the tetracyclines (doxycycline is one), ciprofloxacin, and the sulfa drugs," along with "the diuretic hydrochlorothiazide; and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory drugs, like ibuprofen and naproxen." Some sunscreens containing "benzophenones, the retinoids used to treat acne and sun-induced wrinkles, and fragrances like musk and coumarins" may also cause photosensitivity reactions.

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Taller Women Get More Cancer?

2011-10-18T16:12:00.000-04:00

Taller Woman May Have Higher Risk For Developing Common Cancers.

The Wall Street Journal (7/21, Stovall, Subscription Publication) reports, reports that for every four inches above five feet a woman is, she has a 16% increase risk of developing cancer, according to a study in The Lancet Oncology

Bloomberg News (7/21, Mead) reports that the researchers "studied more than 1 million women in the UK who reported an average height of 161 centimeters to the state-run National Health Service between 1996 and 2001." They found more than "97,000 incidents of cancer by June 2008"; and every "10 centimeters of height translated to an 17-percent increase for incidents of breast cancer, which comprised more than a third of all the observed malignancies."

BBC News (7/21, Gallagher) reports that the researchers found that the tallest women in the group, those "over 5ft 9in, were 37% more likely to have developed a tumour than those in the shortest group, under 5ft." They study authors linked 10 cancers to height: "colon, rectal, malignant melanoma, breast, endometrial (uterus), ovarian, kidney, lymphoma, non-Hodgkin lymphoma and leukaemia." Although the study looked "only at women, the researchers said the height link was also present in men."

The UK's Telegraph (7/21), MedPage Today (7/20, Walsh), WebMD (7/20, Mann), and HealthDay (7/20, Mozes) also covered the study.

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Education and Sun Screen Use

2011-10-15T16:21:00.002-04:00

Sun-Safe Behaviors In US Latinos Associated With Education Level.

Medscape (7/18, Kling) reported, "Among Latinos in the United States, the relationships between acculturation and sun-safe behaviors are mediated by education level, health-related social networks, and perceived health status," according to a study published in the July issue of the Archives of Dermatology. Researchers arrived at that conclusion after analyzing "data from the National Cancer Institute's 2005 Health Information National Trends Survey, focusing on 496 respondents who self-identified as Latino." Medscape also pointed out that "sun-safe behaviors are an important health factor for Latinos, who develop melanoma at a rate of 4.5 per 100,000, which represents a 28.6% increase since 1992." Reuters (7/19, Pittman) also covers the story.

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Shingles Vaccine

2011-10-12T16:29:00.001-04:00

Shingles Vaccine Not Nearly Widely Used As Once Hoped.

On the front of its Science Times section, the New York Times (7/12, D1, Span, Subscription Publication) reports, "A combination of factors has dissuaded many physicians' offices and clinics from carrying Zostavax," the vaccine for shingles. At the same time, "its manufacturer, Merck, has been unable to produce sufficient quantities to meet even modest demand." As a result, "intermittent shortages that last months have kept the company from consistently marketing the vaccine and have forestalled public health campaigns that could have built awareness of the need for it." The article quoted epidemiologist Rafael Harpaz, MD, of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as saying, "There hasn't been a single year since the vaccine was licensed in 2006 that there's been no problem with supply." Accordingly, only about 10% of people 60 years of age and older have received a shingles vaccination.

The New York Times (7/11, Span, Subscription Publication) "The New Old Age" blog pointed out that the "Food and Drug Administration has since approved Zostavax for people aged 50 to 59." However, "the vaccine remains hard to find, cumbersome to get reimbursed for, and not nearly as widely used as researchers had hoped."

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Skin Cancer Screenings

2011-10-09T16:20:00.002-04:00

Self-Detection Not As Effective As Physician Screening For Spotting Melanoma Early.

The Star-Ledger (7/19, Livio) reports that "even high-risk patients have a better chance of beating skin cancer the sooner they see a dermatologist. While the researchers noted many people know enough about the dangers of skin cancer to check their skin periodically, physicians are much better at noticing subtle changes."

HealthDay (7/18, Dallas) reported, "Melanoma, the most dangerous type of skin cancer, can be found by patients themselves, but new research reveals that self-detection is not as effective as screenings performed by doctors," according to a study published online July 18 in the Archives of Dermatology. For the study, researchers "found that in addition to higher rates of physician-detected melanomas, doctors also are more likely to detect thinner lesions, or cancers in the earliest stages."

MedPage Today (7/18, Bankhead) reported that, in a review identifying 527 melanomas detected in 394 patients over the course of a decade, "dermatologists identified 76% of more than 500 primary melanomas, including 84% of lesions in established patients." Notably, "dermatologists detected almost 80% of in-situ lesions, and the clinician-identified lesions were 40% thinner than patient-detected melanomas." Nevertheless, the study authors emphasized that self-examination by patients is critical to diagnosing melanomas early. They concluded that "educating patients on recognizing melanoma signs and symptoms by performing skin self-examination can have a notable impact on early diagnosis of melanoma."

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Aspirin to Stave off Melanoma

2011-10-06T16:33:00.000-04:00

Long-Term NSAID Use May Lower Cutaneous Melanoma Risk.

MedWire (7/8, Albert) reported, "Long-term use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) appears to reduce the risk for cutaneous melanoma," according to a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology. In a study involving "400 cutaneous-melanoma patients, aged 60 years on average, and 600 age- and gender-matched controls," researchers discovered that people "who regularly used NSAIDs for over five years had a significant 43% decreased risk for developing cutaneous [melanoma], compared with those who used NSAIDs for less than two years or not at all." Those who used aspirin for more than five years had a 49% decreased risk for melanoma.

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Allergy and Decreased Skin Cancer

2011-10-04T16:30:00.001-04:00

Certain Allergies May Reduce Risk Of Skin, Breast Cancers.

Bloomberg News (7/11, Mead) reports that a study in BMJ Open suggests that "people with adverse reactions to common metals and chemicals were less likely to get skin and breast cancers," a result that "backs up a theory known as immunosurveillance hypothesis, which says people with allergies have immune systems that are more vigilant at patrolling the body and eliminating transformed cells, reducing the risk of cancer." However, "the scientists also observed a higher incidence of bladder cancer in those with allergies, possibly because more chemical remains accumulated in their blood."

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Sun Burn and Pain

2011-09-30T20:40:00.000-04:00

Sunburn Study May Lead To Drugs To Treat Pain In Other Common Conditions.

Reuters (7/7, Kelland) reports that, according to a study published in Science Translational Medicine, researchers have found a molecule in the body, CXCL5, which controls sensitivity to pain from UVB irradiation. The molecule may help them develop new treatments to treat pain in other conditions, according to the researchers.

The USA Today (7/6, Lebowitz) "Science Fair" blog reported CXCL5 "recruits immune cells to human flesh exposed to ultraviolet-B (UVB) rays, swelling the skin and triggering pain and tenderness." The researchers "exposed numerous samples of human and rat skin to different types of solar waves." After looking at the skin samples under a microscope, the researchers "observed a variety of proteins in the damaged tissue, including large quantities of CXCL5. Such abundance of the protein is what causes the skin tissue to redden and blister when in the presence the sun's harmful rays."

Also covering the story were, on its website, ABC News (7/6, Moisse), the Wall Street Journal (7/6, Hobson, Subscription Publication) "Health Blog," the UK's Telegraph (7/7, Collins), BBC News (7/6) and WebMD (7/6, Warner).

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Vitamin D Protective of Type 2 Diabetes

2011-09-28T12:20:00.000-04:00

Higher Blood Levels Of Vitamin D Associated With Reduced Type 2 Diabetes Risk.

Bloomberg News (6/25, Ostrow) reported, "Vitamin D may help prevent those at risk for diabetes from developing the disease, giving doctors and patients a potential tool against the condition," according to research presented at the American Diabetes Association's annual meeting. In a study involving "2,039 people with higher-than-normal blood sugar levels, a condition called prediabetes," researchers found that "patients with the highest amounts of vitamin D in their body were about 25 percent less likely than those with the lowest amounts to develop type 2 diabetes."

The study's lead author theorized that "vitamin D might play a role in diabetes by improving insulin secretion and insulin sensitivity," Medscape (6/25, Hitt) reported.

Vitamin D May Be Linked To Reduced Heart Risks In Men. Reuters (6/25, Norton) reported that, according to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, males who take in recommended amounts of vitamin D may have a lower risk of suffering a heart attack or stroke compared to those who take in little vitamin D. Investigators looked at data on approximately 119,000 adults for about 20 years. They found that males who took in 600 IU or more daily were 16 percent less likely to experience stroke or heart problems compared to males who took in less than 100 IU daily.

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Alcohol Abuse and Psoriasis

2011-09-25T12:18:00.000-04:00

Patients With Moderate To Severe Psoriasis May Have High Rates Of Alcohol Misuse.

MedWire (6/24, Davenport) reported, "Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis have high rates of alcohol misuse," according to a study published in the June issue of the British Journal of Dermatology. In a study involving 135 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe psoriasis, the Michigan Alcohol Screening Test and the CAGE questionnaire "scales identified 21% of the patients as having difficulties with alcohol, while" the Alcohol Use Disorders Identification Test "score indicated that 32% of individuals had current hazardous drinking habits."

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"Natural" Wart Remover Recall

2011-09-22T12:17:00.001-04:00

FDA: Wart, Mole Remover Sold Online Recalled.

The Minneapolis Star Tribune (6/27, Friedmann) "The Whistleblower" blog reported that, the Nature Relief Instant Wart and Mole Remover, "a product marketed as a treatment for warts and moles, is being recalled after the product burned the skin of at least one customer, the US Food and Drug Administration announced last week." According to the FDA, "the active ingredient, calcium oxide, can cause severe burns, especially if applied to thin or sensitive skin, and customers should put the product in a plastic bag and throw it away." The product "was only sold online directly to consumers by Nature Relief."

MedPage Today (6/27, Gever) reported, "Nature Relief had sold the product exclusively through direct sales to consumers via the internet. It was sold as a kit including containers labeled 'removal cream,' 'repair cream,' 'antiseptic wash,' and 'triple antibiotic ointment,' along with toothpicks and other implements." What's more, the FDA advised that "consumers are recommended to have moles reviewed by licensed medical professionals and ensure they are not cancerous."

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Vitamin D and Skin Cancer

2011-09-20T20:37:00.001-04:00

Vitamin D, Calcium May Prevent Skin Cancer In Women With Prior History.

