This week, the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) released a statement reminding individuals to moisturize their hands in light of an increase in hand washing due to the spread of COVID-19. In a press release, dermatologists from the AAD issued this reminder in addition to a number of other hand washing tips.
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.
Smartphone apps for skin cancer detection not as accurate as previously thought
New smartphone apps designed to help catch early signs of skin cancer using photographs may not be as accurate as previously thought, according to a new study published in The BMJ (Feb. 10, 2020).
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.
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.
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