Latest news with #dermatologists
Medscape
a day ago
- Health
- Medscape
Lichen Sclerosus Tied to Higher Vulvar Cancer Risk
TOPLINE: A study of 2.5 million women aged 65 years or older found a 0.7% prevalence of vulvar lichen sclerosus (VLS), and those with VLS had an 11-fold higher risk of developing vulvar squamous cell carcinoma or carcinoma in situ (VcSCC or VcSCCis). METHODOLOGY: Analysis included 2,525,340 women aged 65 years or older (mean age, 73 years; 84% White, 6% Black) with continuous Parts A, B, and D fee-for-service Medicare enrollment from October 2015 through December 2021. Outcomes were VLS prevalence and treatment patterns. Vulvar cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma or in situ was also reported. TAKEAWAY: The prevalence of VLS was 0.7% (n = 17,987; 93.5% were White); 72.6% of these patients received appropriate treatment with topical corticosteroids or calcineurin inhibitors (which reduces the risk for VcSCC). Of the 47,499 VLS encounters, obstetrician-gynecologists managed 56.1%, while dermatologists managed 19.5% of cases. Of all patients with VLS, 1.2% (n = 162) subsequently developed VcSCC or VcSCCis; the risk for these two diagnoses was significantly higher than the risk in patients without VLS (hazard ratio, 11.81; 95% CI, 11.62-12.02). Most patients with VcSCC or VcSCCis (80.9%) received nontissue-sparing treatments, and only one underwent Mohs micrographic surgery. IN PRACTICE: 'The 0.7% VLS prevalence in female Medicare beneficiaries is higher than the 0.05% prevalence in younger women and likely an underestimation, as VLS's sensitive nature and healthcare access issues may prevent diagnosis,' the study authors noted. In an accompanying editorial, Kelly H. Tyler, MD, of the Department of Dermatology, The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio, wrote that dermatologists 'are uniquely positioned to participate in the multidisciplinary management of patients with LS and vulvar cSCC and should advocate for this underserved patient population.' SOURCE: The study was led by Surya A. Veerabagu, MD, of The University of New Mexico in Albuquerque, New Mexico, and was published online on July 23 in JAMA Dermatology. LIMITATIONS: The study's generalizability is limited by its focus on Medicare beneficiaries aged 65 years or older, although VLS may be common in this population. Reliance on disease and treatment codes could have introduced errors. DISCLOSURES: This research was supported by grants from the Cancer Prevention and Research Institute of Texas and the National Cancer Institute. Two study authors reported receiving grants from the National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases and serving as treasurer of the Vulvar Dermatoses Research Consortium, the American College of Mohs Surgery Board of Directors, the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Board of Directors, the National Comprehensive Cancer Network Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Guideline Panel, and the High-Risk Squamous Cell Carcinoma Multicenter Collaborative. Tyler reported having no disclosures. This article was created using several editorial tools, including AI, as part of the process. Human editors reviewed this content before publication.
Globe and Mail
2 days ago
- Health
- Globe and Mail
As anti-sunscreen misinformation spreads online, skin cancer advocates say beware
Kelly Johnston's skin cancer journey began more than a decade ago, after a biopsy revealed that a red, scaly scab above her left eyebrow was basal cell carcinoma. Since then, she's had other cancerous spots appear elsewhere on her body, including on her back. In 2022, Ms. Johnston received more serious news: She had melanoma, considered the most fatal form of skin cancer, on her left inner thigh. Her melanoma was caught early and removed by her doctor, thanks to check-ins and screenings, which are, and will continue to be, part of her life as a skin cancer patient. Ms. Johnston is part of a growing group of Canadians – including dermatologists and representatives for cancer organizations – who are speaking up about the dangers of ultraviolet radiation from sun exposure and artificial sources, as well as rising rates of skin cancer. Doctors turn to social media to help patients where they're at: online in a sea of misinformation This push for awareness is taking place at a time when physicians say misinformation about sunscreen is spreading online, including