Medscape (7/5, Mulcahy) reported that although Vitamin D and calcium do not reduce the overall rate of melanoma or nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in post-menopausal women, a study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that, in women with "history of NMSC, calcium plus vitamin D supplementation reduced subsequent melanoma risk, suggesting a potential role for the supplements in this high-risk subgroup." The authors note that 176 cases of melanoma developed in the participants, and conclude that larger studies are necessary for similarly rare cancers. Medscape notes that the study "used 400 IU of Vitamin D, which is lower than the daily recommended amount of 600 IU. The next trial may use up to 4000 IU, which is the limit suggested by the Institute of Medicine."

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Vit D and Melanoma Protection

2011-09-20T12:15:00.001-04:00

Vitamin D, Calcium Supplements May Lower Melanoma Risk For Some Women.

Reuters (6/27, Pittman) reported that taking a vitamin D and calcium supplement may help some women reduce their risk for developing melanoma, according to a study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology. Researchers analyzed medical data from roughly 36,000 women between the age 50 and 79, were randomized to either take both calcium (1,000 mg) and vitamin D3 (400 IUs) supplements or placebo, daily for seven years. The study team found that women who previously had non-melanoma skin cancer were less likely to get melanoma, if they were in the calcium and vitamin D group.

HealthDay (6/27, Reinberg) reported that the women taking the supplements who had had previous non-melanoma skin cancer reduced their risk of developing melanoma "by 57 percent," compared with women taking the placebo supplements. The study's lead author "speculated that cancer cells lurking in the skin of women who have had a previous skin cancer may be waiting to develop into melanoma. 'But if they take calcium and vitamin D that reduces the risk of developing an actual tumor,' she said." Although the US Institute of Medicine "recommends 600 IU of vitamin D" daily, the findings indicated that as little as 400 IU "may be protective," she added.

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laViv (azfibrocel-T),

2011-09-18T16:57:00.000-04:00

FDA Approves Treatment That Uses Patient's Own Cells To Restore Skin Elasticity.

Bloomberg News (6/23, Peterson) reports Fibrocell Science won Food and Drug Administration "approval for an injectible wrinkle treatment that uses a patient's own cells to restore elasticity to the skin." The treatment, called laViv (azfibrocel-T), "will be Fibrocell's initial marketed product and the first wrinkle smoother made from a patient's cells."

The New York Times (6/22, Pollack) "Prescriptions" blog reported the treatment "involves taking a sample of skin cells called fibroblasts, which make collagen, from behind the person's ear." Next, the "sample is sent to the company's laboratory, where the fibroblasts are multiplied in cell culture, a process that takes 11 to 22 weeks." Finally, "the cells are then sent back to the doctor, who injects them into the smile lines, (or frown lines), which are technically known as nasolabial folds."

AFP (6/23) reports, "Fibrocell said the FDA approval came after two phase III randomized, double blind trials of 421 patients who received either laViv or a placebo in three treatments about five weeks apart." AFP reports, "In one study, 57 percent of patients on laViv saw an improvement compared to 30 percent who received the placebo treatment, according to a summary of the research published by the New York Times. In the other, 45 percent of patients receiving laViv thought they looked better afterward, compared to 18 percent in the control group." Medscape (6/22, Brooks) also covered the story.

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Men Undergoing More Cosmetic Procedures

2011-09-15T17:11:00.000-04:00

Men Underwent 1.2 Million Cosmetic Procedures In 2010.

The Washington Post (6/21, Tamura) reports, "Men had 1.2 million cosmetic procedures last year, up two percent from 2009, according to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons." Psychologist Ann Kearney-Cooke, PhD, of the Cincinnati Psychotherapy Institute, explained that "society is much more image-conscious, and male patients from their mid-30s through their 60s say looks are important to both social and professional success," particularly in a tight and highly competitive job market.

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Dyport Over Botox

2011-09-11T17:07:00.001-04:00

AbobotulinumtoxinA Trumps OnabotulinumtoxinA At Smoothing Crow's Feet Wrinkles.

MedPage Today (6/20, Bankhead) reported, "Crow's feet responded significantly better to treatment with abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport) than with onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox)," according to an article published online June 20 in the Archives of Facial Plastic Surgery. In a study of 90 patients, 77 of which were women, doctors "and patients alike rated the cosmetic results of Dysport superior to those of the comparator (P=0.01, P=0.03, respectively)." What's more, "patients favored the Dysport-treated side of the face by a 2:1 margin during the 30-day split-face trial."

HealthDay (6/20, Mozes) reported that Allergan, the maker of Botox, "issued a statement Monday that challenged the findings on several grounds, which included the small size of the study, the short length of the trial and, most importantly, the dosing ratio the researchers used when deciding how much of each product to use on the patients' faces." Dermatologist Doris Day, MD, of New York City's Lenox Hill Hospital, who was not involved in the study, "also cautioned that the attempt to analytically stack two 'very similar' drugs against one another can pose difficulties." She pointed out, however, that "both drugs are FDA-approved and have good safety track records to date."

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Mouse Study Reveals How Hair Begins Graying.

2011-09-09T18:53:00.000-04:00

Mouse Study Reveals How Hair Begins Graying.

HealthDay (6/16, Dallas) reported that the roots of gray hair "may lie in a particular type of communication between hair follicles and melanocyte stem cells, the cells that make and store the pigments in skin and hair," according to a lab study published in the journal Cell. Using mouse models, the researchers determined that the "lack of Wnt activation in melanocyte stem cells leads to de-pigmented, or gray hair." They also found that "abnormal Wnt signaling in hair follicle stem cells prevents hair re-growth."

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Scar Dressings

2011-09-05T14:01:00.000-04:00

New Silicone Wound Dressing May Reduce Surgical Scars.

The UK's Daily Mail (6/14, Hagan) reported that, according to research published in the Annals of Surgery, "a revolutionary type of wound dressing could reduce scars caused by surgery. The dressing, made from a form of silicone, is stretched over the wound and left in place for up to eight weeks. It works by reducing the tension on the skin that leads to scarring." Researchers from Stanford University have tested the dressing in pigs and "on a group of nine women who had undergone tummy-tuck surgery, a procedure which normally leaves scars that are both wide and thick." Wounds treated with the new dressing showed considerably less scarring, the study authors reported.

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New Sunscreen Monograph

2011-09-01T13:59:00.004-04:00

FDA Issues New Guidelines For Sunscreen Labeling.

The Food and Drug Administration's long-awaited announcement yesterday of significant changes to sunscreen labeling was widely reported both by television and print media. The changes will empower consumers to make better decisions in choosing a product to prevent sun damage as well as reduce overall confusion about sunscreens.

The CBS Evening News (6/14, story 9, 0:30, Pelley) reported, "The government put out new rules today for sunscreens. From now on, the gold standard will be broad-spectrum protection. Manufacturers may put that on the label only if the sunscreen protects [against] ultraviolet B which causes burning and ultraviolet A which causes wrinkling." Both forms of UV rays "cause skin cancer, and only sunscreens with an SPF 15 or higher may claim to lower the risk of cancer."

On NBC Nightly News (6/14, lead story, 2:50, Williams), chief medical editor Nancy Snyderman, MD, explained, "One of the biggest changes is this, a drug facts label showing ingredients and differentiating between products that protect against cancer from those that only prevent sunburn." The FDA's Janet Woodcock, MD, was shown saying, "We've heard from many surveys that we've done this really helps people access information. So we're adding the drug facts box just like is found on other OTC drugs."

On ABC World News (6/14, lead story, 3:20, Sawyer), correspondent Lisa Stark pointed out why the change is so important. "Despite the explosion of sales of sunscreens, there's also been an explosion of skin cancer," as evidenced by the fact that "cases of the most deadly kind of skin cancer, melanoma, increased 45% between 1992 and 2004," particularly in young people. Ronald Moy, MD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology, was shown saying, "Now, melanoma's the most common form of cancer for young adults in their late 20s."

In a follow-on analysis piece on ABC World News (6/14, story 2, 1:15, Sawyer), chief health and medical editor Richard Besser, MD, explained that the action taken by the FDA on sunscreen labeling was "done five years ago" by European regulators. Besser suggested that consumers looking for sunscreen should examine "the UVB number. I recommend 30, at least. That will protect you against that. But for UVA, you need to go to" a list put together by Consumer Reports specifically for products "tested for UVA. By next year you'll be able to trust the labels for everything."

The AP (6/15, Perrone) reports that beginning next summer, if sunscreens do not protect against both UVA and UVB rays, "or the sun protection factor is below 15," then sunscreens must "carry a warning: 'This product has been shown only to help prevent sunburn, not skin cancer or early skin aging.'" The AP quotes AAD's Moy as saying, "For the first time, the FDA has clearly defined the testing required to make a broad-spectrum protection claim in a sunscreen and indicate which type of sunscreen can reduce skin cancer risk."

Bloomberg News (6/15, Larkin) reports, "Lawmakers have urged the FDA for more than a decade to revise sunscreen labels to address cancer-causing UVA rays that penetrate deeper into skin cells and aren't blocked by window glass." Unfortunately, "'twenty percent of Americans will develop skin cancer in their lifetime,' said" Moy at yesterday's press conference at FDA's headquarters. "Ultraviolet exposure is the most preventable risk factor for skin cancer."

The Los Angeles Times (6/15, Maugh) reports that the FDA "has been considering such regulations since 1978 and released some proposed rules in 2007, but subsequently concluded that the labeling system under consideration would be too confusing for consumers."

The Washington Post (6/15, Stein) reports that "the agency is barring the use of the term 'sunblock' as well as claims that sunscreens are 'waterproof' or 'sweatproof,' saying those terms are inaccurate." Under the new guidelines, "sunscreen makers will only be allowed to claim that products are 'water-resistant' and will have to specify whether they work for 40 or 80 minutes." Sunscreens "that do not must carry warnings advising people to use a water-resistant product if they are going to be exposed to water or sweat."

On its front page, the New York Times (6/15, A1, Harris, Subscription Publication) reports that FDA "regulators said they had yet to decide whether to end an SPF arms race in which manufacturers are introducing sunscreens with SPF numbers of 70, 80 and 100, even though such lotions offer little more protection than those with an SPF of 50." In fact, the FDA "had proposed allowing manufacturers to use SPF numbers no higher than 50, but that remains only a proposal (pdf) for which the agency will seek further comment." Nevertheless, many dermatologists are enthusiastic about the new rule. "Now, we'll be able to tell patients which sunscreens to get," said Henry W. Lim, MD, a spokesman for the American Academy of Dermatology.

