Have Reserachers Found The Trigger For Melanoma Growth?

According to a new study published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, the growth of the deadly skin cancer melanoma may be triggered by the immune system turning on itself! Researchers found that the tumor cells somehow use a component of the immune system itself (called interferon gamma) to turn on a specific molecule in melanoma tumors called B7-H1. B7-H1 is an immune-inhibiting molecule that is able to suppress the body's immune surveillance system and potentially allow for tumor growth.

Can A Wart Cause Skin Cancer?

Human papillomavirus, or HPV, is well known to cause warts in people. A new study found that some types of HPV, may increase the risk of nonmelanoma skin cancers. A review of blood sample records in Norway and Sweden shows that people infected with a certain group of HPVs that make their home in skin cells were 30 percent more likely to develop squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer, over a 30-year period than those not infected with this group of viruses.

How Do Dermatologists Have Fun In The Sun?

Taking care when it comes to exposure to sunlight can help protect you from the most common cancer in the U.S.A. Skin cancer, scientists say, is due to ultraviolet photo damage caused by the sun’s harmful rays. So too much sunlight can spell trouble for your skin.

According to the World Health Organization, one in every three cancers diagnosed is a skin cancer and, according to the Skin Cancer Foundation’s statistics, one in every five Americans will develop skin cancer. The best defense: keeping your skin protected 365 days a year.

The Solution? Consider these key sun protection skin care tips:

• For the face, use one teaspoon of sun protection product.
• For the body, use one shot glass−sized quantity of sun protection product.
• Be sure to reapply every two hours, especially after a swim or workout.
• Remember, UV radiation can go through clothing, windshields, windows, even clouds. Wear SPF as part of a daily daylight defense regimen to help prevent skin cancer, premature aging and photo damage.
• Keep up to date on FDA regulations regarding skin care, which have recently changed.
• Use a trusted skin care line to protect you against the sun

Drug Update: Imagine A World Without Male Pattern Baldness

A group of American researchers reported progress on a possible method of stopping hair loss among men. Researchers have identified a receptor in the scalp, called GPR44, that when blocked stops baldness from happening! Drugs that block this receptor are currently being tested to see how they might slow down, prevent, or even reverse hair loss.

Female Adult Acne? You're Not Alone!

A new study released by the American Academy of Dermatology notes that late-onset or adult-onset acne is becoming increasingly common in women in their 20s, 30s, 40s and even 50s. Approximately 45% of women aged 21-30 had clinical acne, 26% of women aged 31-40 had clinical acne, and 12% of women aged 41-50 had clinical acne. Your dermatologist can help find the best treatment for you!

Can Your Hairdresser Detect Skin Cancer?

Skin cancer is now the most common form of cancer affecting humans worldwide, with majority of these lesions developing on the head an neck. This is the reason why a number of health experts in the U.K. are calling for hairdressers to be trained in recognizing the signs of skin cancer on their clients. Dermatologists and physicians should not wait for patients with skin cancer to come in when it may be too late! We need to use outreach methods to improve early detection of head and neck melanomas and capitalize on the unique relationship hairdressers have with their clients.

Indoor Tanning Worse Than Sunburns For Melanoma

According to a study presented at the American Academy of Dermatology Annual Meeting, indoor tanning might be a more reliable predictor of invasive cutaneous melanoma than outdoor sunburns. The new findings are based on the Minnesota Skin Health Study. Researchers examined 1167 cases of melanoma diagnosed from 2004 to 2007 and 1101 control subjects. Four UV risk factors significantly associated with melanoma were identified including: outdoor lifetime sunburns, indoor tanning, frequency of indoor tanning, and burns from indoor tanning. In comparing these, outdoor lifetime sunburns became much less significant than indoor tanning frequency.

Sun Protection Up, But Sunburns Not Down

A presentation at the annual meeting of the American Society of Preventive Oncology revealed that sun protective measures became more common between 2000 and 2010. However, a corresponding decrease in sunburns was not observed, according to an analysis of national data. Overall among women, staying in the shade, using sunscreen, and wearing clothing to the ankles increased significantly over time by 5%, 6%, and 5%, respectively, between 2000 and 2010. Similarly, among men, staying in the shade, sunscreen use, and wearing clothing to the ankles increased by 7%, 2%, and 5%, respectively. However, the overall prevalence of sunburn did not change significantly over those years. In 2010, 51% of women and 49% of men reported having at least one sunburn in the past year. Researchers believe that by continuing to create environments that support protective behaviors and by changing social norms regarding tanning and tanned skin will ultimately have an impact on the rates skin cancer development.

Women Who Used Tanning Beds May Have Higher Risk Of Skin Cancer

According to a study in the Journal of Clinical Oncology, women who use tanning salons have an increased risk of skin cancer. Data from nearly 730,000 nurses followed for 20 years revealed that women who used tanning beds in their youth were more likely than others to develop skin cancer, particularly basal cell carcinoma.

What Is Your State Doing To Protect Teens From Tanning?

