Spread It Thicker

Most children do not apply enough sunscreen to protect themselves before they go outside to play.
In a recent study, children applied on average only a quarter of the amount of SPF 30+ sunscreen recommended by manufacturers. The SPF (sun protection factor) of sunscreen depends on the thickness of application so if it is applied too thinly the skin will have substantially lower SPF than one might expect. This is concerning because sun exposure during childhood has been found to be an important risk factor for future skin cancer.  Experts estimate that regular sunscreen use during early life could reduce one's skin cancer risk by up to 80%.

How Old Is Too Old For A Cosmetic Procedure

According to the most recent statistics from the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, more than 7% of cosmetic and plastic surgery procedures were conducted on patients 65 years and older in 2010. That amounts to nearly 684,768 procedures. Patients aged 51 to 64, comprised more than 28 percent of all procedures, totaling 2,610,240.

Those two demographics represented those least likely to feel embarrassed about having cosmetic surgery, according to a study by the ASAPS. Approximately 77% of seniors and 72 percent of people ages between 51 to 64 years old said they would have no problem telling friends and family if they had a procedure.

As expected, the most popular treatments among both demographics were facelifts, followed by blepharoplasties (eyelid tucks), and liposuction.

For non-surgical procedures, Botox led the way. More than 30 percent of all Botox procedures were given to patients older than 50 years.

Eczema And ED?

A new study  published the Journal of Sexual Medicine reported that men with eczema appear to be at increased risk for erectile dysfunction (ED), compared to men who do not suffer from the skin condition. Researchers found that approximately 11% of men with ED suffered from eczema prior to receiving their ED diagnosis. In contrast, approximately 7% of controls without ED suffered from eczema. The study authors suggested that men with ED had a 60% increased likelihood of having eczema than those without ED.

Washington State Considering Tanning Ban

Proposed legislation in Washington state would prohibit the use of indoor tanning beds by anyone under 18. California passed a similar bill last year, becoming the first state to ban tanning beds for all minors because of concerns over possible health hazards such as melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer.
Ten other states restrict teenagers as old as 16 from using tanning beds without permission from their parents. Nine others besides Washington are considering legislation this year that would ban all minors from tanning salons. Washington currently has no age restrictions on indoor tanning beds. Under the proposal, salons would be expected to check IDs.

Smoking And Psoriasis

Smoking has long been thought of as a risk factor for psoriasis. A new study published online by the American Journal of Epidemiology followed about 186,000 men and women for 12 to 20 years and found that current smokers had nearly double the risk of developing psoriasis, compared to those who had never smoked. In addition, past smokers' risk was 39% higher than that of non-smoking participants for developing psoriasis in the study.

More tanning salons than Starbucks in America!

According to ABC news, tanning is a huge, booming business. But "nearly two years ago, the FDA's own experts, along with pediatricians and dermatologists, recommended a ban on indoor tanning for minors. But the tanning lobbyists have spent nearly $500,000 since, defending the industry's health claims. And, so far, no FDA action," despite the fact that "there is no safe indoor tan."

Does The Tanning Salon Industry Lie?

A secret-shopper study by House Democratic staffers found that tanning-salon employees routinely lied about the risks of indoor tanning, and frequently provided misleading informationsuggesting that tanning had health benefits. The investigative report, commissioned by the Energy and Commerce Committee minority staff, involved interviews with 300 salons around the country. Staffers posed as 16-year-old, fair-skinned girls, and asked salons whether tanning was safe, whether it caused cancer specifically, and how often they should visit, among other questions. The study found that salons routinely gave inaccurate information, with some 90% saying that tanning posed no risks to health.  Studies have clearly shown that the risk of melanoma goes up 75% when tanning bed use begins before the age of 30.

Psoriatic Arthritis May Be Helped With Early, Aggressive Treatment

A new review published in the Journal of the of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons noted that psoriatic arthritis can be helped with early aggressive treatment, including biologic therapy. Up to 30%of patients with psoriasis of the skin also suffer from psoriatic arthritis. The reported stated that despite higher medication costs, biologic approaches may be cost-effective because they may reduce or delay the progression o crippling joint destruction.

Taking Fish Oil During Pregnancy May Prevent Eczema In Babies

A study published in the British Medical Journal reported that, "taking fish oils during pregnancy could protect your unborn baby from eczema." After studying 706 expectant mothers whose family histories include allergies, scientists found that children whose mothers took omega 3 supplements were a third less likely to develop dry skin conditions.

Look Who's Closing The Market On Jan 31

Play Sun Smart(TM), an organization dedicated to raising awareness about the dangers of skin cancer, will visit the NASDAQ MarketSite in New York City's Times Square. To promote early detection, Play Sun Smart(TM) has teamed up with the American Academy of Dermatology and Major League Baseball for the 14th year to conduct skin cancer screenings of players and employees.

Play Sun Smart is a program sponsored by the American Academy of Dermatology, Major League Baseball, and the Major League Baseball Players Association, to promote early skin cancer detection and to educate the public on skin cancer.