USA Today (6/15, Szabo) reports that currently, "the American Academy of Dermatology recommends both adults and children use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30." It is important to use enough of the product, too. Dermatologist Henry W. Lim, MD, explained that "the average person needs about one ounce of sunscreen – enough to fill a shot glass – to cover the body." Most people use considerably less.

Also covering the story are the UK's Financial Times (6/15, Rappeport, Subscription Publication), the Wall Street Journal (615, D1, Dooren, Subscription Publication), the Wall Street Journal (6/15, Hobson, Subscription Publication) "Health Blog," the Washington Post (6/15, Petri) "ComPost" blog, the Star-Ledger (6/15, Todd), the CNN (6/14, Willingham) "The Chart" blog, the Columbus Dispatch (6/15, Jacobson), the NPR (6/14, Thrasybule) "Shots" blog, WebMD (6/14, DeNoon), HealthDay (6/14, Reinberg), MedPage Today (6/14, Walker), and Reuters (6/14). An FDA webcast of the press conference announcing the rule is available for viewing here.

Myrtle Beach Dermatologist Says FDA Rule Is Insufficient. On its website, WPDE-TV Myrtle Beach, SC (6/14, Theis) reports, however, that a local dermatologist "says the dermatologist community was disappointed with the outcome of the regulations released today. 'Many doctors were hoping for more clarity in the muddled confusion of SPF, oxides, and other ingredients that often can confuse consumers,'" says Dr. Robert Bibb of Waccamaw Dermatology. He adds that doctors wanted a measurement system on sunscreen labels enabling consumer to understand a product's effectiveness in blocking UV-A rays. "SPF is B-rays only," he notes.

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Physician Provides Advice On Detecting Melanoma Early.

2011-08-30T13:41:00.000-04:00

Physician Provides Advice On Detecting Melanoma Early.

In the Huffington Post (6/14), Glenn D. Braunstein, MD, chairman of the Department of Medicine, Cedars-Sinai, wrote, "There were 114,900 new cases of melanoma diagnosed nationwide last year, with almost 8,700 of those fatal, reports the Skin Cancer Foundation." But, "when the disease is caught in its earliest stages (Stage IA), the outlook is good, with 97 percent or so of patients surviving after five years and 95 percent surviving after 10 years." Unfortunately, "advanced melanoma (Stage IV) that has spread through the body leaves far fewer survivors, with less than 20 percent surviving after five years and 15 percent after 10 years." For that reason, people should not only use sunscreen, avoid tanning, and undergo regular skin examinations, but should also familiarize themselves with the ABCDEs of melanoma: asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolving.

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Pets and Childhood Allergy

2011-08-27T13:43:00.003-04:00

Early Exposure To Pets Unlikely To Boost Children's Allergy Risk, Study Finds.

The Los Angeles Times (6/13, Stein) "Booster Shots" blog reported that although many parents "nix the idea of getting a pet when their children are young for fear of kicking off an allergic response," researchers found that having a "dog or cat in the house" may actually provide a protective effect, according to a study in the journal Clinical & Experimental Allergy. Researchers followed 565 children "from birth until age 18," paying particular interest to "pet exposure in the first year of life, and at other stages throughout childhood and adolescence." They also looked at the number of years in which children "lived with a pet that stayed indoors at least half the day," as well as the parents' allergy history; and whether the child was delivered "via C-section or vaginally."

According to HealthDay (6/13, Gordon), the investigators found that the first year of life "appears to offer the greatest" protection: Living with a "dog before age one year was associated with about half the risk of developing a dog allergy in boys," and exposure to cats "before turning one was associated with about a 48 percent reduction in risk for girls and boys."

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Aging Mechanisms

2011-08-24T13:40:00.003-04:00

Study Offers Insight Into Mechanism Of Aging.

The CBS Evening News (6/13, story 6, 2:25, Pelley) reported, "Today researchers at the National Institutes of Health are reporting an important new clue as to why some of us age more rapidly than others." CBS (Andrews) added that research by NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins "on why these children [with progeria] age so rapidly is revealing the genetic root of why aging happens at all. Children like Zach are born with an excess of the cell-destroying protein called progerin. Dr. Collins learned we all have small amounts of progerin and progerin has an on switch." NIH Director Dr. Francis Collins was shown saying, "We've learned what the signal is that turns that on in you and me." Andrews continued, "Dr. Collins believes anti-aging therapies will be possible one day," adding "The discovery is changing the way many scientists view the very biology of how we get old." A text version of this segment is available on the network's website.

WebMD (6/13, Doheny) reported that Collins said, "We have learned something fundamental about the way your cells and mine are programmed to have a limited life span," adding, "It looks like it is not just a passive process." The new research, published in The Journal of Clinical Investigation, examined "the interaction between the mutant protein known as progerin and telomeres." The researchers found "found that the same mechanism or pathways may help explain both the rare condition and normal aging."

The Wall Street Journal (6/13, Marcus) "Health Blog" reported that while aging appears to be an active process, with progerin making sure old cells die, it still isn't known how the telomeres signal progerin production, how such signals could be stopped, and if stopping them would have negative side effects, such as cancer. Reuters (6/14, Steenhuysen) also covers this story.

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oxybenzone safe!

2011-08-21T13:37:00.001-04:00

Report: Exposure To Oxybenzone Through Normal Sunscreen Use Is Safe.

The New York Times (6/14, D5, O'Connor, Subscription Publication) "Really?" column takes on the claim that oxybenzone, "a chemical in sunscreen, absorbed through the skin, may be even more hazardous than the sun's rays." A study in rats concluded that animals consuming large doses of the substance developed side effects, such as abnormal growth of the uterus. However, "in March, researchers at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center in New York published an independent report examining all the evidence on the subject and concluded that the alarming findings from early animal studies relied on unrealistic dosages" that human beings would never encounter while using sunscreen. The column concludes, "Exposure to oxybenzone, through normal sunscreen use, is safe, studies find."

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Sun and Infants

2011-08-20T09:52:00.001-04:00

Too Much Sun Exposure May Be Especially Harmful For Infants.

The Time (6/10, Rochman) "Healthland" blog reported, "Too much time in the sun may be especially harmful for Baby, according to a review of new insights by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) into the importance of protecting young skin." Sunscreen may be applied to "babies six months and older," AAP guidelines say, but parents "should also practice sun avoidance, especially for kids under six months old, which means staying out of the sun during the hottest parts of the day -- 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.," and dressing the little ones in "protective clothing."

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Cancer and Psoriasis

2011-08-18T09:50:00.002-04:00

Cancer Patients May Have Worse Prognosis If They Previously Had Psoriasis.

MedWire (6/10, Guy) reported that, according to a study published online in the British Journal of Dermatology, "patients with cancer have a worse prognosis -- indicated by a greater cancer-specific and overall mortality excess -- if they have previously had psoriasis, compared with those who have not had the skin condition." After comparing "cancer-specific and overall mortality rates in a cohort of 1,746 previously psoriatic cancer patients and 1,011,757 cancer patients without psoriasis," researchers found "for all cancers, there was a significant survival disparity between those with previous psoriasis and those without, with a 1.27- and 1.26- fold increased risk among the former group for overall and cancer-specific mortality, respectively, during the study period."

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Shingles and Multiple Sclerosis Link

2011-08-15T16:29:00.000-04:00

Shingles Outbreak May Nearly Quadruple Risk Of Developing MS.

The Los Angeles Times (6/9, Maugh) "Booster Shots" blog reported, "A shingles outbreak can nearly quadruple the risk of developing multiple sclerosis (MS) in the following year," according to research published online June 7 in the Journal of Infectious Diseases. After studying 315,550 adults with herpes zoster and 946,650 matched healthy controls, then following them for a year and adjusting for confounding factors, Chinese "researchers found that the group with herpes zoster outbreaks was 3.96 times more likely to develop MS than the control group," with MS developing on average approximately 100 days following the shingles outbreak. An accompanying editorial "argued that the research should be corroborated in other regions of the world."

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Wrinkling and Bones

2011-08-14T16:18:00.001-04:00

Worse Wrinkling Associated With Lower Bone Density.

In continuing coverage, the Los Angeles Times (6/8, Cevallos) "Booster Shots" blog reported, "Deepening smile lines and crow's feet just might indicate weak bones, a risk for future fractures," according to research announced this week at an endocrinology meeting. For the study, Yale University researchers "peered at wrinkles on the faces and necks of 114 post-menopausal women and compared them to bone mass and density from X-ray and ultrasound measurements." What they found was "the worse the wrinkles, the lower the bone density."

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Nuts OK to infants?!

2011-08-11T15:20:00.001-04:00

Giving Allergenic Foods To Babies May Not Cause Wheezing, Eczema Later.

Reuters (6/8, Joelving) reports that, according to a study published online June 6 in the Archives of Pediatrics & Adolescent Medicine, giving an infant nuts, milk from a cow, or other allergenic foods before the age of six months appears not to precipitate eczema or excessive wheezing as the child grows. After following some 7,000 babies until the age of four, then adjusting for confounding factors, such as maternal smoking, researchers found no indication that eggs, milk, or nuts were associated with eczema and wheezing later in childhood.

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Women Better Melanoma Survivors

2011-08-08T15:15:00.000-04:00

Analysis Suggests Women Are More Likely To Survive Malignant Melanoma.

MedPage Today (6/7) reported that women with a malignant melanoma are "less likely to die or to have the cancer progress," according to findings presented at a medical conference. The analysis of "outcomes data from seven European clinical trials," which included more than "6,700 patients," showed that compared with men, women with localized disease had a "hazard ratio of 0.70 for death, compared with 0.81 and 0.83, respectively, for those with stage III and IV disease." Similarly, women with localized disease had a "hazard ratio for progression of 0.69, while those with stage III and IV disease had hazard ratios of 0.86 and 0.79," respectively; and women with localized and stage III disease had "hazard ratios for the time to distant metastasis of 0.69 and 0.87," respectively. The researchers suggest the "observed discrepancy has been behavior. 'Men wait too long to see their doctors, so they come in with thicker tumors and a worse prognosis.'"

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Sun Damage During Year 1

2011-08-05T10:04:00.002-04:00

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Sun Damage During First Year Of Life May Increase Later Risk For Skin Cancer.

WebMD (6/6, Mann) reported, "The changes that lead to skin cancer may actually begin during baby's first year, when an infant's skin is most vulnerable to burns and sun damage, according to a new report in the July issue of Pediatrics." At that time in a child's life, the skin is still developing and is more easily damaged by ultraviolet rays. For that reason, experts urge parents to keep babies and toddlers indoors during the hours of 10 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and to apply sunscreen liberally to children before going outside, paying particularly attention to "ears, nose, and scalp." Because little children have sensitive skin, parents should perform a patch test first before trying out a new sunscreen on them. Finally, the sunscreen chosen should block both UVA and UVB rays.

