Only About Half of Americans Know Signs of Skin Cancer

May 17th, 2012 by editor2

how to detect skin cancer It is the most common form of cancer in the U.S., but almost half of Americans don’t know how to spot skin cancer, according to a survey.

In an effort to increase the public’s knowledge about skin cancer, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has launched the SPOT Skin Cancer initiative.

The goal of SPOT is to educate people on how to protect themselves from the sun and how to detect skin cancer, says Daniel M. Siegel, MD, a dermatologist and president of the AAD.

The program’s call to action is three parts:

  1. Prevent—stay in the shade, cover up, and use sunscreen.
  2. Detect—look for changing spots on your skin.
  3. Live—visit your dermatologist if you notice any spots changing, itching, or bleeding.

Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer in the U.S;  however, the AAD’s national online survey showed that 74 percent of respondents didn’t know this. It is estimated that one in five Americans will be diagnosed with skin cancer in their lifetime.

When people know what to look for, they can catch it early when skin cancer is most treatable.

“Unlike other types of cancer that can’t be seen by the naked eye, skin cancer shows obvious signs on the surface of the skin that can be easily detected by properly examining it,” says Dr. Siegel.

When skin cancer is caught early, it has a 98 percent cure rate.

Visit the SPOT Skin Cancer program’s website, www.SpotSkinCancer.org, to do the following:

  • Learn how to perform a skin self-exam.
  • Download a body mole map for tracking changes in your skin.
  • Find free skin cancer screenings near you.

The website also features stories of those affected by skin cancer.

Tags:
Posted in In The News, skin care | No Comments »

Overdone Lip Augmentation Results in Unnatural Trout Pout

May 11th, 2012 by editor2

extreme lip augmentation Lip augmentation is getting a lot of attention since a famous French actress spoke out about hers.

Emmanuelle Beart told French newspaper Le Monde, “I had my mouth done at 27. It was botched.”

An overdone lip augmentation is often referred to as a “trout pout” because the plumped appearance makes them resemble a fish.

The TODAY Show reports that Hollywood is obsessed with the trout pout because women think it makes them look younger; however, it actually makes them look older because nothing makes you look older than bad cosmetic surgery.

Avoid Extreme Lip Augmentation

While fuller lips may be considered more attractive than thin lips, bigger is not always better. If you go too big, you start losing the shape of your lips, the TODAY Show reports. It also becomes obvious that you’ve had work done when you get your lips over-plumped.

In addition to shape, keeping the right lip proportion is also important. Many surgeons say the bottom lip should be larger than the top lip to look natural.

It is important that your cosmetic surgeon guides you toward a natural look for your lip augmentation to ensure best results.

Dr. Leslie Baumann, a cosmetic dermatologist to celebrities, told TODAY that she has seen lots of overdone cosmetic surgery.

“Some people call me Doctor No because I talk people out of more things than I tell them to do,” Baumann said. “But it’s just so important to know when to stop.”

There are a number of options for lip augmentation, and your cosmetic surgeon will select the one that is best for you. Injectable fillers, such as Restylane, Juvederm, or fat are often used, although in some cases a type of implant may be recommended.

Learn more about lip augmentation in Seattle.

Tags:
Posted in Facial Plastic Surgery, In The News, wrinkle fillers | No Comments »

Cynthia Nixon Opens Up About Dealing with Rosacea

May 7th, 2012 by editor2

Actress Cynthia Nixon has opened up about her struggle with rosacea, a chronic skin condition that is often characterized by facial redness.

She’s collaborating with the National Rosacea Society for an online public service announcement to help educate patients on the facts about rosacea.

“It was a relief to find out from my dermatologist what was going on with my skin, especially because rosacea can get worse if it’s not treated,” says Nixon, who for years thought her blemishes were acne.

It’s not uncommon for rosacea to go undiagnosed. Symptoms of this vascular condition include:

  • Red skin, like a sunburn
  • Red bumps or blemishes on the cheeks, forehead, nose, or chin
  • Visible small red blood vessels
  • Flushed skin after taking a hot shower, exercising, or drinking alcohol
  • Irritated or bloodshot eyes

Because rosacea symptoms can resemble other skin problems, such as acne or eczema, it can be difficult to recognize.

“Over 16 million Americans have rosacea, but 78 percent of Americans have no knowledge of this condition, including how to recognize it and what to do about it,” says Sam Huff, Executive Director of the National Rosacea Society. “It’s important to spread awareness because in addition to the physical symptoms, rosacea can cause anxiety, self-consciousness and embarrassment among sufferers.”