debunked theories positing that the products are toxic. Some posts on TikTok and Instagram claim that certain sunscreen ingredients, specifically oxybenzone and retinyl palmitate, are linked to cancer. Melanoma Canada says this is not supported by evidence. The growth of online medical misinformation is considered a major public health problem because it undermines scientific research and contributes to negative health outcomes. In the case of sunscreen, dermatologists warn about dangerous and even fatal consequences linked to people turning away from its use. They say sunscreen offers critical protection from ultraviolet, or UV, exposure. Ms. Johnston is concerned about what she's seeing play out on social media about sunscreen. This is coupled, she said, with how the platforms generate social pressures to look a certain way. 'Skin cancer, the risk of melanoma – this is serious stuff that is just not worth sitting in the sun or in a tanning bed for,' said Ms. Johnston, who is a 38-year-old content creator and model based in Owen Sound, Ont. 'You're naturally beautiful the way you are.' The Canadian Cancer Society estimated that last year, 11,300 Canadians would be diagnosed with melanoma and 1,300 others would die because of it. Of those diagnosed, the society projected 6,500 would be men, and 4,800 would be women. The World Health Organization says 85 per cent of melanomas that present in patients over the age of 30 are attributed to UV exposure. It also says tanning beds are a public health issue that account for about half a million new cancer diagnoses every year in the U.S., Europe and Australia. Falyn Katz, the CEO of Melanoma Canada, said that the cancer can affect anyone, regardless of age, sex or race. Sunscreen and sun safety is important for everyone, she added. 'Why would we not take the opportunity to prevent a potentially deadly cancer?' she said. Ms. Katz warns online misinformation about sunscreen is both worrying and dangerous. Some influencers, she said, are trying to teach people how to make their own sunscreen, without any of the medical background and knowledge required to do so. She encouraged seeking information about sun protection from reputable sources. For instance, all sunscreens available for sale on shelves, including at pharmacies, must be evaluated and approved by Health Canada. The Canadian Medical Association and other health organizations have also highlighted their concerns about the uptick in medical misinformation being widely shared on social media platforms. Timothy Caulfield, who is the research director at the Health Law Institute, and a professor in the faculty of law and school of public health at the University of Alberta, studies this space. He said what is playing out is nothing short of an 'anti-sunscreen movement.' This misinformation, he added, is creating real harm. Prof. Caulfield pointed to the sway of online influencers, including American podcaster Joe Rogan, as a big factor. Mr. Rogan's show has explored questions on whether sunscreen can harm the brain. Inside the testosterone-fuelled, regimented and expensive world of longevity influencers Meanwhile, there is robust evidence that sunscreen is effective and that most melanomas are caused by exposure to the sun, Prof. Caulfield said. At the same time, data shows younger people are less inclined to use sunscreen, which he sees as a direct result of the misinformation about it, as well as about the sun. In May, a study led by McGill University found Canadians are spending more time in the sun, but using less sun protection. It also found young adults were much more likely to get sunburned and use tanning beds than older adults. For Ms. Johnston, cancer has upended her pursuit of a golden glow. While she still seeks a bronzed look, it comes from self-tanner now, instead. 'Unsafe UV exposure, it catches up with you,' she said. 1. Look for apparel with UV protection: This can include clothing such as shorts, shirts, bathing suits and hats, from a variety of different brands. 2. Cover up as much skin as possible; consider long sleeves and a broad-brimmed hat. 3. Plan to do activities such as outdoor exercise or yardwork outside of peak UV hours, which are between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. 4. Try to sit in the shade if you are outside. 5. Don't forget sunscreen. SPF 50 or above is recommended. Apply the product 20 minutes before swimming and reapply it every two hours or more.
