Black Diamonds Can Sparkle Too!

The Winter Holiday Season is often synonymous with family getaways and vacations. While many head down to the the sun and sand, others prefer the the fun and challenge of the ski slopes. Even those who enjoy the snow and powder need to remember to protect their skin against harmful UV rays. In fact, the sun's reflection off snow and ice can cause sunburn and significant damage to your skin. Whether you're headed to the double black diamond or bunny hill, remember to cover up, apply sunscreen, and protect your skin and eyes from dangerous UV rays on the hills!

Cancer Survivors May Be At Increased Risk For Melanoma

A study published in the December issue of the Archives of Dermatology has found that survivors of non-skin cancers also may have an increased risk of melanoma. Investigators found that patients previously diagnosed with melanoma had the highest risk for getting melanoma again. Other cancers that put patients at risk included ocular melanoma, breast cancer, prostate cancer, lymphoma and leukemia. If you have a history of melanoma or other cancer, make sure you get your skin checked regularly by a dermatologist.

Increased Skin Cancer Risk In Women Who Smoke

A new study published online in Cancer Causes Control has found a link between tobacco use and skin cancer. Researchers found that women who had squamous cell skin cancer were more likely to have smoked than those who were free from the disease. Women who smoked at least 20 years were twice as likely to develop squamous cell skin cancer.

IBD Paients May Be At Increased Risk Of SKin Cancer

According to the results of two new studies published in the November issue of the journal Gastroenterology, some patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) may be at increased risk for skin cancer. Investigators suggest that this is due to their use of certain immunosuppressant drugs used to treat the intestinal disorder. Specifically, IBD patients using thiopurines had a significantly increased risk of non-melanoma skin cancer. The second study found that men with Crohn's disease may already be at increased risk for basal cell carcinoma. The use of thiopurines seemed to increases this risk in this study.

Facial Blemishes May Influence Success Of A Job Interview

According to a study published online in the Journal of Applied Psychology, "birthmarks, scars and other facial blemishes may make it harder for people to land a job." In a study involving 170 people conducting sham job interviews, researchers found that "the more the interviewers' attention was distracted by facial blemishes, the less they remembered about the job candidate and the lower they rated them." A second experiment involved 38 full-time managers who "conducted face-to-face interviews with job candidates who had a facial birthmark. All the managers had experience interviewing people for jobs but were still distracted by the birthmarks."

US Doctors to Counsel Youth to Avoid UV Rays.

The United States Preventive Services Task Force has proposed guidelines suggesting that physicians, particularly primary care physicians, talk to young people with fair skin about protecting themselves from the sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays. This comes just months after the World Health Organization, along with the American Academy of Dermatology and other medical groups, called for a ban on indoor tanning. Don't wait until the damage is done. Start protecting your skin today!

Hiding Psoriatic Nails with Purple Nail Polish? Try Indigo.

According to a new study published in the journal Dermatology, application of indigo naturalis ointment, extracted from the leaves of indigo-bearing plants such as Baphicacanthus cusia and Polygonum tinctorium, may improve the symptoms of nail psoriasis. In the study, 28 patients with nail psoriasis applied one drop of the extract to their affected nails twice a day for 24 weeks. Researchers found that the patients Nail Psoriasis Severity decreased significantly from baseline. The investigators suggested that indigo naturalis extract could be an effective treatment for psoriatic nails.

Concerned About Crow's Feet? Try Soy!

A soy-derived supplement called may help smooth crow's feet around the eyes. In a new study involving 101 women who were past menopause, researchers found that individuals who took a soy-derived supplement experienced some smoothing of the wrinkles around their eyes. Women in who were treated with a placebo in the study did not.

Tanning Beds Further Linked To Skin Cancer Risk

According to new research presented at the AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Cancer Prevention Research, the more you use a tanning bed, the higher your risk of deadly skin cancers. Investigators found that for every four visits per year to a tanning booth, the risk for basal and squamous cell carcinoma increased 15% and the risk for melanoma rose 11%. Researchers also found that using tanning booths in the younger age range, during high school and college, had a stronger effect on cancer risk.

