According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Vemurafenib (Zelboraf) speeds the growth of squamous cell carcinoma. HealthDay explained that “roughly one-quarter of patients who take the medication develop a troublesome side effect: secondary skin cancers called squamous cell carcinomas.”
Tags: malignant melanoma, squamous cell carcinoma, vemurafenib, Zelboraf
A study published in the Archives of Dermatology found that children use the most sunscreen when dispensed from a pump, when compared with squeeze bottles and roll-on dispensers. Despite this finding, kids used half of the recommended amount even with the pump-dispenser.
Tags: children, pump, skin cancer prevention, sunblock, sunscreen
Xeomin joins Dysport as an alternative to Botox. This product has been FDA-approved for the cosmetic treatment of frown lines. Unlike Dysport or Botox, this product contains pure toxin. It remains to be seen whether this product has any advantages over it’s predecessors.
Although Restylane has been used safely in the lips in the United States since its release in 2004, it has now got the stamp of approval for this indication from the FDA. Restylane is now the only filler that is FDA approved for use in the lips.
Tags: Filler, Lip enhancement, Lip filler, Restylane
A study published in The Lancet by Dr. Peter Gillgren indicates that a 2-cm excision margin is safe and as sufficient as 4-cm margins for the removal of melanomas that are at least 2-mm thick. This study took place in Sweden and involved a total of 936 patients.
This study indicates what has been believed for over a decade, that large melanoma margins are likely not necessary and do not increase one’s survival rate. Clearly, smaller surgical margins will result in less disfigurement and a simpler reconstruction after surgical removal of malignant melanoma.
According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Malignant Melanoma is the most common cancer in white women ages 25 to 29 years and the second most common form of cancer in women 15 to 30 years of age. Interestingly, these are the ages that many women will go the beach to get tan or use tanning beds. Despite all of the well-known risks of skin cancer, people still think that having a tan looks good and is healthy.
Tags: malignant melanoma
Athlete’s foot is a common problem that can result in itching and burning of the feet, in addition to dryness on the sole or maceration between the toes. In addition, this can lead to infection of the nails that can be difficult to eradicate. Often one treats the skin, but does not eradicate the possible sources of re-infection. The fungus that causes this condition can reside in one’s shoes in persons affected by this condition. A study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology proved that a single application of Lamisil spray or powder eradicates the most common fungi that cause Athlete’s foot.
For all patients who suffer from Athlete’s foot, it is recommended that they treat/disinfect their shoes with Lamisil spray or powder after they have started treatment for their skin. This will likely result in a lower risk of re-infection. These products are readily available without a prescription in most pharmacies.
Tags: Athletes feet, Athletes foot, foot fungus, jock itch
Galderma has launched the Treatment Tracker, a free online program that allows patients to have a private, online diary that will keep a record of their:
In addition, this program provides a list of potential psoriasis triggers, which can be customized to help patients manage their symptoms. This program is available for free at www.vectical.com.
Tags: psoriasis, psoriasis treatment, treatment log, vectical
Merz Aesthetics announced that the FDA has approved incobotulinum toxin A (Xeomin) for the temporary improvement in the appearance of frown lines. This product was approved by the FDA in July of 2010 for the treatment of cervical dystonia and blepharospasm, but has recently been approved for cosmetic use in the U.S.A. This product has been used in 14 other counties under the brand name Bocouture for the treatment of frown lines.
With this recent FDA approval, you will be hearing more about Xeomin in the news and media. In the near future, we will see how it compares to Botox and Dysport in respect to:
Tags: botox, dysport, incobotulinum toxin A, Xeomin
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United Stated. One should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The SPF rating system only applies to the protection the sunscreen has against UVB and will still be used. Here are the changes in labeling:
Recommendations:
Tags: FDA guidelines, skin cancer prevention, SPF, sunscreen, titanium dioxide, zinc oxide