Yahoo
3 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
15 Expert-Backed Tips to Soothe Sunburn and Reduce Redness Fast
Sunburn happens when your skin absorbs more UV radiation than it can handle, leading to inflammation and DNA damage. 'Think of it like your skin's version of a smoke alarm going off. Your body floods the area with blood to repair the damage, which causes the redness, pain, and swelling,' says Mona A. Gohara, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. 'You can't get rid of sunburn overnight because sunburn is a biological injury. The inflammation, DNA repair, and healing take time. Thinner, more exposed skin—like your face, lips, ears, eyelids, chest, shoulders, and shins—burn faster, while healing tends to be slower on areas with high friction, like shoulders under straps, or less blood flow, such as the lower legs.' Even if symptoms improve with treatment, your skin still needs several days to recover at the cellular level. 'Most sunburn reaches its peak about six to 24 hours after sun exposure, and can last anywhere from one to seven days depending on the severity of sunburn,' says Gabriella Vasile, MD, a board-certified dermatologist. Addressing issues quickly will hasten your skin's recovery. Ahead, you'll find 15 ways to care for a sunburn so you can get on with your life. 1. Reach for a Cool Compress A compress will absorb some of the heat from your skin, constrict blood vessels, and reduce swelling and inflammation. Dr. Gohara suggests using a damp, chilled cloth soaked in ice water—not direct ice—to avoid cold burns. 'A bag of frozen peas wrapped in a towel works too. Aim for 10 to 15 minutes, three times a day,' she notes. 'Never apply a compress or ice directly to damaged skin," Dr. Vasile adds. "Always use a cloth as a protective barrier to avoid burning yourself further." 2. Take an Over-the-Counter Pain Reliever 'Ibuprofen is ideal—it fights both pain and inflammation,' says Dr. Gohara. 'Follow label dosing, usually 200 to 400 mg every 4 to 6 hours as needed.' 3. Apply Hydrocortisone A 1% hydrocortisone cream can help reduce redness, itching, and inflammation. 'Spread a thin layer to the burned area one to two times daily for a few days. Don't overdo it and avoid broken skin or blistered areas,' says Dr. Gohara. 'I often recommend my patients apply a thin layer of topical steroid cream to superficial sunburns,' Dr. Vasile says. 4. Apply Tea or Yogurt Research indicates that tannic acid in green and black tea may help pull heat from a sunburn, while tea's catechins (flavonoids known for their antioxidant properties) can help repair skin damage. 'Tea is an anti-inflammatory and can reduce redness and swelling," Dr. Vasile says. "It is also packed with antioxidants which can protect the skin and promote wound healing." 'Brew several tea bags in hot water, let cool completely, then soak a cloth and apply it to the sunburned area. You can chill the tea in the fridge first for added relief." 'Cold yogurt is my go-to food,' says Dr. Gohara. 'Proteins in the yogurt help to promote wound healing.' 5. Squeeze on Aloe 'Aloe is nature's after-sun salve,' Dr. Gohara notes. 'If using the plant, cut a leaf, scoop out the gel, and apply a thin layer to the skin. For bottled versions, look for alcohol-free gels with a short ingredient list. Coola's Radical Recovery Moisturizing Lotion is a great option—it combines soothing aloe with skin-calming botanicals.' 'For extra cooling, store it in the fridge,' Dr. Vasile says. 6. Slather on Moisturizer A light lotion or gel is best for sunburned skin. Opt for a fragrance-free, soothing lotion or gel with hyaluronic acid, glycerin, or ceramides. 'Chilled in the fridge, a barrier-repair cream with glycerin can offer relief,' says Dr. Gohara, who suggests skipping thick ointments that may trap heat or clog pores. Peeling is dead skin, the cells that were casualties of the intense UV light. Avoid picking, which can delay healing and cause scarring. When peeling starts, 'Hydrate like it's your job," Dr. Gohara says. "Use a gentle moisturizer or aloe-based lotion multiple times a day." 7. Don't Peel Skin or Pop Blisters Peeling and flaking is often part of the repair process. It's dead skin cells that were casualties of the intense UV light, and usually begins a few days after the burn. 'Don't peel or pop anything,' warns Dr. Gohara. 'Let the skin shed naturally." Instead, 'hydrate like it's your job," Dr. Gohara says. "Use a gentle moisturizer or aloe-based lotion multiple times a day." "If a blister pops on its own, gently clean it with a non-soap cleanser and water," adds Dr. Gohara, "and apply a sterile, no-stick dressing or bandage.' 8. Avoid Hot Showers and Baths Hot showers can exacerbate sunburn symptoms. 'Hot water dilates blood vessels and can worsen inflammation and discomfort,' Dr. Gohara says. 'Stick to cool or lukewarm showers and gently pat your skin dry.' 9. Soak in Oatmeal Colloidal oatmeal is anti-inflammatory and soothing, and research shows it can help tamp down inflammation and reduce itching. 'Grind plain oats into a fine powder and dissolve them in a cool bath," suggests Dr. Gohara. "Soak for 15 to 20 minutes without rubbing or toweling harshly afterward." 