Rosacea Treatments

While there is no cure for rosacea, your dermatologist can treat the condition. Treatments that can help control symptoms include topical medication, oral medication, and laser treatments, such as FotoFacial, a form of intense-pulsed light (IPL) technology.

Patients can also try to avoid things that may trigger rosacea; common triggers include exposure to the sun, exercise, alcohol, and hot and cold weather. Using sunscreen and gentle skin care products can also help.

“My dermatologist told me that my harsh, do-it-yourself skin care routine was actually contributing to my rosacea flare-ups, and she helped me develop a regimen that worked for me,” says Nixon.

To view more of Nixon’s rosacea videos, visit www.rosaceafacts.com.

Tags:
Posted in In The News, Laser Treatment | No Comments »

Combo of Caffeine and Exercise May Reduce Risk of Skin Cancer

April 26th, 2012 by editor2

skin cancer preventionIf you start your day with a caffeinated drink and a workout, you may be getting some added health benefits.

The combination of caffeine and exercise was found to help prevent skin cancer and reduce tumor size in mice, according to study results presented at the American Association for Cancer Research’s annual meeting.

“I believe we may extrapolate these findings to humans and anticipate that we would benefit from these combination treatments as well,” said Yao-Ping Lu, Ph.D., associate research professor of chemical biology and director of skin cancer prevention at the Rutgers Ernest Mario School of Pharmacy in Piscataway, N.J.

The study looked at the effects of caffeine and exercise on mice that had a high risk for developing skin cancer. The mice had been exposed to UVB radiation, which is associated with skin cancer risk. The mice were divided into four groups: the control group received water and no exercise wheel; a second group received water mixed with caffeine and no exercise wheel; a third group received water and an exercise wheel; and a fourth group received water mixed with caffeine and an exercise wheel.

After 14 weeks of treatment, the mice that received both caffeine and exercised had 62 percent fewer non-melanoma skin tumors. In addition, the size of the tumors decreased by 85 percent compared to the control group.

The mice that received either caffeine or exercise alone also saw skin cancer prevention benefits, but not as much as the mice who received both caffeine and exercise.

“The mice move more with caffeine. The common mechanism we see is that both [exercise and caffeine] decrease tissue fat. Both moderately prevent skin cancer,” said Lu.

Another set of experiments had the mice on a high-fat diet, and the group with caffeine and exercise again saw the most benefits. The mice lost fat and had as much as a 92 percent drop in inflammation, in addition to less cancer and reduced tumor volume. According to the researchers, the results suggest that fat and tumor growth are related.

To help reduce your risk of skin cancer on a daily basis, use sunscreen and try to limit your sun exposure.

Sources: Time, Medical Daily

Tags:
Posted in In The News, Reconstructive Surgery, skin care | No Comments »

Eating Right Can Improve Skin Tone

April 20th, 2012 by editor2

A new study suggests that changes to your diet can benefit your complexion.

Researchers from the School of Psychology at the University of St. Andrews in Scotland found that a diet that includes more fruits and vegetables can improve your skin’s complexion.

The study followed 35 people for six weeks, recording their diet and skin color. It linked an increase in fruit and vegetable consumption with perceptibly healthier and more attractive skin color.

The researchers found that the redness and yellowness in the skin increased as participants ate more fruits and vegetables.

Lead researcher Ross Whitehead said it is due to the impact of carotenoids. “These are red/yellow plant pigments, which are distributed to the skin surface when we eat fruits and veggies.”

In addition to the changes in skin color, the researchers also linked eating more fruits and vegetables with increased attractiveness.

Diet Changes That Improve Your Skin’s Complexion

The diet in the study is easy to replicate and gave participants relatively quick results.

Whitehead said that changes were noticeable when participants had just two additional portions of fruits and vegetables a day.

The carotenoids that were studied included beta-carotene and lycopene. Foods rich in these include:

  • Carrots, yams, spinach, peaches, pumpkin and apricots (beta-carotene)
  • Apricots, watermelons, tomatoes and pink grapefruits (lycopene)

Because most of the study’s participants were white, further research is needed to see how diet affects other groups, the researchers said.

Only 25 percent to 30 percent of Americans eat the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables, according to dietitian and nutritionist Samantha Heller.

“But once the word gets out that eating fruits and vegetables can make you sexy, attractive and maybe even look younger, hopefully, the carrots, kale and cantaloupe will be flying off the shelves and into people’s meals,” she said.