Weaker Bones May Mean More Wrinkles

2011-08-02T09:39:00.000-04:00

Having More Wrinkles Associated With Lower BMD.

MedPage Today (6/5, Fiore) reported, "In a cross-sectional analysis, having more wrinkles was associated with having lower bone mineral density (BMD; P<0.01)," according to research presented at a press briefing at the Endocrine Society's annual meeting. In a study of 114 patients, researchers "found that more skin wrinkling was associated with having lower bone density at the spine, femoral neck, and total body (P<0.01 for all)." In addition, "having more glabellar wrinkles on the forehead was related to lower bone density at the femoral neck (P=0.033), while increasing skin rigidity at the face and the forehead was tied to stronger bones at the hip and spine (P<0.001)."

HealthDay (6/4, Mozes) reported, "Because poor bone density can lead to broken bones, a link between wrinkles and bone density -- if confirmed -- might prompt development of an inexpensive way to identify postmenopausal women at highest risk for fractures," the study authors theorized. The investigators pointed "out that a possible relationship between bone and skin health could be rooted in the fact that the two share the same building blocks -- proteins called collagens." And, "age-related collagen changes, they noted, could explain both the wrinkling and sagging of skin and a simultaneous deterioration of bone quality and quantity."

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Pore Size

2011-07-30T13:30:00.001-04:00

http://www.nytimes.com/2011/06/02/fashion/many-seek-to-minimize-enlarged-pores-for-a-flawless-look.html

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Noisy Operating Rooms

2011-07-28T13:27:00.001-04:00

Noisy Operating Rooms Associated With Increased Risk For Surgical Site Infections.

HealthDay (6/2, Dallas) reported, "Noisy operating rooms appear to put patients at greater risk for surgical site infections," according to a study published in the July issue of the British Journal of Surgery. After examining "35 patients who underwent planned, major abdominal surgery, taking into account demographic parameters, the length of their surgery and the level of noise in the operating room," researchers also found that "these surgical site infections...are associated with longer, more costly hospital stays."

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"Porexia"

2011-07-26T14:48:00.000-04:00

Article Discusses Treatments For "Porexia."

In "Skin Deep," the New York Times (6/2, E3, Saint Louis, Subscription Publication) reports, "Like home renovators who overhaul the kitchen only to then find fault with the master bath, some dermatology patients feel that, once their wrinkles are relaxed and their brown spots treated, their pores stand out. Such is the level of worry that doctors have nicknamed the condition 'porexia.'" Dermatologist Mary Lupo, MD, of the Tulane University School of Medicine, explained, "Instead of looking at the global picture, they overfocus on an individual component of the picture." Unfortunately, the size of pores is genetically determined and grows as people age. Some dermatologists treat patients with big pores with an Isolaz machine, an FDA-approved device for the treatment of mild and moderate acne.

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Melanoma Vaccine

2011-07-24T14:47:00.001-04:00

Vaccine For Advanced Melanoma Yields Promising Results During Phase 3 Trial.

HealthDay (6/1, Goodwin) reported that for patients with advanced melanoma, a "vaccine combined with an immune-boosting drug is showing promise," according to the results of a Phase 3 clinical trial published in the New England Journal of Medicine. In the trial, which was "conducted at 21 care centers," researchers randomized "185 patients with metastatic melanoma" to receive either the vaccine "followed by interleukin-2" or interleukin-2 alone. They found that roughly "16 percent of those given the vaccine/interleukin-2 combination saw their tumors shrink by 50 percent or more, compared to six percent given interleukin-2 alone."

MedPage Today (6/1, Smith) reported that progression-free survival was "longer in the vaccine group -- 2.2 months versus 1.6 months -- and the difference was significant at P=0.008. ... Grades 3 to 5 toxic effects were 'consistent with the expected side effects' in patients getting high-dose interleukin-2," the researchers noted, with one exception: The vaccine patients experienced "increased rates of arrhythmias." WebMD (6/1, Goodman) also covered the trial results.

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New Antidynamic Approved

2011-07-22T10:34:00.000-04:00

FDA Approves IncobotulinumtoxinA For Frown Lines.

Medscape (7/21, Brooks) reported that the FDA has approved "incobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin, Merz Aesthetics)" for treating frown lines. The FDA has previously approved incobotulinumtoxinA for treating cervical dystonia and blepharospasm. Cosmetic dermatologist Oscar Hevia explained that "what is novel about incobotulinumtoxinA...is that it is free from complexing proteins and does not need refrigeration before reconstitution." It has a shelf life of up to three years, unrefrigerated. IncobotulinumtoxinA is not interchangeable with botulinim toxin products, and is contraindicated for people hypersensitive to botulinim toxin A, or suffering infections at injection sites.

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Tanning and Melanoma

2011-07-21T14:06:00.000-04:00

People Who Use Tanning Beds More Likely To Develop Melanoma.

The Chicago Sun-Times (5/31, Szabo) reported that "since 1992, rates of melanoma -- once considered an old person's disease -- have risen three percent a year in white women 15 to 39, the American Cancer Society says." Unfortunately, "people who have used tanning beds are 74 percent more likely than others to develop melanoma, a 2010 study shows." For that reason, among others, "the American Medical Association, American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Dermatology and World Health Organization all have called on states to ban children under 18 from tanning salons."

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Sunscreen Users More Likely To Experience Damaging Sunburns.

2011-07-18T15:34:00.000-04:00

Some Sunscreen Users More Likely To Experience Damaging Sunburns.

WebMD (7/14, Goodman) reported, "People who say they vigilantly apply sunscreen are more likely to experience painful, damaging sunburns," according to a study published in the journal Cancer Causes & Control. After analyzing "information on more than 3,000 white adults that was collected through the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey," then adjusting for confounding factors, researchers found that "people who said they frequently used sunscreen...had 23% greater risk of multiple sunburns in the past year, compared to people who said they seldom used the stuff." The study authors theorized that people are not using enough sunscreen to protect themselves properly.

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High Deductible Plans

2011-07-18T14:04:00.000-04:00

High-Deductible Health Insurance Plans' Popularity Has Spiked.

USA Today (5/31, Kennedy) reports, "In 2007, about 4.5 million people had high-deductible plans, but by 2010, 10 million people had signed up for the plans, according to an America's Health Insurance Plans survey of its members. In exchange for a high deductible -- a maximum $3,000 deductible for individuals and a $6,000 deductible for families, for instance -- people can save about $85 to $100 a month on premiums. 'People are choosing higher deductibles for lower premiums,' said Karen Ignagni, president of America's Health Insurance Plans." A Rand Corporation study "found that even as health care costs continued to rise, people on high-deductible plans paid substantially less than did those on traditional plans."

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Dead Sea and Psoriasis

2011-07-15T13:36:00.001-04:00

Dead Sea Climatotherapy May Benefit Patients With Plaque Psoriasis.

MedWire (5/27, Guy) reported that, according to a study published online in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, "Dead Sea climatotherapy (DSC) is not only highly effective for treatment of plaque psoriasis, but has the greatest effect on early- versus late-onset forms of the disease." After reviewing "the records of 605 plaque psoriasis patients treated between 2003 and 2007," researchers also found that "overall, DSC was considered successful in an 'impressive' 73% of all cases."

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Skin Neurons

2011-07-13T18:44:00.002-04:00

Researchers Convert Human Skin Cells Into Functioning Neurons.

BBC News (Bowdler) reported that, according to a study published in the journal Nature, researchers claim to "have managed to convert human skin cells directly into functioning brain cells." For the study, "the scientists used genetically modified viruses to introduce four different 'transcription factors' into foetal skin cells." The investigators "found the introduction of these four transcription factors had the effect of switching a small portion of the skin cells into cells which functioned like neurons."

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Tea, Coffee May Reduce Risk Of MRSA.

2011-07-13T16:32:00.000-04:00

Tea, Coffee May Reduce Risk Of MRSA.

Bloomberg News (7/12, Lopatto) reports, "People who consumed tea and coffee carried methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, in their noses half as often as those who didn't, according to a study released today in the Annals of Family Medicine." Researchers do not know the mechanism behind reduced MRSA colonization, but suggest it may be due to the steam from hot beverages entering people's noses. According to the CDC, MRSA kills about 15,000 people a year. The researchers say that "if the findings hold true in further studies, coffee and tea may prove inexpensive ways to keep MRSA to a minimum in the population."

WebMD (7/11, Mann) reported that scientists acknowledge more research is needed. NYU Langone Medical Center director Philip Tierno remains skeptical, pointing out that "tea and coffee do have antimicrobial properties, but antibiotics, which have massive microbial properties, don't work at eliminating MRSA."

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Parkinson's Melanoma Link

2011-07-11T10:00:00.001-04:00

Parkinson's Disease Patients May Have Twofold Higher Melanoma Risk.

Reuters (6/6, Grens) reported that patients with Parkinson's disease have twice the risk for developing melanoma, according to the results of meta-analysis published in the June 7 issue of the journal Neurology. Reuters quoted lead researcher Dr. Honglei Chen from the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences as saying, "It's prudent for Parkinson's patients to be more cautious about their skin health." The NIEHS supported the study.

HealthDay (6/6, Reinberg) reported that the researchers reviewed "12 epidemiologic studies dating from 1965 through 2010." Although most of the studies "reported fewer than 10 cases where both conditions occurred," the study team found that "men with Parkinson's disease were twice as likely to develop melanoma as men without Parkinson's disease," while for women, the melanoma risk was 1.5 times "greater if they had Parkinson's" than those without the neurological disorder. Considering that both conditions "are relatively rare, the odds of having Parkinson's disease and melanoma are only about four percent," the authors concluded. WebMD (6/6, Mann) also covered the study.

According to MSNBC (6/7, Golen), the researchers noted that the melanoma link was "bidirectional," as it was more "common in patients both before and after the onset of Parkinson's. .... 'It is unlikely that one disease has caused the other, but there is shared risk factors for both,'" said the study's lead author. These factors could be "environmental or genetic," he added.

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SunScreen Data

2011-07-10T08:00:00.002-04:00

EWG: More Than Half Of Sunscreens On The Market Don't Provide Adequate UVA Protection.

