Applied within an hour of mosquito bite, the topical cream imiquimod may reduce the chance of transmission of viral diseases such as Zika and dengue, according to a new study. Researchers of the study, published in Science Translational Medicine (Jan 22, 2020; 12(527)), found that the skin cream, when applied immediately after a mosquito bite, helps to activate immune system response.
Active ingredients in sunscreens may absorbed into skin at higher levels than previously thought
Absorption of the active ingredients in four commercially available sunscreens resulted in plasma concentrations that exceed the FDA safety threshold in participants in a new study. Researchers of the study, published in JAMA (Jan 21, 2020; 323(3):256-267) stressed that these findings do not suggest that individuals should stop using sunscreen.
Lack of skin self-examinations may lead to higher skin cancer mortality in rural communities
Lack of self-examinations may be a key reason that certain populations in rural areas face higher skin cancer mortality rates, according to a new study. The study, which looked at sparsely populated rural communities in the Western United States found that a chronic lack of self examination was the biggest obstacle to early detection of skin cancer. These findings, made by researchers at Texas State University in San Marcos, Texas, were published online ahead of print in Psychology, Health, & Medicine (Dec. 17, 2019).
Evidence shows topical beta-carophyllene may improve wound healing in mice
The chemical compound beta-carophyllene was found to improve the healing process of skin wounds in mice when topically applied, according to a new study. In addition to aiding in healing, the chemical compound was also found to heighten gene expression in hair follicles and stem cells in the treatment area, according to investigators. The study, published online ahead of print in the journal PLOS One (Dec. 16, 2019), is the first of its kind to find evidence that this chemical compound may increase wound healing in the skin of mice.
Robotic tattoo removal system may make procedure faster and more accurate
Scientists working at the Brain Tool Laboratory at Duke University have developed a new robot-guided laser removal system for unwanted tattoos. The laboratory is known for developing robot-guided laser surgical systems, and the tattoo removal robot is just the latest.
New guidelines for rare and dangerous skin tumor
A team of dermatologists and ophthalmologists have developed a new set of guidelines for treating a rare but dangerous cancer of the human skin oil glands. The guidelines, published online ahead of print in The Lancet Oncology (Dec 1, 2019), outline diagnosis, treatment, and post-treatment protocols for sebaceous carcinoma.
Study: Makeup Products May Harbor Dangerous Bacteria
A typical makeup case may be harboring potentially deadly “superbugs” such as E. coli and Staphylococci that can cause skin infections or worse, according to a new study.
The study, published online ahead of print in the Journal of Applied Microbiology (Oct. 9, 2019) found that a high percentage of in-use makeup products may become exposed to infectious bacteria, which then live on the surfaces of the products.
Statin Medications May Leave Patients Vulnerable to Skin Infections
Statin medications can make patients vulnerable to skin and soft tissue infections, according to a new study. The study linked the skin infection issues with the discovery that statins may bring on new-onset diabetes.
Weight Loss Surgery May Reduce Risk of Skin Cancer
New research has pointed to a link between bariatric surgery and a patient’s likelihood of developing squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma. Investigators said that they undertook the research because of the establishment of obesity as a risk factor for developing melanoma.
Study: As Birth Weight Increases, So Does Risk of Food Allergies and Eczema
In an analysis of the relationship between birth weight and allergies researchers have found that higher weight-to-gestational-age ratios more often result in children who suffer from allergies. Results of the study were published online ahead of print in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (Oct. 9, 2019).
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