New Melanoma Drug Shows Promise

The New York Times reports on the Phase 1 clinical trial results of the new melanoma drug PLX4032. This drug specifically inhibits BRAF, a gene often mutated in advanced melanoma cancer. Read the full story here:

http://www.nytimes.com/2010/02/23/health/research/23trial.html?pagewanted=2&ref=health

Acne Treatment on your iPhone?

Don't like putting on creams? Pills not your thing? A dermatologist has developed a new app for the iPhone that might do the trick. The app makes your phone's screen emit red and blue light that treats your skin while making calls. While studies for this specific device are still in the works, light based devices have been used to treat acne in the past with good success. Read more here:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-1249426/iPhone-AcneApp-zap-acne-wrinkles-chat-phone.html

Indoor Tanning is Out!

Still convinced there is such a thing as a healthy tan? Have you been told artificial tanning beds are a good source of Vitamin D? The Canadian Dermatology Association has launched their new "Indoor Tanning is Out" campaign this month, designed to educate the public on the real danagers of tanning beds. Learn the best ways to protect yourself from skin cancer and take care of your skin. Read more here:

www.dermatology.ca/indoortanning/

http://www.cbc.ca/health/story/2010/02/02/indoor-tanning-young-women.html

New Publication!

Congratulations to Dr. Adam Mamelak for his recent pulication in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. In the January 2010 issue, Dr. Mamelak and colleagues report on their study in which they surveyed all of their skin cancer patients to describe the presentation and management of a unique skin tumor, know as a desmoplastic trichoepithelioma.

The perfect gift for the holiday season...

What gift do you really want for the holidays? The Toronto Star reports one of the more popular presents for the 2009 holiday season was a cosmetic rejuvenating procedure. Find the perfect gift for your loved one and read the full story here:

www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/743564--women-are-flocking-to-botox-for-a-little-holiday-pick-me-up

The Skin Cancer Epidemic!

FOX news posted an article on their website discussing common skin disorders, including skin cancer. Did you know that skin cancer is now the most common type of cancer? In the United States, about 1 million people are diagnosed with skin cancer annually, and one in five Americans are diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime. Here in Canada we are seeing the affects of this epidemic as well. Make sure to ask your doctor about the best ways to protect yourself from skin cancer and read the full report here:

http://www.foxnews.com/story/0,2933,580265,00.html

Is your wedding ring making your skin break out?

Is the skin under your wedding band getting red and itchy? The Wall Street Journal reports that reactions to your wedding ring may actually represent an allergy to nickel, which is commonly found in expensive jewelry. The exposure to nickel increases with time and is more common in older jewelry. This is why you can wear a ring for years with no problems and suddenly develop a reaction. Read the full report and what you can do about it here:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB10001424042748703954904574595943916863808.html

Do kangaroos have the jump on skin cancer?

A team of Austrian and Australian researchers have identified a DNA repair enzyme in kangaroos that is very effective in fixing a particular type of damage linked to many skin cancers. Nearly two-thirds of melanoma cases can be attributed to overexposure to sunlight that damages DNA inside skin cells. The researchers hope to develop a skin repair cream to help prevent the development of skin cancer. Read the story here:

www.reuters.com/article/latestCrisis/idUSSP405949

If it's good enough for the doctor...

Many patients contemplating cosmetic procedures wonder how common these procedures really are. We often hear our patients say, "We all know someone that's done something, right?" "Am I that type of person?" "Would the doctor that's performing the procedure actually get it done themselves?"

A new survey of 276 members of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons published in the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal noted that 62% of doctors said that they had had at least one procedure, mostly laser hair removal, chemical peels and Botox Cosmetic treatments. A third had more invasive surgical procedures, with liposuction being the most common.

How safe is your doctor's...necktie?

With the flu season upon us, we are all trying to keep healthy and avoid any unnecessary risks of getting sick. Today, the Wall Street Journal reported on a new potential risk for contracting the flu and other infections...your doctor's necktie! Because these ties commonly come in contact with patients, some authorities are concerned about their potential to transmit certain diseases. Professional attire or health risk factor? Read the full story at:

http://online.wsj.com/article/SB125859205137154753.html