In continuing coverage, the San Francisco Chronicle (A1, Fimrite) reports on its front page, "More than half of the sunscreens on the market do not provide adequate UVA protection, and many of them actually contain hazardous ingredients, according to an analysis of 292 national brands and 1,700 products by the nonprofit Environmental Working Group (EWG)." Researchers from EWG said "the problem...is that the sunscreen industry has taken advantage of lax federal regulations and allowed a marketing Wild West to develop. Many products with high sun-protection factor, or SPF, ratings contain bad ingredients, and companies use unsubstantiated claims about their effectiveness to market them, the group said."

"Since the Food and Drug Administration doesn't regulate sunscreen, the EWG says, it's up to the consumer to suss out what's safe," the Time (Melnick) "Healthland" blog reported. And, according to the EWG, "60% of sunscreens on the American market wouldn't pass Europe's more stringent regulations."

Consumer Reports Magazine Evaluates Sunscreens. WebMD ( Doheny) reported, "Nine of 22 sunscreens tested by Consumer Reports Health earned a 'recommended' or 'Best Buy' rating in the organization's latest evaluation," which was released yesterday and will appear in the July issue of Consumer Reports magazine. "All nine got excellent marks for protection from UVB rays (which cause sunburn) even after water immersion. All provided very good protection against UVA rays, which penetrate deeper and are linked with aging and tanning." Sunscreens receiving the "Best Buy" rating were Up & Up Sport SPF 30, No-Ad with Aloe and Vitamin E SPF 45, and Equate Baby SPF 50.

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Tea, Coffee May Reduce Risk Of MRSA.

2011-07-06T16:32:00.000-04:00

http://www.bobbybukamd.com/Tea, Coffee May Reduce Risk Of MRSA.Bloomberg News (7/12, Lopatto) reports, "People who consumed tea and coffee carried methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, or MRSA, in their noses half as often as those who didn't, according to a study released today in the Annals of Family Medicine." Researchers do not know the mechanism behind reduced MRSA colonization, but suggest it may be due to the steam from hot beverages entering people's noses. According to the CDC, MRSA kills about 15,000 people a year. The researchers say that "if the findings hold true in further studies, coffee and tea may prove inexpensive ways to keep MRSA to a minimum in the population." WebMD (7/11, Mann) reported that scientists acknowledge more research is needed. NYU Langone Medical Center director Philip Tierno remains skeptical, pointing out that "tea and coffee do have antimicrobial properties, but antibiotics, which have massive microbial properties, don't work at eliminating MRSA." http://www.drbobby.com/ http://www.wbderm.com/ http://www.williamsburgderm.com/

Zombies and Emergency Preparedness

2011-07-06T09:48:00.002-04:00

CDC Blog Uses Zombies To Generate Interest In Disaster Preparedness.

The New York Times (5/20, A13, McNeil, Harris, Subscription Publication) reports that a CDC public health blog was recently updated with "instructions on coping with a zombie apocalypse." The agency recommends preparing for zombies invasions, hurricanes or pandemics by having an emergency kit, which "includes things like water, food, and other supplies to get you through the first couple of days before you can locate a zombie-free refugee camp." This "idea, said David Daigle, a CDC spokesman whose portfolio includes disaster response, came up as they were discussing how to make the agency's annual 'It's Hurricane Season Again' press release a little sexier."

The Los Angeles Times (5/20, Khan) "Booster Shots" blog reports, "Preparing for disasters has always been part of the mission of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, from hurricanes to flu pandemics." In order to attract public attention to disaster preparedness advice, Dr. Ali S. Khan, an assistant surgeon general with the CDC and head of its office of Public Health Preparedness, along with other agency staff, decided to include recommendations for surviving a "zombie apocalypse."

The Washington Post (5/20, Bell) says in a blog posting, "The CDC has decided that if you're prepared for a Zombie Apocalypse, you're prepared for any emergency." The agency's blog posting on the subject "includes a series of badges and recommendations on what to do in case flesh-eating zombies take over the world. The steps are pretty simple: prepare an emergency kit, make a plan for evacuation routes and family meeting spots, and be prepared by following CDC alerts on Twitter."

The USA Today (5/20) "Science Fair" blog quips, "Never let it be said that the doctors at the Centers for Disease, Control and Prevention lack a sense of humor -- or the sense to find a fun way to teach Americans about emergency preparedness. Hence today's most excellent CDC offering: Preparedness 101: Zombie Apocalypse."

Also covering the story are Reuters (5/20, Marsh), the Chicago Tribune (5/20, Dizikes), NPR (5/20, Hensley) "Shots" blog, CBS (5/20, Freeman) on its website, the Forbes (5/20, Gibbs) "Technobabble" blog, New York Daily News (5/20, Mandell), Chicago Sun-Times (5/20, Thomas), and Deseret Morning News (UT) (5/20, Collins).

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Obesity in Childhood Leads to Psoriasis

2011-07-01T19:04:00.001-04:00

Obesity In Childhood May Increase Risk Of Developing Psoriasis.

The Los Angeles Times "Booster Shots" reported, "Obesity in childhood significantly increases the risk of developing psoriasis, and psoriasis may increase the risk of cardiovascular disease later in life by increasing cholesterol levels," according to a study published in the Journal of Pediatrics. For that reason, "patients with psoriasis early in life should be monitored for early signs of cardiovascular disease and given therapy to reduce the risk of later heart attacks and stroke, a team from Kaiser Permanente" suggested. Researchers arrived at these conclusions after examining "electronic health records of 710,949 ethnically diverse children."

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Teledermatology

2011-06-29T14:58:00.000-04:00

Study Argues Teledermatology Should Not Substitute For A Total Body Skin Examination.

Medscape (5/16, Barclay) reported, "Among suspicious skin lesions referred to dermatologists, only one-fifth are cancerous, but dermatologists have identified other incidental lesions, approximately half of which are malignant, according to the results of a" study published in the May issue of the Archives of Dermatology. In a retrospective study involving 400 patients, the investigators concluded, "The use of teledermatology to assess a specific lesion of concern may be associated with underdiagnosis of clinically significant lesions that are not appreciated by the referring physician." They added, "Therefore, teledermatology must not be used as a substitute for a total body skin examination." HealthDay (5/16, Salamon) also covered the story.

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Shingles Vaccine

2011-06-25T11:16:00.002-04:00

Shingles Vaccine Difficult To Find.

The AP (5/13) reported, "A vaccine exists to reduce the risk of shingles in certain age groups, but there are many obstacles to obtaining the shot." The "Food and Drug Administration approved the vaccine Zostavax in 2006 for use in people 60 and older, and earlier this year the agency OK'd the shot for ages 50 and up." However, "some medical facilities are waiting until action by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention before agreeing to provide the vaccine to people 50 to 59." The Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices, which makes vaccine recommendations to the agency, will discuss the topic next month. Also, physicians' offices often do not carry the vaccine because "the vaccine is covered under Medicare Part D (with some exceptions) but not Medicare Part B." Other obstacles include the high cost of the vaccine and supply shortages.

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Daily Aspirin May Prevent Melanoma.

2011-06-24T13:02:00.000-04:00

Long-Term Use Of Daily Aspirin May Prevent Melanoma.

MSNBC (6/23, Carroll) reported, "An aspirin a day may keep melanoma at bay," according to a new study. "After scrutinizing the medical records of 1,000 people, an international team of researchers have determined that the risk of melanoma was cut by almost half when people took a daily dose of aspirin for at least five years." Interestingly, "there was also a hint that other NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen (marketed as Advil and Motrin) and naproxen (Aleve), might reduce melanoma risk if taken regularly over a long period of time."

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Nano Nontoxic

2011-06-22T11:14:00.003-04:00

Sunscreens Containing Nano-Sized Titanium Dioxide Particles Appear To Be Nontoxic, Effective.

MedWire (5/13, Albert) reported that, according to a study published in the June issue of the International Journal of Cosmetic Science, "recently developed sunscreens containing nano-sized titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles are likely to have better efficacy than older creams containing micron-sized TiO2 particles, with no increase in toxicity." Researchers from the Food and Drug Administration came to this conclusion after evaluating "the effects of the two types of TiO2 particles in sunscreen in terms of ultraviolet (UV) light attenuation, product stability, and possible skin barrier damage." Specifically, "they tested uncoated TiO2 with a primary particle size of 21 nm (nanoscale), coated TiO2 with a primary particle size of 50 nm (nanoscale), and submicron, coated TiO2 with a primary particle size of 250 nm (microscale)."

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Eczema and Mercury

2011-06-20T13:58:00.001-04:00

Environmental Mercury Exposure May Increase Adult Atopic Dermatitis Risk.

MedWire (5/27, Albert) reported that, according to a study published in the journal Environmental Research, "exposure to environmental mercury may increase a person's risk for developing adult-onset atopic dermatitis (AD)." In a study of "1,990 randomly selected Korean people aged 20 years or above" who underwent blood tests and who filled out a questionnaire on their medical history, researchers found that "individuals in the highest (greater than 6.04 µg/l) versus the lowest (less than 3.56 µg/l) tertile of blood mercury concentration were 50% more likely to have a lifetime history of AD."

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vitamin d and calcium reduces melanoma incidence

2011-06-19T13:17:00.003-04:00

Calcium, Vitamin D Supplementation Appears Not To Reduce Overall Incidence Of Nonmelanoma Skin Cancer In Women.

MedPage Today (5/9, Bankhead) reported, "Calcium and vitamin D supplementation did not reduce the overall incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC) in women, although those with a history of NMSC did see a 57% risk reduction for melanoma," according to research presented at an investigative dermatology meeting. Overall, in the study of some "36,282 postmenopausal women, who were randomized to 1,000 mg of calcium and 400 IU of vitamin D daily and followed for seven years," researchers found that "the supplements afforded no protection against nonmelanoma skin cancer or melanoma."

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Vitamin D and Obesity

2011-06-16T19:43:00.003-04:00

Low Levels Of Vitamin D May Be Common In Obese Adolescents.

HealthDay (5/4, Preidt) reported, "Low levels of vitamin D are common in obese adolescents," according to a study published in the May issue of the Journal of Adolescent Health. For the study, "researchers screened 68 obese adolescents and found low vitamin D levels in all of the girls (72 percent were deemed deficient and 28 percent insufficient) and in 91 percent of the boys (69 percent deficient and 22 percent insufficient)." The study authors "called for closer monitoring of vitamin D levels in obese adolescents and for more research to determine if restoring normal vitamin D levels could help reduce the health risks associated with obesity."

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Botanical Trouble

2011-06-13T13:14:00.000-04:00

Supplements Given During First Year Of Life May Spur Allergies.

