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."