10. Wear Loose-Fitting Clothing Wear flowy, breathable fabrics like cotton to prevent friction and allow the skin to breathe. 'You can also sleep in a cool room to minimize sweating and irritation,' Dr. Gohara says. 11. Elevate Your Legs Elevation helps reduce swelling by improving circulation and lymphatic drainage. 'This can be beneficial if the sunburn is on your lower extremities, as it promotes fluid and blood going back to your heart,' says Dr. Vasile. 12. Avoid Harsh Soaps 'Abrasive cleansers can strip your skin's protective barrier and worsen irritation,' says Dr. Gohara. 'Use a non-soap, pH-neutral cleanser, and don't rub the skin dry. Gently pat the affected area with a soft towel," Dr. Vasile adds, 'I would stick with a gentle, fragrance-free soap or body wash. Avoid harsh rubbing or any type of exfoliation.' 13. Drink Lots of Fluids Sunburn draws fluid to the skin surface and away from the rest of the body. Drinking fluids and staying hydrated are important to prevent dehydration. 'Think water, herbal tea, or electrolyte-rich fluids,' notes Dr. Gohara. 'Or even hydrating fruits such as watermelon and cucumber.' 'You often get inflammation and swelling in the skin layers after a sunburn," Dr. Vasile says, "so drinking water, electrolyte drinks, or even eating fruit can be helpful to combat this." 14. Seek Medical Attention If you have fever, chills, confusion, fainting, severe pain, extensive blistering, or signs of infection—like pus—seek care. 'These could indicate sun poisoning or dehydration and require medical intervention,' says Dr. Gohara. 15. Protect Your Skin Exposing your skin to more sun while it's already burnt will lead to further cell damage in the skin and slower healing. 'If you do get a burn, it is important to practice sun avoidance at all costs,' says Dr. Vasile. Every time you get a sunburn, you're accumulating DNA damage. Your skin cells become less functional, and their ability to repair themselves diminishes. Sometimes, one of these dysfunctional cells multiplies and produces other dysfunctional counterparts, which can lead to skin cancer. 'Prevention is always the best approach,' Dr. Gohara says. 'One blistering sunburn or five regular sunburns can double your risk of skin cancer. Unprotected sun exposure is the number one cause of skin cancer, and skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, more common than lung, colon, prostate, and breast cancers combined.' Find a broad-spectrum sunscreen, SPF 30 or higher, that you love and reapply it every two hours. (At InStyle, our fave sunscreens include Isdin's Eryfotona Actinica Mineral SPF 50+ Sunscreen and Clearstem' You Are Sunshine SPF 50+ Sunscreen.) Don't forget the ears, tops of feet, and scalp. Wear protective clothing, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses, and seek shade between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. 'Reapplication is just as important as the first swipe of SPF,' Dr. Gohara says. Read the original article on InStyle
Yahoo
4 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Does red light therapy help with anti-aging?
(NewsNation) — With the help of social media, red light therapy has become a popular treatment for skin conditions, wrinkles, redness, scars and acne. But before TikTokers, there were astronauts. NASA originally began working with red light therapy, a non-invasive treatment that uses red or near-infrared light, on plant growth in space and later found it helped heal astronauts' wounds. RLT is accessible in some dermatologists' offices, which offer in-office treatments. Devices are also sold for at-home treatment. AI pen can detect Parkinson's disease through handwriting Regular RLT treatments may help with improving skin health and cosmetic appearance by increasing collagen in the skin, increasing circulation between blood and tissue cells, and reducing fine lines and the severity of wrinkles in the skin, a National Institutes of Health study found. RLT has not been associated with any side effects if used short-term and with a dermatologist consultation. The treatment also does not use ultraviolet (UV) lights, which has been linked to increased cancer risk. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Solve the daily Crossword
Daily Mail
14-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mail
How to know if you smell bad - and what you can do about it: Hygiene experts' tips on everything from the forgotten body parts you MUST clean to the fruit to eat to avoid bad breath
We've all worried at some point: do I smell? With the rise of extreme hygiene routines on TikTok, a surge in sales of wet wipes and all-body deodorants, and the obsession with scented everything, it's easy to feel paranoid about personal odour. So, after yet another heatwave this summer and more expected before the cooler months arrive, what do you need to stay fresh and fragrant when the temperature is rising? Are we over-cleansing or under-scrubbing? Or are household habits the real culprit? We asked dermatologists, dentists and hygiene experts to sniff out the truth.
