MedNews — Dermatology
Protecting Yourself from the Sun to Avoid Skin Cancer
Before leaving home for a day of outdoor activity, take appropriate precautions to ensure that your and your family's skin is well-protected, as the majority of all skin cancers are caused by the sun. More »
New "Fractional Laser" Reduces Wrinkles, Acne Scarring, Removes Tattoos
Plastic surgeons at UT Southwestern Medical Center are using a new kind of laser that penetrates deeper into the skin to reduce wrinkles, treat pigmentation differences, and tighten surface structures.
The FDA approved the laser for only two U.S. Centers to test for general patient use, of which UT Southwestern was one. Testing has been completed by UT plastic surgeons who are now using the new carbon dioxide-based fractional laser. It combines minute focused columns of laser-induced injury with heat disposition, which reduces skin damage and aids quicker recovery tme. More »
FDA Warns of Potential Dangers of Botox and Botox Cosmetic
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration today notified the public that Botox and Botox Cosmetic (Botulinum toxin Type A) and Myobloc (Botulinum toxin Type B) have been linked in some cases to adverse reactions, including respiratory failure and death, following treatment of a variety of conditions using a wide range of doses.
In an early communication based on the FDA's ongoing safety review, the agency said the reactions may be related to overdosing. There is no evidence that these reactions are related to any defect in the products. More »
Shingles Vaccine: What You Need to Know
According to a CDC "vaccine statement" a shingles vaccine was licensed in 2006, and in clinical trials it prevented shingles in 50% of people 60 years or older. In addition, the vaccine reduces the pain associated with the disease.
Shingles occurs only in someone who has had a case of chickenpox, or has had the chickenpox vaccine. The virus stays in one's body and can reappear much later, causing the shingles outbreak.
The main symptom is a painful rash, often with blisters. Other symptoms include fever, headache, upset stomach and chills. More »
Tans Fade but Wrinkles are Forever - Slip, Slop, Slap
Sun damages skin—period.
The obvious trick in summer is to balance exposure to sun with protection from the harmful rays that cause skin damage and can lead to cancer. These rays are known as UVA and UVB rays, with UV standing for Ultra Violet.
Australian health authorities, alarmed by the skyrocketing rise of minor skin cancers and deadly skin melanomas have instituted a health campaign with the tag line: SLIP (on a shirt), SLOP (on sunscreen), and SLAP (on a hat). More »
Mice Use Less Sunscreen - Substitute Coffee and Exercise Instead
Who would have guessed that coffee and exercise induce the formation of cells that block sunrays? But they do--at least in mice.
As reported in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Science, hairless mice who were fed high doses of caffeine, and exercised on their running wheels, showed an increase in the cells which protect against sunburn.
There have been no human studies to date, so you may wish to continue your sunscreen, hats and shirts before switching to double espressos on the beach. More »
Scabies - Treat First and Skip the Scrape?
Writing in the Journal of Family Practice, Dr. Barbara Walker notes, "During my medical training and years in the military, I have seen patients who suffered prolonged itching because they had no microscopic confirmation of scabies, but who cleared quickly with treatment after a skin biopsy identified scabies."
"This," she said, "has given me a short fuse for treating empirically in my own clinics." More »
Get Rid of Sun Spots
Are sun spots on your skin becoming unwelcome reminders of aging? Today there are treatments available that can help you get rid of them.
Sun spots usually start appearing after the age of 40 and are common in people with light skin. They start spreading more once you cross 50. Long hours or days spent in the sun during your early years are one of the most likely causes of sun spots.
While sunspots are medically harmless, many seniors seek to hide sun spots for cosmetic reasons. More »