A Coffee-A-Day Keeps the Skin Cancer Away!

According to research presented at the American Association for Cancer Research International Conference, drinking coffee was associated with decreased risk of developing basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. Data from two studies that followed 72,921 people between 1984 and 2008, and 39,976 people between 1986 and 2008, found that people who drank more than three cups of coffee had a 9-20% reduction in risk for basal cell carcinoma. Drinking decaffeinated coffee did not have any effect on skin cancer risk, which leads researchers to suspect caffeine cold be the key ingredient.

Melanoma Shortens Life by 20 Years

According to new estimates of the cancer's health and economic burdens by the Center of Disease Control in the United States, melanoma skin cancer cuts life short by an average of 20 years, and mortality from the disease costs $3.5 billion annually in lost productivity. A person who died of melanoma during 2000 to 2006 lost more than $400,000 in lifetime earnings, $100,000 more compared with a person who died of another type of cancer.

Outdoor Workers May Have High Risk For Developing Skin Cancer

Outdoor workers have a significantly high risk for developing basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer. A new study published in the September issue of the British Journal of Dermatology performed a systematic review of 24 studies examining occupational ultraviolet light exposure and skin cancer occurrence. After comparing the data from all the studies, researchers found a 1.43-fold increased risk for BCC among outdoor workers. Regular use of sun screen and sun protective clothing amongst outdoor workers could certainly help reduce this risk.

Women Losing Hair Due To Genetic Factors

Aside from hair loss caused by the hormonal changes of menopause, the American Academy of Dermatology reports that 30 million women in the United States are losing their hair due to genetic factors. Thyroid disease, medication side effects and diet also can cause it. Current estimates say that one in four women experiences thinning hair. The so called Female Pattern Hair Loss can be a devastating problem form women. Your dermatologist can advise you how to prevent and potentially reverse this process.

Breast Feeding and Childhood Eczema

Breast feeding has numerous benefits for a child's health and well being. Some have even suggested that breast feeding can help with a child's skin as well. A new report published in the British Journal of Dermatology may have disproved this claim. The study examined data data from 51,119 children aged 8 to 12 years in 21 countries in Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America, and found that those who were exclusively breast-fed for four months or longer were as likely to develop eczema compared to those who were breast-fed for shorter periods of time. Apparently, exclusively breast-feeding infants for four months or longer does not protect them against developing the itchy skin disorder known as eczema in childhood.

Melanoma Most Common Form Of Cancer In Young Women

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, melanoma skin cancer incidents have increased for at least 30 years and the rate among white women aged 15 to 39 has grown by an average of three percent a year for the last 20 years. Melanoma is now considered the most common form of cancer for women aged 25 to 29, and the second most common for females 15 to 30. It so happens that this is also the prime age range of tanning salon customers!

Despite the warnings and growing body of scientific evidence, young women continue to go to tanning salons, in part, some experts say, because the tanning salons play down the scientific evidence and play up the benefits of vitamin D from ultraviolet rays. Why people still consider a "bronzed look" to be desirable is unclear with so many people being affected by skin cancer.

High Vitamin D Levels Associated With Skin Cancer

According to a study published in the Archives of Dermatology, individuals with higher levels of vitamin D appeared to have a higher risk of developing the basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, the two most common types of skin cancer. High levels of Vitamin D are observed in individuals who get significant amounts of sun exposure. The study authors cautioned, however, that people should not stop taking vitamin D supplements for its other health benefits. The safest way to get vitamin D is from your diet rather than from the sun.