Non-invasive Fraxel Restore Dual is also beneficial for improving the skin. This laser resurfacing treatment stimulates collagen and elastin regeneration, ultimately restoring your healthy complexion and skin texture.

Source: HealthDay

Tags:
Posted in In The News, skin care | No Comments »

Botox Celebrates Ten Years; Will Seek FDA Approval for Crow’s Feet

April 13th, 2012 by editor2

For ten years now, Botox has been used to banish frown lines.

Approved by the FDA to treat frown lines between the eyebrows in April 2002, in the past ten years the uses for Botox have grown through new approvals and off-label treatments. Allergan, the maker of Botox, says that last year about 51% of sales came from therapeutic uses and 49% from aesthetic uses.

The most recent news is that Allergan filed applications for approval to sell Botox as an overactive bladder treatment. New data showed that the injectable significantly reduced daily incontinence episodes compared to a placebo injection, according to the Wall Street Journal.

A Brief History of Botox

Botox for cosmetic applications was developed by ophthalmologist Jean Carruthers and her husband, according to USA Today. While treating a patient with it for facial muscle spasms in 1987, the patient told Carruthers she had missed a spot. “It’s just every time you treat me there, I get this beautiful, untroubled expression,” the patient told her.

An idea formed, as Carruthers knew that frown lines between the eyebrows were hard to treat. She wondered if a botulinum toxin could be the answer.

From there, she and her husband, a dermatologist, spent several years experimenting and investigating, resulting in the FDA approval of Botox for treating frown lines ten years ago.

According to Allergan, today Botox is approved for 25 different indications, including neck pain for adults with cervical dystonia; symptoms of severe underarm sweating; and headaches in adults with chronic migraine.

Botox for Crow’s Feet

Allergan reports it will be seeking approval for the use of Botox on crow’s feet. Many  aesthetic
physicians — including dermatologists, oculoplastic surgeons and facial plastic surgeons — already use Botox for crow’s feet and other aesthetic purposes, such as softening
neck bands, as off-label treatments.

Tags:
Posted in Botox, In The News | No Comments »

Researchers Say Studying Genes Will Lead to Better Skin Care

April 6th, 2012 by editor2

genes and aging We know that sun exposure and smoking affect how we age, but scientists are also investigating the role our genes play.

The science of genomics, the study of genes, may be the key to better skin care in the future, according to Dr. Zoe D. Draelos, a dermatologist at Duke University.

“There is ground-breaking research underway to determine the differences between old and young genes,” said Dr. Draelos. “The hope is that by understanding how to make old genes act younger and how to keep young genes from getting old, we can better advise our patients on caring for their skin.”

For instance, researchers have looked at how genes are expressed in older and younger skin and how our diet may affect our genes. Dr. Draelos said that these studies are working to determine how certain ingredients can produce changes in the skin over time.

Scientists are also studying aquaporins, the proteins in the cell membrane that regulate the flow of water, in order to understand how ingredients such as glycerin interact with them. Glycerin, which is a popular ingredient in skin care products because of its ability to moisturize the skin, is being researched for its potential to improve skin care products, according to Dr. Draelos.

“This next generation of genomic-based research is helping us determine not only what ingredients may work best for specific skin types, but how what we eat now and throughout our life can affect our skin as well,” said Dr. Draelos. “Science holds the key to helping us make better recommendations based on this newfound knowledge.”

As scientists work to improve skin care products, patients can also improve their skin with a number of non-surgical facial procedures, including chemical peels, lasers and injectables.

Source: American Academy of Dermatology

Tags:
Posted in Facial Plastic Surgery, In The News, skin care | No Comments »

Adult Acne Common Struggle for Women

March 28th, 2012 by editor2

hormones and acne in women Many adult women suffer from acne, and it’s important for women to be aware of their treatment options.

According to a presentation by dermatologist Dr. Bethanee Jean Schlosser at the American Academy of Dermatology’s recent annual meeting, adult-onset acne is becoming more common among women in their 20s, 30s, 40s and 50s.

A 2011 study that looked at photos of women from age 10 to 70 for signs of acne found the following:

  • 45% of women aged 21-30 had acne
  • 26% of women aged 31-40 had acne
  • 12% of women aged 41-50 had acne

The Link Between Hormones & Acne in Women

Hormones contribute to some of the primary causes of acne. For instance, hormones can cause excess oil gland production, and they can cause shedded skin cells to become sticky and clog up in the hair follicle.