In "Vital Signs," the New York Times (5/10, D6, Rabin, Subscription Publication) reports, "Nearly one in 10 babies are given supplements or plant-based teas to soothe colic or help with teething during the first year of life, even though the products are unproven and may contain contaminants or spur allergies," according to a study published in the journal Pediatrics. To reach these conclusions, "the researchers drew data from the Infant Feeding Practices Study II, a survey of women in late pregnancy and through their babies' first year of life. Conducted by the Food and Drug Administration and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention from 2005 to 2007, the study included a nationwide sample of 2,653 healthy mothers and newborns."

Rhinitis, Eczema In Childhood Associated With Adult Asthma. MedWire (5/9, Cowen) reports that, according to a study published online in the Journal of Allergy and Immunology, "a combination of eczema and rhinitis in childhood is associated with a significantly increased risk for new-onset atopic asthma in middle age and persistence of childhood asthma to adult atopic asthma." After examining "data on 1,383 individuals who were recruited at the age of 6-7 years in 1968 as part of the Tasmanian Longitudinal Health Study, and who were followed up at the age of 44 years," researchers estimated that "29.7% of persistent atopic asthma cases and 18.1% of new-onset atopic asthma cases in their study could be attributed to childhood eczema and rhinitis."

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2011-06-10T19:39:00.002-04:00

Experts Provide Caveat To Sunscreen-Melanoma Study Findings.

Medscape (5/4, Mulcahy) reported, "In the past year, sunscreen was shown -- for the first time -- to prevent melanoma in one of the only randomized controlled trials ever conducted on this subject." However, "there is a caveat about the results that has important public health implications and was not highlighted in the original study, according to a letter published online April 4 in the Journal of Clinical Oncology." People who participated in the trial were middle-aged Australians whose sun exposure occurred during the course of their daily activities. In other words, their sun exposure was incidental, not intentional, as would be the sun exposure of dedicated beachgoers. Therefore, the authors of the letter say that "white people in other parts of the world should not interpret the study results as a 'green light' to tan on the beach."

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Lyme Disease

2011-06-06T19:37:00.001-04:00

Lyme Disease May Spur Certain Cognitive, Psychiatric Symptoms In Some Patients.

The AP (5/5) reported that Lyme disease "can affect different organ systems, including those of the heart or brain, but is usually associated with symptoms such as arthritis and the expanding red rash said to resemble a bull's-eye." Some physicians say the disease "might also spur certain cognitive and psychiatric symptoms in some patients, but others say there's no hard scientific evidence a link between Lyme disease and some of these problems." Dr. Brian Fallon, director of the Lyme and Tick-Borne Diseases Research Center at Columbia University, said the illness has "been linked to certain psychiatric reactions, including depression, obsession compulsive disorder and anxiety." There were "29,959 confirmed cases of Lyme disease in 2009," according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Lyme Disease Cases Increased 35% In Wisconsin Last Year. The Capital Times (5/5, Doherty) "Vital Signs" blog reported, "The number of people infected with Lyme disease in Wisconsin increased by 35 percent last year, more alarming evidence that this nasty tick-borne illness is on the march here and across the US." According to a statement released by Dr. Henry Anderson, State Health Officer, "Lyme disease cases in the state totaled 3,495 in 2010 compared with 2,587 in 2009." The blog listed tips from Wisconsin officials to avoid tick bites, including: "Use effective tick repellants. The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that adults use repellants with 20-30% DEET on exposed skin and clothing."

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FDA Advisory Panel Endorses Hyaluronic Acid For Lip Augmentation.

2011-06-03T07:32:00.002-04:00

FDA Advisory Panel Endorses Hyaluronic Acid For Lip Augmentation.

Reuters (4/28) reports a Food and Drug Administration advisory panel has endorsed Medicis Pharmaceutical's Restylane (hyaluronic acid) for plumping lips. Restylane is already approved to smooth out facial wrinkles and laugh lines. Some FDA panel members said further study on the injectable gel's impact on young adults.

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Organic Skin Care

2011-06-01T07:11:00.001-04:00

Some Organic Skincare Products May Trigger Allergies.

The New York Times (4/28, E3, Zissu) reports in "Skin Deep" that product labels with "long chemical names can be hard to decipher"; and US labeling laws are "more relaxed than those in Europe and Canada, which mandate clearer warnings of potential allergens." However, most skincare and hair care is "filled with potential allergy triggers," and organic versions "are, to green parents' dismay, among the worst offenders." This could be worrisome for example, "in a lip balm. 'Allergy from ingested tree nuts is a Type I anaphylaxis-type allergy, which can be life threatening,'" said Dr. Maryann Mikhail from Beth Israel Medical Center in New York. More common is a "Type IV, contact allergy -- not 'life-threatening,' Dr. Mikhail said, though it can cause 'horrible eczema.'"

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Isotretinoin Safety

2011-05-30T11:11:00.001-04:00

Acne Medicine Isotretinoin Appears Not To Adversely Affect Sleep, Executive Function.

MedWire (5/13, Albert) reported that, according to a two studies published online in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology, "the acne medication isotretinoin does not adversely affect sleep or parameters of executive function." In two separate studies involving 12 and 63 patients with severe acne, respectively, who were treated with isotretinoin and who underwent neuropsychological testing, researchers found "no adverse effects of isotretinoin on mood or executive function."

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Vitamin D and Multiple Sclerosis

2011-05-27T21:05:00.001-04:00

Low Levels Of Vitamin D Associated With MS.

WebMD (5/23, Warner) reported that, according to a study published May 24 in Neurology, "77% of African-Americans with" multiple sclerosis "were vitamin D deficient compared with 71% of African-Americans without the disease." The investigators reached these conclusions after studying levels of vitamin D in 342 African-Americans without MS and 339 African-Americans with MS. The study authors theorized that "much of the difference in vitamin D levels may be explained by variations in climate and geography, but the findings add further evidence to the growing link between vitamin D and multiple sclerosis risk."

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Tanning Beds

2011-05-26T12:49:00.003-04:00

AAD Survey Finds Young Women Disregard Warnings Linking Tanning To Melanoma Risk.

The Los Angeles Times (5/2, Kaplan) "Booster Shots" blog reported, "When it comes to tanning and health, young women still aren't getting the message," according to a new survey from the American Academy of Dermatology. The Department of Health and Human Services and the World Health Organization have "declared UV a known carcinogen"; and according to the AAD, people who engage in indoor tanning "increase their risk of developing melanoma by 75%." Yet the AAD poll found that "32% of the young women" surveyed had "put themselves in a tanning bed within the past year, with 25% of those tanners saying they had done so on a weekly basis."

According to Fox News (5/2) the survey, which involved "more than 3,800 white non-Hispanic females ages 14 to 22," also found that 81 percent of the women "said they had tanned outdoors either frequently or occasionally in the past year." WebMD (5/2, Hendrick) noted that the tanning appeal increased with age. The survey showed that "18- to 22-year-olds were almost twice as likely to have used indoor tanning than 14- to 17-year-old girls."

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Sunscreens Not the Answer!

2011-05-25T21:04:00.000-04:00

Environmental Working Group: Sunscreens Alone Cannot Prevent Skin Cancer.

The CNN (5/24, Caruso) "The Chart" blog reported that, according to the Environmental Working Group (EWG), "sunscreens alone cannot prevent cancer," a message the group drives home in its latest sunscreen report, encouraging people to stay in the shade, don clothing protective of the sun, avoid being out in the sun from 10 am to 4 pm, in addition to the use of sunscreens. This coming Friday, May 27, has been designated by the National Council on Skin Cancer, one member of which is the American Academy of Dermatology, as "Don't Fry Friday." The council recommends that people who want to prevent sun-related skin damage wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses designed for UVA and UVA protection, and choose sunscreen "products with UVA filters like avobenzone and octocrylene, as well as protection against UVB rays."

WebMD (5/23, Doheny) focused on the EWG's "annual guide to sunscreen products," noting that "just one in five of more than 600 beach and sport sunscreens made the cut," while 11 products were consigned to the Hall of Shame. The EWG advised consumers to avoid using sunscreen sprays because they might be accidentally inhaled. Report co-author Sonya Lunder, MPH, of EWG, explained that "sunscreens with a form of vitamin A known as retinyl palminate -- in about 30% of sunscreens -- should also be avoided because of concerns about it producing skin lesions." In addition, "oxybenzone, which EWG calls a "hormone disrupter,' is another ingredient to be avoided, she says."

AAD's Moy Addresses Health Concerns About Sunscreen Ingredients. In a press release (5/23), AAD president Ronald L. Moy, MD, FAAD, stated, "Contrary to recent reports, available scientific literature and decades of public use does not support a link between oxybenzone in sunscreen and hormonal alterations, or other significant health issues in humans." With regard to retinyl palmitate, a form of vitamin A, "there is no evidence to suggest that use of sunscreen with" the chemical poses a risk for skin cancer. Finally, addressing the fear that nanoparticles found in sunscreens also pose a health risk, Dr. Moy said, "Considerable research on the use of nanoparticles on healthy, undamaged skin has shown that the stratum corneum -- the outermost layer of the skin -- is an effective barrier to preventing the entry of nanoparticles into the deeper layers of the skin."

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Anti-Wrinkle Products

2011-05-22T12:46:00.001-04:00

Efficacy Of OTC Anti-Wrinkle Products Questionable.

The Boston Globe (5/2, Lazar) noted that a primary ingredient in many over-the-counter anti-aging face care products is "retinol, a vitamin A compound that is less potent than another vitamin A derivative, tretinoin, which has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of wrinkles" but is available "only by a prescription." Dermatologists say some OTC creams with "retinol may lessen the appearance of fine lines." But it is hard to determine whether the OTC "products live up to their promises." Although most OTC anti-aging products "are not scrutinized by regulators for effectiveness," approximately "eight dozen companies" are listed on the Food and Drug Administration's "most recent 'Yellow List'" for imported skin care products that "may have 'exaggerated anti aging claims,'" including some "well-known names" such as "Chanel, Elizabeth Arden, Estee Lauder, and Revlon."

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Carcinogenic Hair Straightener

2011-05-20T15:02:00.001-04:00

US Lawmakers Call On FDA To Issue Voluntary Recall Of "Brazilian Blowout" Hair-Straightening Treatments.

The Wall Street Journal (5/17, D3, Athavaley) reports that members of the US Congress, including Jan Schakowsky (D-IL) and Ed Markey (D-MA), earlier this month sent a letter to Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Margaret Hamburg calling for a voluntary recall of two hair-straightening treatments sold in salons under the brand name Brazilian Blowout. The missive cites a 2010 study by the Oregon Occupational Safety and Health Division that found formaldehyde in the Brazilian Blowout Solution and Brazilian Blowout Acai Professional Smoothing Solution. The lawmakers want the agency to test chemical hair straighteners and recall those with high levels of the carcinogen.