The Tanning Addiction

"People who frequently use tanning beds experience changes in brain activity during their tanning sessions that mimic the patterns of drug addiction," according to a study appearing in the journal Addiction Biology. Investigators discovered that several parts of the brain that play a role in addiction were activated when the subjects were exposed to UV rays. Tanners' brains showed activation of regions associated with pleasure and reward. Light filtered to block those harmful UV rays did not produce these changes. Tanning might ultimately be proven to be as addictive as drugs or alcohol, with its own detrimental effects.

Low-Carb Diets may Improve Acne

Patients suffering from acne often wonder what foods could be causing them to breakout. Typically, patients blame unhealthy diets of fast food, snacks and sodas as culprits. A new study suggests there may be some science behind these chocolate bars and french fry fears.

A new report suggests that, theoretically, people with acne may have high insulin levels in their blood. These high insulin levels could contribute to the development of acne through hormonal influences. Eating foods with a low glycemic index that are favored by low-carbohydrate eating plans could help control blood sugar and insulin levels. This in turn could decrease the hormonal stimulation that leads to acne development. The investigators therefore suggest that low-carbohydrate diets may improve acne.

New Publication!

Dr. Adam Mamelak published a new study that appears in August 2011 edition of the journal Dermatologic Surgery. His study directly directly compares patients treated for skin cancer in Ottawa, Ontario with a similar group in Houston, Texas. Surprisingly, the skin cancers were found to be 3 times bigger and the Canadian patients required much more complicated surgery compared to the American patients. "It is generally accepted by all physicians and healthcare providers that with time and if left untreated, cancers will grow!" says Dr. Mamelak. The authors suggest improving access to care in Ontario and decreasing wait times for surgery could directly improve the health of Canadians.

A Link Between Warts and Skin Cancer?

Warts are troublesome and stubborn infections caused by different subtypes of the human papillomavirus (HPV). However, a new study in the British Journal of Dermatology noted that infection with certain subtypes of HPV significantly increased the risk for developing additional skin cancers in patients who already had a skin cancer history. A higher incidence of squamous cell carcinoma skin cancer was seen in infected patients compared to non-infected patients.

Infantile Hemangiomas Safely Treated with Blood Pressure Medication

Infantile hemangiomas are benign growth composed of blood vessels that can appear shortly after birth. Parents are often concerned and distressed when their child develops one of these as some have the potential to be disfiguring. A new study has shown that the beta-blocker blood pressure medication Prpanolol can affectively shrink these growths, significantly improving their appearance. Of th 40 children treated between the ages of 11 weeks to 5 years, there were no significant side effects so the treatment appears very safe.

A Future of Painless Sunburns?

In a new report in the journal Science Translational Medicine, researchers identified the protein that is responsible for triggering the pain and redness in sunburned skin. The protein, called CXCL5, summons inflammation-causing immune cells to the sun-damaged skin leading to pain and swelling. Blocking CXCL5 reduced sunburn-pain in animal models. While protecting yourself with sunscreen and sun-protective clothing is still the best approach to maintaining healthy skin, this research suggests that new therapies with the potential to alleviate pain should you get a sunburn may be on the horizon.

What's In Your Glove Box?

A study in the Journal of American Academy of Dermatology found that people who spend a lot of time in the car are more likely to get skin cancers on the side exposed to sunlight during driving. People get a tremendous amount of sun exposure while driving. Some ultraviolet light wavelengths can penetrate window glass putting us at risk during our commutes. Even inside cars, wearing sunscreen is advised for maximum protection.

Self-Detection Not As Effective As Physician Screening For SKin Cancer

High-risk patients have a better chance of beating skin cancer if they see a dermatologist sooner than later. While many people know enough about the dangers of skin cancer to check their skin periodically, physicians are much better at noticing subtle changes. This was confirmed in a new study published in the Archives of Dermatology which revealed that self-detection was not as effective as screenings performed by doctors for detecting melanoma.

