Young Men and Melanoma Risk

A recent article in  JAMA Dermatology states that young men (15-39 year olds) with malignant melanoma have a 55% greater chance of death than their female counterparts.That includes thin melanomas (Less than 1mm thick).
Interestingly, most cases of Malignant Melanoma  (90%)  were not found by MDs  but by the patients themselves.
The article stresses the need for increasing melanoma awareness in young men, more opportunities for screening, and incentives to screen. Even though no reference was made to sunscreen use in this article, it is known that regular use of sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher) may reduce the risk of any type of skin cancer.

Stop Aspirin before surgery? Maybe not.

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The May 2013 issue of Neurology recommends that Aspirin or/and Coumadin should not be discontinued for Dental, Skin and other procedures in patients who are taking them for prevention after a stroke.

Many Dermatologists, including Lakeviewderm Dermatologists, are no longer recommending the discontinuation of Aspirin or Coumadin for cutaneous surgical procedures.

Even dental procedures, which may cause considerable bleeding, are no longer a contraindication to Aspirin and Coumadin, in cases of prevention of a secondary stroke.

Tattoo Regret: Think Before you Ink!

bigstock-Tattoo-on-man-s-upper-arm-853188The tattoo tradition began when Captain Cook discovered tattoos in the natives of the South Pacific in the 18th century. Since then, tattooing has become very popular internationally. According to a survey by the BBC, one in 5 British adults have tattoos. One third of them regrets having it done and men were more likely to regret their tattoo than women. At each of our 3 Lakeviewderm Offices (Palos Heights, Lakeview and Park Ridge), we have a Laser that can remove tattoos (Q-Switched Laser with extremely short pulses and very high power).

Can a grapefruit a day keep the wrinkles away?

UnknownRich in antioxidants and vitamins, grapefruit extract applied topically can provide an array of anti-aging benefits like evening skin tone and fighting off free radicals. When eaten, it provides the body with important nutrients essential for healthy skin.  Grapefruits also promote collage production which can make your skin appear more full and less wrinkled looking.   That’s definitely food for thought!

Sunscreen facts

imagesA recent article in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reports that HIGH SPF SUNSCREENS (equal or above 70) if applied in a THIN layer (the way most people apply sunscreens) will deliver an SPF that meets the minimum level recommended for protection against sun damage and skin cancer (similar to an SPF 30).  Adequate protection is not delivered by sunscreens with a 30 to 50 SPF unless applied in a THICK layer (rarely done).
(JAAD 2012:67:1220-1227)

Head Lice Treatment

Head Lice are becoming resistant to the older treatments. Below is some welcome news:

A single application of Ivermectin 0.5% Lotion for 10 minutes was found to be very effective in killing head lice in over 70% of cases (New England Journal of Medicine 2012 Nov).

Spring is here! Are you wearing sunscreen?

Did you know a thin layer of sunscreen with an SPF of 70 is as protective as a thick layer of SPF 30? Since most of us don’t apply as thick a layer of sunscreen as we should, the convenience of using a sunscreen with an SPF 70 is extremely practical.  Make sure you’re checking your sunscreen’s expiration date, too! Last summer’s sunscreen may no longer protect you!

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