Male hormones, called androgens, are present in both men and women and can cause acne by overstimulating the oil glands and changing the development of skin cells around hair follicles.

Acne Treatments for Women

Treatments for acne in women should be specific to the type and severity of the acne, according to Dr. Schlosser. In addition, other conditions, such as pregnancy, rosacea, and age must also be considered, as some common topical acne treatments may not be compatible with these conditions.

One common acne treatment is topical retinoids, which, according to Dr. Schlosser, is the preferred treatment for the long-term prevention of acne.

Another possible treatment for women’s acne is certain oral contraceptives. The FDA has approved several oral contraceptives for this use, as they change the levels and activity of hormones that can bring on acne.

You may also be able to prevent acne by following some of these skin care tips:

  • Use noncomedogenic and sensitive skin products.
  • Use a mild cleanser, twice a day.
  • Use a noncomedogenic moisturizer daily.
  • Avoid using cleansers with scrubbing particles, which can irritate the skin.

And remember, no matter how tempting, don’t pick, squeeze, or pop acne! You can scar your skin. If you already have acne scars, there are treatments, such as Fraxel, to minimize the scarring.

Tags:
Posted in Fraxel, Products, skin care | No Comments »

Cosmetic Facial Techniques Used For Hand Rejuvenation

March 21st, 2012 by editor2

hand rejuvenation We take care of our faces, but our hands can also reveal our age. As the demand for a younger looking hand grows, more doctors are applying facial techniques to hand rejuvenation, reports the New York Times.

As we age, our hands lose fat, volume and elasticity; because the skin is thinner and more translucent, you begin to see the underlying tendons and veins. Years of sun exposure cause brown spots to appear.

Luckily, cosmetic techniques can turn back the clock — even for our hands.

“The hands are a hot new area,” said Dr. Neil S. Sadick, a dermatologist in New York City. “Now that we have the face so well treated, we’re looking at the hands, neck and décolleté.”

Hand Rejuvenation Techniques

For lost volume, fillers, such as Radiesse, Juvéderm or Perlane, can be injected under the skin on the hand to plump it up.

Intense pulsed light or CO2 laser resurfacing are options for removing sun spots.

Dr. Sadick listed several other techniques that can be used for the hands, including:

However, Dr. Sadick did not recommend surgery on the hands. He said that surgical removal of excess skin is not an option for the hands since it causes scarring and doesn’t heal well. In addition, there’s a higher risk of complications.

Another dermatologist, Dr. Amy Wechsler, said the most important thing to do is to apply sunscreen to your hands.

“Treat your hands like you treat your face. People wash their hands so much these days that they’re washing off their sunscreen,” she said. Her tip? Keep a small sample size of sunscreen in your handbag and reapply after washing.

Posted in In The News, wrinkle fillers | No Comments »

Vitamin A May Help Prevent Skin Cancer

March 13th, 2012 by editor2

A new study found that vitamin A supplements may reduce the risk of melanoma.

According to WebMD, the study analyzed the risk for melanoma among 69,635 participants. Those who took vitamin A supplements were about 40 percent less likely to develop melanoma, compared to those who did not take the supplements.

However, the researchers warned that it is too soon to recommend taking extra vitamin A to reduce the risk of melanoma. Vitamin A can be toxic in large doses; risks can include liver damage, hair loss and bone pain.

Vitamin A and Skin Cancer

The study, which appeared in Journal of Investigative Dermatology, found that only vitamin A supplements lowered the risk for melanoma, not vitamin A taken in through diet or multivitamins. In addition, the effects were more visible in women than men and in skin that was regularly exposed to the sun.

“It was definitely linked with supplements, not diet,” said study researcher Maryam Asgari, MD, MPH.

“People who are concerned about melanoma should avoid sun exposure, practice sun protection, and get annual skin checks,” Asgari said.

Dermatologist Heidi Waldorf, MD, agreed. “It is not surprising to me that vitamin A may be protective against melanoma,” she said. “However, high doses of vitamin A can have serious side effects, including liver toxicity.

“This may be an option for patients at high risk for melanoma because of prior diagnosis or family history, but not for the general population,” she said.

Vitamin A and Anti-Aging

While the researchers are not currently recommending taking a vitamin A supplement for skin cancer prevention, vitamin A already has a prominent role in anti-aging creams.

Tretinoin, the acid form of vitamin A, is a cream or gel that is used to treat acne as well fine wrinkles, dark spots and rough skin.

Learn more about professional-grade skin care products.

Tags:
Posted in In The News, skin care | No Comments »

« Older Entries