Nevertheless, self-examination is critical in diagnosing melanomas early. Increasing education for patients in recognizing melanoma signs and symptoms by performing skin self-examination will hopefully change these outcomes and allow patients to become as good as physicians in detecting skin cancer at an early stage. Talk to your physician or dermatologist about the best way to screen your skin.

New Treatment for Psoriasis: Weight Loss?

Dramatic improvement in psoriasis was noted in two patients who underwent gastric bypass surgery, according to a study published in the July issue of the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Roux-en Y gastric bypass surgery was performed in two obese female patients with severe plaque psoriasis. In both cases, the patients reported an improvement in their psoriasis after surgery, with the second patients' body surface area involvement reducing to just 9%. Investigators theorized that chronic inflammation experienced by obese patients may explain the association between psoriasis and obesity. Weight loss may therefore play a role in treating psoriasis in overweight patients.

Wearing Flip-Flops, Baseball Caps May Increase Risk Of Skin Cancer

Flip-flops and baseball caps often define one's wardrobe in the summer. But there is a problem with these summertime fashion staples. Caps and sandals often leave the tips of the ears and the tops of the feet dangerously exposed to sun damage. The potential for skin cancers in those areas are real, especially on the tips of the ears. These areas of the body are frequently overlooked when people apply sunscreen and have little protection against the sun's rays.

Certain Allergies May Reduce Risk Of Skin Cancers

A recent study been published in British Medical Jounral that has suggested people with allergies to common metals and chemicals are less likely to get skin cancers. This study supports the immunosurveillance hypothesis, which says that people with allergies have immune systems that are more viligant at patrolling the body and eliminating transformed cells, therefore reducing the risk of cancer.

Women with Skin Cancer may benefit from Vitamin D and Calcium

Many experts have pointed to the role of Vitamin D in preventing the development of cancer. At this time, Vitamin D and calcium have not been found to reduce the overall rate of melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer in post-menopausal women. However, a study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology found that in women with history of non-melanoma skin cancer, calcium plus vitamin D supplementation reduced the risk of developing a subsequent melanoma. This suggests a potential role for these supplements in female patients that have a history of skin cancer.

Increased Risk of Skin Cancer in Transplant Patients

Heart transplant patients are four to 30 times as likely to develop skin cancer as healthy people, according to a study published in the American Journal of Transplantation. Patients living closer to the equator and with fairer skin are at highest risk of developing skin cancer and even dying from them. The study examined skin cancer rates in 6,271 heart transplant patients.

Psoriasis further linked to Alcohol Misuse

A link between psoriasis skin disease and alcohol consumption has long been recognized. According to a new study, patients with moderate to severe psoriasis were shown to have high rates of alcohol misuse. In the June issue of the British Journal of Dermatology, 135 patients diagnosed with moderate to severe psoriasis questioned regarding their alcohol consumption. The study identified 21% of the patients as having difficulties with alcohol, while 32% of individuals had current hazardous drinking habits. These measurements were determined by using two different well recognized scales that measure behavior and alcohol use.

Chronic Itch as debilitating as chronic pain

A new study revealed that chronic, long-term itching, resulting from skin conditions like
eczema, psoriasis and others can be as debilitating as chronic pain. Patients suffering from itch can develop depression, anxiety and sleep problems. Chronic itching seems to be particularly troublesome at night. While skin care regimens and prescription medications are available for these patients, researchers advise developing support systems to help long-term sufferers manage their condition better. Read more here:

http://abcnews.go.com/Health/chronic-itching-interferes-life-chronic-pain/story?id=13867205

UK Teens Getting Far More Unprotected Sun Exposure Than Recommended

The UK's Daily Mail reported that in the UK, "teenagers are lying in the sun for 12 times longer than the recommended limit without using sun cream," according to a survey of some 600 young people between the ages of 13 and 24 conducted by the UK charity Teenage Cancer Trust. The survey also revealed that nearly "half of young people spend up to two hours trying to get a tan without protection, believing it to be safe. But official guidance recommends just ten to 15 minutes of unprotected sun exposure, depending on skin type." Read the full story here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2004466/Teenagers-tan-sun-cream-12-times-longer-recommended-limit.html?ito=feeds-newsxml