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Botox Under 18 Ban

2011-05-20T09:47:00.000-04:00

New Jersey Bill Would Ban Physicians From Giving Botulinum Toxin To Patients Under 18 For Cosmetic Reasons.

The AP (Lederman) reports that the New Jersey Legislature's "Assembly Health and Senior Services Committee approved legislation Thursday to clamp down on doctors injecting people under 18 with botulinum toxin for cosmetic purposes." The AP reports, "Federal and state regulations already restrict the use of Botox on patients under 18. The new legislation would require doctors to document in a patient's chart the non-cosmetic medical reason for performing the procedure on a minor."

The Star-Ledger (Friedman) reports, "Use of Botox on minors for medical reasons would still be allowed, since it is used to treat facial spasms and certain eye conditions. The bill would leave it up to the State Board of Medical Examiners and the commissioner of Health and Senior Services to develop the regulations and set penalties." The Gloucester County Times (Beym) also covers the story.

Seems sad that this legislation is even necessary...BB

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Tan Ban for Minors

2011-05-19T19:45:00.002-04:00

New York Legislators Considering First Indoor Tanning Ban For All Minors.

The AP (5/5) reports that New York state is trying to "become the first to ban indoor tanning for all minors." Russell Sciandra, of the American Cancer Society in New York, "said the current effort is bolstered by a February report by the American Academy of Pediatrics. 'Rates of skin cancer -- including melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer -- continue to rise, even in young people,' the academy found." Therefore, "along with the World Health Organization, the American Medical Association, and the American Academy of Dermatology, the AAP supports legislation prohibiting access to tanning salons or use of artificial tanning devices by children under the age of 18."

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Routine Use Of Antibiotics On Animal Farms Leading To Antibiotic Resistance In Humans.

2011-05-18T11:14:00.001-04:00

Routine Use Of Antibiotics On Animal Farms Leading To Antibiotic Resistance In Humans.

The Los Angeles Times (4/25, Adams) reports that, according to a study published in the journal Clinical Infectious Diseases, Staphylococcus aureus bacteria was found "on 47% of 136 samples of beef, chicken, pork and turkey from 26 grocery stores in five US cities" and that "of those bacteria, 96% were resistant to at least one type of antibiotic and more than half were resistant to at least three." Lance Price at the Translational Genomics Research Institute in Arizona, and colleagues, "concluded that the resistant staph on meat was probably coming from the animals - and not, say, a worker's unclean hands. This seems to point the finger at antibiotic use in agriculture." The Los Angeles Times notes, "calls for restrictions, particularly on antibiotics used to combat human infectious disease, have come from a slew of organizations, including the World Health Organization, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the American Medical Assn and the Union of Concerned Scientists. Yet the practice remains."

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Mysterious Morgellons Disease

2011-05-17T15:06:00.000-04:00

Researchers Find No Physical Explanation For Delusional Infestation.

CNN /Health.com reported that, according to a study published online May 16 in the Archives of Dermatology, physicians now have "firm proof that...infestations -- known as delusional parasitosis or delusional infestation -- are not real." Patients who suffer from the problem "feel a constant creepy-crawly sensation beneath their skin, which they believe is due to bugs, worms, or eggs below the surface." The article also noted, "The CDC recently completed its own study of the condition, which the agency refers to as unexplained dermopathy, but the results have not yet been published."

For the study, investigators performed skin biopsies and examinations on 108 "patients convinced that bugs, worms, or germs had invaded their skin," HealthDay reported. Notably, "the majority of the skin samples showed signs of dermatitis and other skin conditions, such as ulceration or inflammation. Only one skin sample revealed an insect with infestation potential -- a pubic louse."

WebMD (5/16, Mann) reported that dermatologist Donald S. Waldorf, MD, "has developed his own approach to treating these patients," many of whom simply do not want to believe they are suffering from a psychiatric disorder. "Waldorf will often prescribe topical agents to prevent infections from scratching and may suggest steroids to reduce inflammation." If necessary, he may even prescribe an antipsychotic. In the case of many of these patients, he explained that if he told them to consult a psychiatrist, "I will have lost them, so I basically give them support and prevent infection."

Reuters (5/17, Pittman) notes that delusional infestation is also referred to as Morgellons Disease. MedPage Today (5/16, Walsh) also covered the story.

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8 Year-Old Botox Abomination

2011-05-16T11:19:00.000-04:00

San Francisco Agency Investigating Report Of Botox Shots For Eight-Year-Old Girl.

In follow-up coverage of the story of a San Francisco mother who is giving her eight-year-old daughter Botox (onabotulinumtoxin A) shots, the AP (5/14) reported that "an investigation was under way." The AP said "Trent Rhorer, executive director of the San Francisco Human Services Agency, told KGO-TV on Thursday that officials want to talk with Kerry Campbell and her daughter Britney," after the agency "received numerous calls from people concerned about Britney's well-being." The AP notes that the FDA does not recommend Botox injections for people younger than 18.

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Fear Of Skin Atrophy From Topical Corticosteroids Unfounded.

2011-05-13T08:07:00.001-04:00

Fear Of Skin Atrophy From Topical Corticosteroids Unfounded.

WebMD (4/21, Goodman) reported, "Proper use of corticosteroid ointments to treat childhood eczema does not appear to damage or thin skin over time," according to a study in Pediatric Dermatology.

MedPage Today (4/21, Smith) reported that investigators "studied 70 children with atopic dermatitis or eczema-psoriasis overlap who had used topical corticosteroids for at least three months and whose condition was under 'excellent control.'" In the dermatitis group, investigators rated skin atrophy at three sites treated with topical corticosteroids and an untreated self-control site. The control group was made up of 20 children who had never used corticosteroid ointments but had been referred to the dermatology facility for noninflammatory conditions. The investigators looked at same sites in the control group as in the dermatitis group. "The researchers found: neither investigator observed any atrophy in any of 280 sites from the dermatitis group or 88 sites from the control group; Grade 1 telangiectasia was observed in several patients, all located on the inside of the elbows; but there was no significant difference between the groups;" and "no patient had evidence of striae, atrophic scars, or purpura."

HealthDay (4/21, Preidt) reported the Pediatric Dermatology study shows "long-term use of topical corticosteroids to treat children with the skin condition known as eczema doesn't cause any major negative side effects." During the study, "all of the children were assessed for signs of corticosteroid-related side effects" and the researchers found that "there were no differences between the children receiving the medication and those in the control group."

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Thyroid Link to Acne

2011-05-10T13:54:00.003-04:00

Women With Acne May Be More Likely To Have Thyroid Autoimmunity Than Healthy Controls.

MedWire (5/6, Albert) reported that, according to a study published online in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology, "women with acne may be more likely to have thyroid autoimmunity than healthy controls." In a study of 107 adult women with acne, "following measurement of C-reactive protein (CRP) and various thyroid hormones and antibodies, the team found that significantly more of the women with acne had raised (>40 U/ml) antithyroglobulin antibodies (anti-TG) than the controls, at 25.2% versus 8.3%." Notably, "this translated to a significant 3.89-fold increase in risk for having high levels of anti-TG in acne patients versus healthy controls independent of age."

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More Americans Move Toward High Deductible Plans

2011-05-10T13:50:00.001-04:00

Analysis Finds High-Deductible Plans Do Not Deter People From Medical Care.

Modern Healthcare (4/18, Vesely, Subscription Publication) reported that the RAND group and Towers Watson concluded from examining the first year of high-deductible health plans used by 59 big companies that low-income or chronically ill people are no more likely to skip getting medical treatments than wealthier and healthier patients in such plans. The study focused on claims data from some 360,000 families nationally between 2003 and 2007. The study appeared in the online journal Forum for Health Economics & Policy.

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Baldness Cure?

2011-05-09T19:41:00.001-04:00

Some Men Experimenting With Eyelash-Enhancement Drug As Baldness Treatment.

The New York Times (5/5, E3, Quenqua, Subscription Publication) reports in "Skin Deep" that "a growing number of men [are] experimenting with Latisse [bimatoprost ophthalmic solution] as an antidote to encroaching baldness." Manufactured by Allergan, "the drug has already won a following among women for helping them grow long, fluttery eyelashes." Therefore, "it was only a matter of time before it made the leap to denuded pates." The drug is not approved for such a use by the Food and Drug Administration, but some dermatologists are now prescribing it off-label.

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New Drug for Eczema

2011-05-09T13:53:00.000-04:00

Apremilast May Benefit Patients With Moderate Or Severe Atopic Dermatitis.

MedPage Today (5/8, Bankhead) reported that, according to research presented at an investigative dermatology meeting, "half of patients with moderate or severe atopic dermatitis had at least 50% improvement in disease status when treated with an oral phosphodiesterase inhibitor" called apremilast. In fact, "overall, the mean Eczema Activity and Severity Index (EASI) score declined from 24.8 at baseline to 16.2 at the end of the study (P=0.002)" that involved 16 patients. What's more, "pruritus and disease-related quality of life also improved significantly."

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High Priced Branded Meds

2011-05-05T12:00:00.001-04:00

Physician: Americans Should Stop Purchasing High-Priced Drugs.

In a letter to editor in USA Today (4/14), Dr. Nick Benton of Corvallis, Oregon, writes that if Americans "still spent only 10% of our gross domestic product on healthcare, the price would be sustainable long term. The problem is that our healthcare spending is now up to about 17% of GDP." Dr. Benton writes, "Here is a simple solution. Let's just say no to the ridiculous price of new drugs and technology. If we do, companies will lower the price."

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Scraped Knees Should be Kept Hydrated!

2011-05-02T12:39:00.001-04:00

Keeping Wound Covered, Moist May Help Prevent Scarring.

The Los Angeles Times (4/17, Delude) discussed the efficacy of various creams sold over the counter to reduce the appearance of scars. Unfortunately, "there's little evidence that they work any better than inexpensive petroleum jelly." In fact, "a 2009 study in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology...found a huge gap between the advertised benefits of over-the-counter scar products and the clinical evidence that they actually work." What's more, "several articles in a March supplement of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology show that antibiotic ointments do not aid in healing or reduce the risk of infection -- but they do raise the risk of antibiotic resistance." Dermatologists recommend that a good way to minimize scars from forming is to keep a wound covered and moist, the article explained.

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Passing Genital Herpes without Symptoms infection 10% of the Time!

