chroniclepublishing Dermatology, Technology

Higher Levels of Social Media Literacy May Lead to Less Dangerous Tanning Practices

Higher levels of media literacy in young adults led to a reduction in appearance-based comparisons, with individuals idealizing tanned appearance less, according to a new study. Based on these findings, published online ahead of print in Social Media + Society (Feb. 19, 2020), the investigators believe that higher levels of media literacy may result in a lower risk of skin cancer.

chroniclepublishing Dermatology, research

Study: Neuron-like activity discovered in skin cells

Researchers have discovered that neuron-like signaling happens between specialized skin cells. Authors of the study published in the Journal of Cell Biology (Jan. 6, 2020; 219(1)) said that bursts of calcium travel between melanocytes at the bottom of the skin’s epidermis.

chroniclepublishing Dermatology, Medicine, research, Technology

Discovery of new RNA molecule could be key for early detection of skin cancer

The discovery of a new RNA molecule could lead to earlier detection of squamous cell carcinoma in the future, according to a new study. The study, published in the American Journal of Pathology (Feb. 2020; 190(2):503-517), found that the molecule, named PRECSIT, is integral in determining how squamous cell carcinoma grows and spreads.

chroniclepublishing Dermatology, Medicine

Repurposed topical cream may be key to curbing mosquito-borne diseases

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.

chroniclepublishing Dermatology, Medicine, Skin Care

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.

chroniclepublishing Dermatology, research, Skin Care

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).

chroniclepublishing Cosmetics, Dermatology, Wounds

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.