It Might be Mites

According to a review published by the Journal of Medical Microbiology, scientists are closer to establishing what they believe is a bacterial cause of the skin condition rosacea. Rosacea, a reddening and inflammation of the skin, is mostly found around the cheeks, nose and chin. In more serious cases of rosacea, skin lesions may form and could lead to disfigurement.

Statistically, 3% of the population is affected by rosacea. The majority of patients with this condition are women with fair skin between the ages of 30-50; weak immune systems have also been linked to rosacea. While previously no specific bacterial cause had been found, rosacea is typically treated with antibiotics. However, the recent review by the National University of Ireland reports that bacteria within mites on human skin may cause rosacea.
 

These mites, Demodex folliculorum, are shaped like worms and live harmlessly around hair follicles on the face. The number of these mites increases with age, and the mites are more prevalent among those with rosacea, which has led to the indication that they are linked to the cause of the condition.
 

“The bacteria live in the digestive tracts of Demodex mites found on the face, in a mutually beneficial relationship,” said Dr. Kevin Kavanagh, who conducted the review. “When mites die, the bacteria are released and leak into the surrounding skin tissues – triggering tissue degradation and inflammation. Once the numbers of mites increase, so does the amount of bacteria, making rosacea more likely to occur.”
 

While learning about mites on the skin is a bit unsettling, the good news is that this discovery may lead to the development of improved rosacea treatments. According to Dr. Kavanagh’s review, some pharmaceutical companies are already working on a way to control the population of mites on the face, so new, more effective treatments for rosacea may be available sooner than we had once thought.

Psoriasis May Be a Risk Factor for Diabetes

Medpagetoday.com recently published an article reporting that patients with psoriasis may be at an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes over the general population and that the risk is highest in patients with severe psoriasis. The study referred to in this article was conducted by Dr. Ole Ahlehoff from Copenhagen University Hospital Gentofte.

Psoriasis is a common skin disease that affects the life cycle of skin cells. Psoriasis causes cells to build up on the surface of the skin, resulting in itchy, red patches that are sometimes painful. Cases of psoriasis can range from mild to severe and can affect different areas of the body, including the scalp, nails, underarms and groin.

According to the article, patients with mild psoriasis have an increased risk for Type 2 diabetes of 49% over the general population. In addition, those patients diagnosed with severe psoriasis are more than twice as likely to also be diagnosed with diabetes. These are startling findings, especially considering that there are approximately 125 million reported cases of psoriasis worldwide.

“Diabetes and psoriasis share an underlying inflammatory process and an abundance of risk factors, and therefore, it is not surprising that psoriasis has been proposed as a risk factor for new onset diabetes,” said Dr. Ahlehoff, who announced the results of this study at the European Society of Cardiology meeting; the study’s results are detailed here.

“Screening for diabetes and cardiovascular risk factors in patients with psoriasis is warranted,” Dr. Ahlehoff concludes. He suggests that a yearly screening should be sufficient.

While the cause of psoriasis is not fully known, researchers suspect that it is related to the immune system and how it reacts to the environment. Some triggers have been identified and should be avoided if possible. These include: infections such as strep throat, injuries to the skin including cuts, scrapes and bug bites, stress, cold weather and heavy alcohol consumption.

In some cases, psoriasis may be more of a nuisance than a major health concern; however, this is a disease that can often lead to joint problems and now, possibly Type 2 diabetes. Even in the mildest cases of psoriasis, it is important to consult with a medical professional. If you think you may have psoriasis or would like more information, I encourage you to call us at 864-242-5872 to schedule your appointment.

Skin Virus May Be a Cure For Acne

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, acne is the most common skin disorder in the United States, affecting 40 to 50 million people. In fact, nearly 85 percent of people will have acne at some point in their lives. Unfortunately, while acne is prevalent, safe and effective treatments are not. 

The good news is that researchers from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and the University of Pittsburgh have discovered that a harmless skin virus, called phage, may be used to treat acne. This virus occurs naturally on our skin, and its purpose is to target and kill the bacteria that cause acne. Unlike antibiotics, however, phages target only the bad bacteria. Scientists found that there are 11 versions of the phage virus, and they all share similar DNA coding and carry a gene that creates the protein endolysin. This protein is thought to destroy bacteria by breaking down their cell walls.

"Antibiotics such as tetracycline are so widely used that many acne strains have developed resistance, and drugs like Accutane, while effective, can produce risky side effects, limiting their use," said Dr. Jenny Kim, director of the UCLA Clinic for Acne, Rosacea and Aesthetics.

Acne can cause both physical and emotional scars, so this discovery may literally change people lives. It could be many years before this treatment can be fully developed and available as a cure. In the meantime, if you or someone you know is battling acne, schedule a consultation with us today. We can identify what may be causing skin irritation and recommend the treatment plan that is best for you and your skin. Call us at (864) 242-5872 to schedule your appointment.