Surgical technique offers high skin cancer cure rate, low tissue loss

Using the Mohs technique, dermatologic surgeons can remove skin tumors down to the "roots" while preserving the surrounding healthy tissue. Mohs surgery not only gives you the highest possible cure rate, but it also allows you to restrict the size of the excision to the smallest possible hole. Because dermatologists receive extensive training in pathology, they are able to detect whether the entire lesion has been removed. More patients are opting for Mohs surgery, particularly for cancers on the head and neck where tissue preservation and cosmetic outcome is of utmost importance.

"Skin cancer wait times risk lives"

The results of a new study comparing skin cancers treated in Ottawa compared to Houston Texas was reported today in the Ottawa Sun. Skin cancers in Canada were three times larger than in Texas and required much more extensive reconstructive surgery after the tumors were removed. Do you have access to the best skin cancer treatment? Read more here:

http://www.ottawasun.com/2011/06/11/skin-cancer-wait-times-endangering-lives

Wrinkles might be linked to bone density in post-menopausal women

A new study performed at Yale University suggests an association between wrinkles and bone density. Researchers examined the faces and necks of 114 post-menopausal women and compared them to bone mass and density from X-ray and ultrasound measurements. The results, presented at the Endocrine Society Meeting this week, showed that worse wrinkles were associated with a lower bone density score. In addition, rigid skin was associated with a higher bone density.

Dermatologists see merit in DNA-repair enzymes

Breakthroughs with DNA-repair enzymes and sun damaged skin have recently been reported. Makers of certain sunscreens and cosmetic creams are adding these enzymes to their products to repair DNA damaged skin cells. If skin has been damaged due to sun or environmental exposure, certain enzymes have been proven to heal and protect this type of damaged skin. With enzymes now able to repair sun damaged skin, sun screen may not only reflect damaging rays but also rejuvenate the skin.

New Publication on Skin Cancer in Canada

Congratulations to Dr. Mamelak for his recent publication demonstrating the burden of skin cancer in Ottawa, Ontario. According to the study published in the Journal of Dermatologic Surgery, the skin cancers treated in Ottawa are 3 times the size as those treated in Houston, Texas. Despite our long winters, Canadians need to remember that they are just as susceptible to the sun and harmful UV damage compared to our U.S. neighbors. This study suggests that they might be better able to handle these cancers than we are. It's time to develop more Mohs surgery facilities in Ontario and fight this rising skin cancer epidemic head on.

Are the best treatments available for your skin cancer?

The rate of Mohs surgeries billed to Medicare in the United States for non-melanoma skin cancers, like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, increased by 236% between 1999 and 2009, doubling between 2001 and 2006. The rate of excisions during the same periods also increased but less dramatically. As a cost-effective, outpatient procedure, Mohs surgery is recognized for its exceedingly high cure rates of over 99%, ability to produce superior cosmetic results while sparing healthy tissue in the process. There are only 2 clinics in all of Ontario that offer Mohs surgery. If this is the best treatment for skin cancer, why isn't it available in your region of the province?

Men may hesitate to discuss skin care

"Many men are not comfortable discussing skin care, and dermatologists may need to initiate the conversation with their male patients," says Dr. Miriam Hanson. Men tend to prefer simple, effective skin care regimens and often follow recommendations better if they understand how products such as moisturizers and sunscreens work. "I always try to explain the nature of the skin problem, the goal of any therapy, and the mechanism by which a treatment will get there to all my patients."