Eighteen states are now considering measures banning the use of indoor tanning devices for those under 18, while five more are weighing increased regulation, such as requiring parental consent. Approximately 30 million people, including 2.3 million teens, use indoor tanning devices each year, according to the American Academy of Dermatology. Indoor tanning is undeniably linked to increased risk of developing skin cancer, including melanoma, the deadliest form. Make sure your state is doing its job to protect you!

Manicure Maven: What You Need to Know About Gel Nail Polish

A manicure with gel nail polish has the reputation of lasts two weeks or more! For many, this is the long lasting solution also seems better than acrylic nails which often permanently damages nails. But there are a few things to keep in mind before trying this new technique:

1. Some gel nail polishes contain a chemical called methyl acrylate which can cause an allergic skin reaction, called contact dermatitis. Wherever the chemical comes into contact with the skin, a rash may develop. The rash from methyl acrylate is usually red, itchy, bumpy and uncomfortable. It may last a week or longer. 
2. The chemical, butylated hydroxyanisol (BHA), which is considered a cancer-causing agent, is found in some (not all) gel nail polishes. Although it is not known exactly how much exposure you need for cancer to develop, it's important to be aware of this connection.
3. Gel nail polish is set or cured with ultraviolet light. The ultraviolet light is essentially an intense exposure to sunlight. If you are exposed to ultraviolet light for four to eight minutes every two weeks when you have a gel manicure, that can add up to significant exposure and potential lead to the development of skin cancers on the hands and fingers.
4. To remove gel polish, your nails are soaked in or wrapped in acetone. Acetone is a very drying chemical and will cause your nail to become brittle and peel after repeated use.
5. The surface of your nail is usually roughed with an emery board before gel polish is applied. This will weaken your nail and lead to breakage and the possibility of infection. 

If you are already sold on gel nail polish, speak to your dermatologist about ways to prevent and combat these potential side effects.

Does Ethnic Background Increase Your Risk Of Scarring After Surgery?

African Americans have a sevenfold increased risk for developing keloid scarring following surgery in the head and neck area compared with Caucasians. According to a study presented at a recent medical meeting, a retrospective chart review of 6,692 patients who had head and neck procedures requiring incisions between 2005 and 2009, revealed that the rate of keloid scarring was 0.8% in African Americans, 0.1% in Caucasians, and 0.2% in other ethnic groups.

Have a Happy and Sunburn-free Spring Break!

Sanova Dermatology wants to wish everyone a happy and healthy break from school and work. If you're heading south to the beach and sun, please remember to protect yourself from overexposure. Spring break is one of the most common times to get a sunburn. With a hat and sunscreen, you'll have a fantastic vacation while still protecting your skin!

Beware of Mercury in Imported Skin Creams

The Food and Drug Administration has warned that some skin creams, soaps and lotions that are manufactured overseas and sold in some US shops might contain toxic amounts of mercury. The FDA has identified 35 potentially poisonous products, which include goods made by the brands Diana, Stillman's, Lusco and Crema Aguamary, that are manufactured abroad and sold illegally in the US, typically in stores catering to Latino, African-American, Asian and Middle Eastern communities. Mercury poisoning can cause tremors, changes in vision or hearing, memory problems, depression, irritability, and other symptoms. The FDA does not allow mercury in drugs or in cosmetics, except under very specific conditions, which these products do not meet.

Smoking During Pregnancy May Increase Baby's Eczema Risk

According to a study presented at the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology's annual meeting, a mother's exposure to tobacco smoke during the last three months of pregnancy may increase the risk that her child will develop the allergic skin condition eczema during infancy. After examining 1,400 infants between 2 and 18 months of age, researchers found that eczema rates were significantly higher among children who had been exposed to smoke during their mother's third trimester than among children who had no smoke exposure.

Chemical vs. Physical Sunscreens

We now know the skin's own photoprotection mechanisms are usually not sufficient to protect against ultraviolet radiation for the sun. This UV radiation can result in damage like sunburn, changes in DNA, cell death or cell abnormalities.

Sunscreen therefore is of critical importance. There are 2 basic types of sunscreen: chemical and physical lotions.

Chemical screens are capable of absorbing UV rays and quenching the radiation so it cannot damage the skin.

Physical sunscreens, on the other hand, reflect reflect the UV rays, similar to a mirror.

Whether you choose a chemical or physical sunscreen, make sure the preparation protects against both UV-A and UV-B rays, to ensure you get the maximum sun protection.

Vitamin A Supplements To Reduced Melanoma Risk?

Research published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology suggests vitamin A supplements may be linked to a reduced risk of melanoma. When analyzing melanoma risk among 69,634 people, participants who took vitamin A via supplements were noted to be about 40% less likely to develop melanoma than those who did not.

20% Of Body Piercings May Become Infected

According to a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology, researchers have found that the wildly popular fashion statement, body piercing, is relatively safe, although about 20% of piercings become infected. Patients with piercings in a variety of areas, including the ear, nose, mouth, nipple, navel and genital area of both men and women, were examined. Researchers found that infections, although treatable, were the most common complication. Allergies and scarring were also observed.