Teens Justify Tanning Beds

A recent research article conducted by the Archives of Dermatology found that college students don’t see tanning beds as a health threat due to the fact that dangers exist everywhere in our society.

In a survey conducted, researchers discovered that 59% of the 600 college students polled agreed with the sentence “tanning bed use can make me ill, but everything causes cancer these days.” Furthermore, 52% of the students polled believed that “tanning bed use is no more risky than lots of other things that people do.”

With this attitude, researchers and scientists alike agree something needs to be done about justifying these rationalizations. “The type of thinking that there is danger all around you, and hence unavoidable, is a common way of justifying risky behaviors," said behavioral scientist Smita Banerjee, of Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center.  

For Banerjee, it’s important to understand what drives a college student when rationalizing their actions. Once this is understood, healthcare professionals can create a stronger awareness on important issues.

When MSNBC reported this story on June 18, they also posted related videos about the new dangers of spray tanning. With more stories and research coming out about the dangers of alternative tanning we recommend that you practice moderation and stay up to date on breaking stories. For more information about the potential dangers of tanning, contact Dr. Miller at Greenville Dermatology.

Spray Tanning May Pose Serious Health Risks

In the past, Greenville Dermatology has mentioned the benefits of spray tanning versus traditional tanning beds. However, recent findings conducted by a panel of ten medical experts show that spray tanning may have potential dangers and pose serious health risks.

According to the panel, dihydoroxyacetone (DHA), an active chemical in spray tanning solutions can cause DNA damage and genetic alterations on a cellular level.

“These compounds in some cells could actually promote the development of cancers or malignancies," said Dr. Rey Panettiere, a toxicologist and lung specialist at the University of Pennsylvania's Perelman School of Medicine.  "And if that's the case then we need to be wary of them” said Panettiere.

According to ABC News, DHA should not be inhaled or digested. After launching an investigation, ABC News found that a lot of tanning salons do not offer nose plugs or mouth protectors to prevent inhalation or digestion of the fumes. Furthermore, the FDA only approves DHA in tanning lotions and not the DHA in spray tanning.

More studies need to be conducted before any real recommendations are made.  It is not known at this time how much spray tanning, if any, can be done before levels become hazardous.  I will certainly be monitoring any developments and for now recommend moderation.

Will you give the gift of “BRO-TOX” for Father’s Day?

BOTOX® is the most common cosmetic procedure in America right now. Over 11 million men and women are using this minimally invasive injectable to improve the look of moderate-to-severe frown lines between the brows. Lasting anywhere from four months to a year, this might be the perfect solution for your Dad this Father’s Day.

In the past, BOTOX® has been perceived as a predominately female procedure; however, increasingly more men are opting for BOTOX® to smooth away their fine lines and wrinkles. According to The American Society of Plastic Surgeons, 363,000 men received BOTOX® in 2011 and 337,000 men received BOTOX® in 2010.  In fact, more men in 2010 chose BOTOX® treatment than any other form of cosmetic surgery or enhancement. The rise of BOTOX® by male patients has been labeled as “BRO-TOX.”


If you think your Dad is too manly for “BRO-TOX”, think again. Not only does it reduce fine lines and wrinkles, but BOTOX® also helps manage migraines, headaches, muscle spasms and excessive sweating.  Men also tend to prefer Botox because the effects are temporary, lasting only three to four months. Good Morning America recently investigated the trend of “BRO-TOX,” check out their segment to see why BOTOX® might be the perfect gift for your dad this Father’s Day.

Call Greenville Dermatology to secure a gift certificate for your Dad or book an appointment with Dr. Miller today. 

The Truth about Melanoma and Men

With the summer months in full swing, it is vital to be constantly applying sunscreen to reduce the risk of getting skin cancer.  Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer and men especially need to protect themselves from the sun.

In a recent study by Reuters Health, researchers discovered that women with melanoma are more likely to survive this specific type of cancer than men.  Women are also less likely to have skin cancer reoccur.

During a study in Netherlands researchers looked at over 2,600 patients with early stages of melanoma. For 2 to 12 years, these men and women were followed as they underwent treatment. At the end of the study, results concluded that women were 70 percent more likely to beat skin cancer than men. Researchers are still not sure of the exact reasons, but have predicted that women’s genes and eagerness to go to a doctor may play a part in surviving more than men. Women are more likely to go to the doctor after seeing a change or blemish on the skin and this act can help catch cancer while it is still in its earlier stages.  Researchers ruled out that estrogen may be a part of the reason.

Overall, doctors and researches alike cannot stress enough to men the importance of seeing a dermatologist if you see a questionable change on your skin.  Going to see a doctor early can make all the difference and save your life!