2011-04-25T12:27:00.001-04:00

It's like Russian Roulette! Be safe please.

Asymptomatic HSV-2 Carriers May Transmit Genital Herpes, Study Finds.

The NPR (4/12, Hensley) "Shots" blog reported, "Researchers at the University of Washington have found just how easily people infected with herpes simplex type 2 virus, which causes genital herpes, can unknowingly pass it on to other people." According to a study published Tuesday in the Journal of the American Medical Association, participants who tested positive for herpes simplex virus type 2 used a swab to collect 'genital secretions' each for 30 consecutive days and kept symptom diaries. The researchers found that "410 people with symptomatic genital herpes and 88 participants who tested positive for infection," showed no symptoms.

The Time (4/12, Melnick) "Healthland" blog noted that on average, the researchers found those "who had had past herpes outbreaks were infectious 20.1% of the time, while the asymptomatic group was found to be able to transmit the virus 10.2% of time."

According to the Los Angeles Times (4/12, Roan) "Booster Shots" blog, the analysis, "one of the largest studies to date" of people tested positive for herpes simplex virus type 2, also found that virus presence was detected "at least once in 83.4% of the people with symptomatic infection and in 68.2% of people with asymptomatic herpes." The authors say the study shows that even people with asymptomatic herpes type 2 "can transmit it to a sexual partner."

CNN Health (4/13, Harding) notes Richard D. Whitley, MD, the University of Alabama and a past president of the Infectious Disease Society of America, who said everyone should determine whether they have HSV-2. In addition to the risk of "unwittingly infecting sexual partners," Dr. Whitley emphasized that "pregnant women with no symptoms can pass on the virus to their babies with devastating consequences for the newborn, including death." Moreover, HSV-2 infection can cause "complications in people who have weakened immune systems due to chronic disease, and it can increase a person's likelihood of contracting HIV."

The Baltimore Sun (4/12) "Picture of Health" blog reported that the study authors "said condom use, drug therapy and disclosure of the disease to partners can help curb the spread of herpes." HealthDay (4/12, Gardner) pointed out that blood tests to "detect HSV-2 became widely available in 1999, making it easier for people to find out if they have genital herpes even if the infection isn't active." The study was also covered by AFP (4/12), WebMD (4/12, DeNoon), and MedPage Today (4/12, Neale).

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Sugar Is A Skin Toxin?

2011-04-22T12:13:00.001-04:00

Expert Makes Case That Sugar Is A Toxin.

In a lengthy article, Gary Taubes, a Robert Woods Johnson Foundation independent investigator, discusses in the New York Times (4/17, MM47, Taubes, Subscription Publication) claims made by pediatric hormone disorder specialist and childhood obesity expert Robert Lustig, MD, of the University of California-San Francisco School of Medicine, who makes a "persuasive case...that sugar is a 'toxin' or a 'poison,'" including high-fructose corn syrup. Should Lustig prove to be right, then Americans' "excessive consumption of sugar is the primary reason that the numbers of obese and diabetic Americans have skyrocketed in the past 30 years," and the sweet substance "is also the likely dietary cause of several other chronic ailments widely considered to be diseases of Western lifestyles -- heart disease, hypertension, and many common cancers among them."

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Derms without Ties

2011-04-20T12:24:00.001-04:00

Few, that was a close one...!

Survey Suggests Fewer Patients Expect Their Dermatologist To Wear A Tie.

Reuters (4/13, Grens) reports that, according to a survey published in the April issue of the Archives of Dermatology, only about 20% of 176 new adult patients attending a dermatology clinic and the moms and dads of some 248 children attending a pediatric dermatology clinic said they wanted their male doctors to wear a tie. However, more than 50% of those same adults survey believed their dermatologist should wear a white coat. Interestingly, only a quarter of the parents of the pediatric dermatology patients wanted the dermatologist to wear a white coat.

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What are the best foods for healthy skin?

2011-04-19T14:09:00.000-04:00

From the Mayo Clinic, Lawrence E. Gibson, M.D.

Research on the best foods for healthy skin is limited. Still, antioxidant-rich foods seem to have a protective effect for the skin. Consider these skin-friendly foods:

Carrots, apricots and other yellow and orange fruits and vegetables
Blueberries
Spinach and other green leafy vegetables
Tomatoes
Beans, peas and lentils
Fish, especially salmon
Nuts

On the flip side, some foods seem to be associated with skin damage. For example, some research suggests that a diet high in fat and carbohydrates promotes skin aging. Remember, many of the best foods for healthy skin also promote good health overall. Rather than focusing on specific foods for healthy skin, concentrate on a healthy diet in general. Drink plenty of water. Eat more fruits and vegetables. Trade red meat for fish. Choose low-fat or fat-free dairy products. Include nuts, seeds and beans in your favorite meals. Opt for whole-grain breads and pasta. Limit sweets. Strive for variety as you're making healthy choices.

Click here to get your skintastic diet started in time for summer with my favorite, affordable personal chef, SakaraLife.

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E! News

2011-04-19T09:21:00.000-04:00

Giuliana Rancic from E! News talks to us about cutting-edge lasers we use to prime your skin for summer.

http://fabfitfun.com/luxurious-lasers

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Foo Fighters at Ed Sullivan Theater

2011-04-13T12:24:00.000-04:00

Thank you, Dave, for brilliant passes to the show tonight. Definitely Foo Fighters at their best.

http://www.cbs.com/late_night/liveonletterman/foo_fighters/video/

The tight Beatles ties were worth the extra sweat. Safe flight home and wear your new FAB 5-1 Sunscreen in LA.

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Linear Epidermal Nevus

2011-04-12T09:04:00.001-04:00

Linear Epidermal Nevus - Left Leg

Linear Epidermal Nevus (LEN) - This benign lesion is typically present at birth or shortly thereafter. It is said to resemble the ruggous surface of a wart. Although usually asymptomatic, surgical options, like excision or carbon dioxide laser, may be employed to remove the bulk of these lesions safely.

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You, Better! Show

2011-04-07T09:00:00.007-04:00

Dr. Bobby Buka gives the “skinny” on skin health during the You, Better! Show, hosted by Ceslie Armstrong. Click n' see!

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Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Winter Symposium December 2010

2011-04-04T09:09:00.009-04:00

At the Mount Sinai School of Medicine, Winter Symposium December 2010, Dr. Robert Buka leads a dermatology seminar on cutting-edge eczema research and therapy.

See it here!

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Acanthosis Nigricans

2011-03-31T14:45:00.001-04:00

Acanthosis Nigricans - Right Axilla

Acanthosis Nigricans - This condition (in great need of a renaming) appears most commonly in skin of color and usually effects flexural areas like the armpits, groin, and neck. Affected areas are described in velvety in appearance. There is some link to families with a history of diabetes. Very benign and very refractory to treatment, although exfoliants are sometimes helpful to lighten the skin in the area.

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Epidermal Inclusion Cyst (EIC)

2011-03-28T09:00:00.001-04:00

Epidermal Inclusion Cyst (EIC) - These benign cysts can be found anywhere on the body where there are hair follicles. If the base of a hair follicle weakens, it can become dilated. Dead skin, instead of making a clean eggress to the surface, moves retrograde and enlarges the cyst. Sometimes a cheesy white material that smells musty can exude from a central pore overlying the cyst. They are benign, but can sometimes become infected. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice.
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Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis (CARP)

2011-03-22T16:12:00.001-04:00

CARP - upper back

Confluent and Reticulated Papillomatosis (CARP) - Ok, last obscure one for a while. CARP is a condition of unknown cause. It's more common in skin of color and is characterized by a thickening of the epidermis. Treatments range from creams that exfoliate to minocycline. Can be cosmetically unsettling but is always benign.

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Macular Amyloidosis

2011-03-18T09:07:00.001-04:00

Upper Back - Macular Amylodosis

Macular Amyloidosis. Here's an obscure one. See the brown discoloration between the purple pen marks? A condition brought about by vigrous scratching or rubbing, leaves behind this obscure protein called amyloid. Typically found on the upper back. Totally benign, but cosmetically undesireable. A real challenge to treat, but should subside with decreased scratching.

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SPIDER ANGIOMA

2011-03-16T15:07:00.000-04:00

Spider angioma. These vascular lesions are dilations of small blood vessels (capillaries) near the skin's surface. They are never dangerous and tend to be more prominent in sun-exposed areas. One or 2 zaps with the pulsed-dye laser does a nice job of getting rid of these without a scar.

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Acne Scarring

2011-03-11T09:00:00.002-05:00

Acne Scarring - What the inflammation of acne leaves behind in its path (even acne that hasn't been picked!) can be just as emotionally impactful as acne itself. Deep or rolling scars such as these are commonly treated with a mix of technologies ranging from subcision (wherein a needle is introduced underneath the skin to break up fibrous bands), to pulsed-dye laser therapy, to deep dermal chemical peels like trichloracetic acid.

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Freckles

2011-03-07T09:33:00.001-05:00

Ephelids or Freckles. We sometimes use glycolic acid or hydroquinone for these benign lesions, but nothing works quite like the Pulsed Dye Laser. 1 or 2 sessions usually does the trick and takes years off!

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Common Warts

2011-03-02T09:00:00.006-05:00

Back to basics with warts. Hands and feet are usually the most recalcitrant to therapy. Usual therapies begin with liquid nitrogen or excision. 2nd line therapies include candida antigen and the pulsed dye laser. Always benign, always annoying with potential for self-esteem impact.

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Time Out for Medical Ethics in Dermatology - Please Vote!

2011-02-28T09:34:00.002-05:00

A 17y.o. presents to the office with an enlarging abscess on his back. He's a foreign exchange student and claims to have no access to a parent or legal guardian. No one whom he can reach by phone/email in a small town in Upper Mongolia. Your staff tries to reach his exchange program supervisor without success. Federal law prohibits seeing a patient under 18 without parental/guardian consent - typically we require a note from parents in order to see an unaccompanied minor. However, the law also permits physicians to act in an emergency in the patient's best interests, regardless of parental consent. The patient has no fever or evidence of bacteria in the bloodstream. His vital signs and medical hisotry are otherwise unremarkable.

You're the dermatologist...Do you:
A) Practice standard of care and drain the enlarging abscess - this isn't an emergency but may quickly become one if untreated.
B) Take the hard line and refuse to see the patient.
C) Not my problem - send this patient to the ER across the street.
D) Take the middle road and prescribe antibiotics. While not the standard of care for an abscess, maybe this will work and its alot less invasive than incision and drainage.

...Retweet or comment with your answer!...Follow Up to Come.

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