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.