FDA warns L’Oreal over “anti-aging” claims

For those of you using over-the-counter “anti-aging” products, you may be interested to hear a recent warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

L’Oreal has been warned by the FDA to adjust the claims they are making about some of their anti-aging products.  Statements like “boosts the activity of genes” and “stimulate cell regeneration to reconstruct skin to a denser quality” indicate that the products “are intended to affect the structure or any function of the human body,” classifying them as drugs that would require FDA approval under the Federal Food, Drug and Cosmetic Act, according to Bloomberg Businessweek.

The products in question include items from L’Oreal’s Genifique, Absolue and Renergie lines. Because these products have not been tested by the FDA for safety and effectiveness, consumers are dependent on the manufacturer for information about their products. If that information is inaccurate, they are left without a trusted source for knowledge.

This is where Greenville Dermatology can help. We carry a wide selection of cosmetic products that are proven to be effective for your skin care needs. I carefully hand-select all of the products offered at our office to ensure the utmost quality and safety for our patients. Schedule an appointment with our office, and we would be happy to provide recommendations tailored to meet your skin care needs.

Are Sunless Tanners Safe?

Many patients ask if self-tanning products are unsafe due the color additive dihydroxyacetone – better known as DHA. Generally, dermatologists consider this way of achieving a tan very safe when compared to alternative tanning methods.

DHA, a sugar molecule that bronzes just the top layer of the skin, is the only coloring agent that has been approved for use by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). It has been a common ingredient in cosmetics for many years. Self-tanning products are available as lotions, creams, sprays and wipes and typically contain 3-5% DHA. Results generally occur within a few hours, and the color will fade in 7-10 days as you naturally shed skin cells.

There is no hard evidence that DHA is harmful or carcinogenic to humans when applied topically and in the small, recommended doses. When applying or administering spray tanners, be sure not to ingest or inhale the product. Protective gear should be worn to cover the eyes, mouth and nose.

I recommend maintaining your natural complexion, but if you prefer a darker skin tone, self-tanners are the safest route. The scariest option is undoubtedly a visit to a tanning salon. Nearly 30 million people use tanning beds each year in the US; of those, 2.3 million are teens. Below are some alarming facts on indoor tanning, which can also be found at www.skincancer.org.

·         Those who make just four visits to a tanning salon per year can increase their risk for melanoma by 11 percent and their risk for basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma by 15 percent.

·         Indoor ultraviolet (UV) tanners are 74 percent more likely to develop melanoma than those who have never tanned indoors.

·         Frequent tanners using new high-pressure sunlamps may receive as much as 12 times the annual UVA dose compared to the dose they receive from sun exposure.

Think Before You Ink

If you’re thinking about getting a tattoo, it could come with an unwanted side effect: a skin infection. Recently, health officials linked an increase in skin infections caused by tuberculosis-related bacteria to contaminated ink – not dirty needles or unsanitary tattoo parlors. While cases of infection caused by the contaminated ink have been confirmed across the United States, Fox News reported that the largest outbreak was in Rochester, N.Y. There, 19 people showed the same raised, bumpy rash covering their tattoos.

Historically, the health risks associated with getting a tattoo were infections such as hepatitis, staph or tetanus. These were typically caused by unsanitary conditions or unsafe practices. The recent infection outbreaks caused by ink used at otherwise sanitary tattoo parlors is an additional cause for concern. "Even if you get a tattoo from a facility that does everything right, it's not risk free," said Dr. Byron Kennedy, deputy director of the health department in New York's Monroe County. Health officials advise tattoo artists and ink makers to use only sterile water to dilute ink to prevent contamination.

As a dermatologist, I recommend thinking twice before making any permanent alterations to your skin; however, if you do decide to get a tattoo, be sure to ask what type of ink is being used and make sure that the parlor you choose takes all necessary precautions to prevent infections. Furthermore, if you are concerned that your tattoo may be infected, seek immediate medical attention.

Adult Acne – It Can Happen to You

Acne does not discriminate by age, gender or race. Anyone can get acne, and for adults, blemishes can be very embarrassing. The first step to managing and preventing breakouts is to understand their primary cause. Acne develops when pores become clogged by the oil in our skin. This oil is called sebum, and our bodies make more of it when our hormones surge, which is why acne is so common among teens. In addition, it explains why women may get breakouts right before periods or in the years leading up to menopause.

Today there are many effective acne treatments. No treatment works overnight, so it is imperative that you stick with a regimen for 4-8 weeks to see significant improvement. If non-prescription cleansers are not giving you your desired results, it is time to see a dermatologist.

Doctors can prescribe a variety of treatment options, such as antibiotics to kill bacteria and reduce inflammation; birth control pills to help balance hormones; or in extreme cases, isotretinoin may be prescribed.  In-office procedures may also be included in your treatment plan. Light therapy, chemical peels and acne removal are among the treatments that may be recommended.

Without treatment, acne can lead to scarring, low self-esteem, depression and anxiety. No one should have to deal with those struggles when a dermatologist can offer relief from skin irritations and breakouts. If you are an adult with problem skin or are interested in improving your complexion, call us today for a consultation.  Greenville Dermatology wants to help you feel your best!