Outdoor Workers May Have Increased Risk For Basal Cell Carcinoma Skin Cancer

According to a new study published online in the British Journal of Dermatology, outdoor workers have a significantly increased risk for developing skin cancer compared with indoor workers. In a meta-analysis involving data from some 23 studies, researchers discovered a 40% increased risk for outdoor workers to develop basal cell carcinoma, the most common form of skin cancer, compared with indoor workers. What's more, the analysis showed that the farther away from the equator one lived and the less UV-light exposure one received, there was a decreased risk in developing basal cell carcinoma.

Are you at risk for skin cancer?

Just a few minutes of exposure to UV rays over the course of time can have a profound impact on the look and feel of your skin, as well as your overall health. Research has shown that overexposure to UV radiation (UVR) results in rough spots called actinic keratoses, which may be precancerous skin lesions, as well as premature aging, which causes the skin to become thick, wrinkled, and leathery.

Sunscreens do not cause cancer

The American Academy of Dermatology published a press release on May 23 indicating that, despite recent concerns from in vitro (test tube) studies and one unpublished report using mice, there is no evidence to suggest that retinyl palmitate, a Vitamin A-compound found in many suncreens, increases the risk of skin cancer in patients. Retinyl palmitate is not an active drug ingredient in sunscreen; however it is used for cosmetic purposes as an antioxidant to improve product performance against the aging effects of UV exposure, and/or to enhance product aesthetic qualities. Read more here:

http://www.aad.org/stories-and-news/news-releases/sunscreens-remain-safe-effective-form-of-sun-protection

Young Women, Teens Continue To Tan Regardless Of Health Risks

"Despite warnings about melanoma risk, young women and teens still prefer to tan," according to a survey from the American Academy of Dermatology. The survey found that, "among almost 4000 girls ages 14 to 22, the vast majority (81%) said they sunbathe outdoors either frequently or occassionally." Exposure to UV radiation is the leading risk factor for skin cancer, yet - despite this knowledge - droves of teens and young women are flocking to tanning bed facilities and beaches or pools to tan every year.

UK Fines Teens for Tanning

The Sunbed Regulation Act 2010 now stops people under 18 years of age from using tanning beds in salons, leisure centres, gyms and hotels and fines businesses in England up to 20,000 pounds if they are caught. This comes in direct response to new figures from Cancer research UK that show the rates of melanoma in young people continue to skyrocket. Two Britons under age 25 are diagnosed with melanoma every day, and the current rates of melanoma have tripled in individuals aged 15 to 34 since the late 1970's.

Adult Acne Answers

Dr. Adam Mamelak was interviewed by Elevate Magazine about some of the myths and effective treatment strategies for controlling adult acne. A much more common problem than many appreciate! Read the full story here:

http://www.epaperflip.com/aglaia/viewer.aspx?docid=4b0dcd792fc342a2a0d9319016113421&page=40

More noticing the poor access to skin cancer treatment in Ontario

One community activist recently posted his opinion on the deficiencies of skin cancer treatment and access to care in Ontario. With more provincial funding being dedicated to cancer therapy, why is skin cancer being ignored? Read the full story here in The Ottawa Citizen:

http://communities.canada.com/ottawacitizen/blogs/bulldog/archive/2011/03/05/guest-post-community-activist-gary-ludington.aspx

More docs support the tanning ban

The American Academy of Pediatrics has joined the American Academy of Dermatology, The World Health Organization, and American Medical Association in a call to ban minors from tanning salons. The risks of UV light exposure and developing skin cancer are now well recognized. Read the full story here:

www.cnn.com/2011/HEALTH/02/28/tanning.skin.cancer/index.html?hpt=C2

Victoria first to ban minors using tanning beds - Parentcentral.ca

Victoria first to ban minors using tanning beds - Parentcentral.ca

Things I learned from my mother...

A new study published in the Archives of Dermatology journal reports that most young women first visit the tanning salon with their mothers. With continuing efforts aimed at curbing tanning habits, researchers wanted to know where tanning parlor proprietors first learned to tan. Read the full story here:
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/12/28/the-tans-that-bond/?partner=rss&emc=rss