A Low-Calorie Diet May Improve Psoriasis

Putting psoriasis patients on a low-calorie diet may improve quality of life and reduce severity of the disease, according to a recent study.

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease characterized by raised, red, scaly patches on the skin. It typically affects the skin outside of the elbows and knees, the scalp, lower back, face, palms and the soles of feet, although it can occur anywhere. Psoriasis varies from person to person, both in severity and how it responds to treatments.

The study, conducted by the Copenhagen University Hospital in Gentofte, Denmark, compared the diets of 60 people with a body mass index (BMI) between 27 and 40 over 16 weeks. Half the participants were randomly assigned to a low-energy diet consisting of 800 to 1,000 calories per day for eight weeks, followed by a 1,200-calorie diet for the following eight weeks. The other half of the participants were instructed to eat normally throughout the study.

The authors discovered a correlation between weight loss and the decrease in severity of psoriasis symptoms, noting the most significant change occurred during the first eight weeks of the study. Participants on the low-calorie diet also experienced a statistically significant reduction in insulin and plasma glucose levels, key obesity indicators, compared to the control group.

Researchers suggest several possible explanations for the improvement in psoriasis symptoms after weight loss. One theory is that both obesity and psoriasis are linked to chronic inflammation, which can cause symptoms such as swelling, body aches and pains and skin outbreaks. Another explanation is that the medication used by some the participants on the low-calorie diet might have become more efficient as they lost weight and achieved a higher, more effective dose.

While previous studies have noted possible association between psoriasis and obesity, this study was the first rigorous trial to evaluate the direct correlation between weight loss and the severity of psoriasis.

Summer is actually a good season for many who suffer from psoriasis because warmth, humidity and sunshine can temporarily heal lesions. Although the sun can be beneficial for psoriatic skin, people with this skin condition should still use sunscreen to defend against UVA and UVB rays. Getting sunburned can trigger skin flare-ups, so Dr. Miller recommends looking for sunscreen products formulated for atopic skin with an SPF of at least 30. If you’re experiencing a flare-up, stay out of the sun completely, as heat and sun can intensify inflammation.

Dr. Miller also recommends avoiding wearing synthetic fibers and Lycra during the summer months. Instead, opt for loose clothing made of soft fibers, such as cotton, to avoid irritating the skin. Shoes and sandals should also be open and roomy.

In 95 percent of cases, healthcare providers can make a psoriasis diagnosis just by visual inspection. If you think you are suffering from this skin condition, call Greenville Dermatology to schedule an appointment today.

When it Comes to Tanning, Women Value Looks More Than Health

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Sunless tanning is often promoted as the best way to achieve a “bronze glow” without the damage from harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. However, a recent study says that if products don’t provide the perfect tan, young women likely will not use them.

The Baylor University study, published in the current issue of Household and Personal Care Today, was conducted on approximately 200 Caucasian female college students and found that appearance was the primary motivation for getting a tan.

Participants were given a questionnaire with 14 statements about appearance. They were asked to answer them on a five-point scale ranging from “strongly agree” to “strongly disagree.” Those who strongly agreed with statements such as "I should do whatever I can to always look my best" were more likely to use all of the sunless tanning items mentioned in the study, according to Jay Yoo, Ph.D., an assistant professor of family and consumer sciences in Baylor's College of Arts & Sciences.

"The feeling is 'I tan, I feel good, I'll look good tomorrow… What's health?'" Yoo said. "The study confirms that targeting appearance-conscious consumers, in particular young women, will be successful as long as the quality of the tan is promising. Women ages 19 to 22 aren’t worried about wrinkles and premature aging.”

Young women in particular, who are more frequent users of sunless tanning creams, gels and lotions, see sunless tanning as a complement to UV tanning. Yoo said manufacturers should promote sunless tanners as a substitute for UV tanning, rather than just a complement.

Participants’ attitudes toward bronzers (powders and moisturizers) was most positive, followed by tanning lotions, creams, sprays, toilettes, gels and pills. Women were less likely to use sunless tanning products if they thought the product caused streakiness or an unnatural look or color.

The study also revealed that young women are not concerned about skin cancer unless they experience it personally or on a family member or someone else they know, Yoo said.

Sunless tanning products can provide a safe alternative to UV tanning. However, keep in mind: sunless tanners don’t provide protection from UV rays. Even if you have sunless tanner on, sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 should still be used if you are going to be out in the sun.

Greenville Dermatology has an array of sunless tanning and sunscreen products in our retail store. Our skincare experts can help guide you in determining the best products and SPF protection for your skin. Give us a call today at (864) 242-5872.

Daily Sunscreen Reduces Aging

The secret to anti-aging may already be in your beach bag. You probably know by now that sunscreen protects skin from damaging UV rays, but a new study suggests that it also reduces skin aging, even in middle-aged men and women.

According to research published in the Annals of Internal Medicine, people instructed to apply sunscreen daily showed 24 percent less skin aging over four years than those told to use sunscreen as they normally would.

The anti-aging properties of sunscreen were witnessed in all daily-use participants, no matter what age they were.

“This is a good news study because for young and middle-aged adults, it’s never too late to take care of your skin,” said Adele Green, PhD, lead study author and lab head at the Queensland Institute of Medical Research in Australia.

This particular study covered more than 900 adults younger than 55 living in Australia. All study participants were given a sunscreen of SPF 15 or higher. Half were told to wear sunscreen daily, while the others were instructed to use it like normal. By the end of the study, 77 percent of those told to use sunscreen daily were using it at least three to four days a week, compared to 33 percent of the control group.

Skin aging was measured by calculating photoaging, which refers to the negative effects on the skin from long-term exposure to sunlight. Photoaging is linked to coarser and looser skin, increased wrinkling and dryness, elevated visible small blood vessels and whiteheads or blackheads on facial skin.

Those who did not use sunscreen daily had a higher risk of actinic keratoses, or thick patches of skin, and skin cancer.

“This is great fodder for us to encourage people to use sunscreen,” said Jeffrey Dover, a dermatologist in Chestnut Hill, Mass. “I will quote this paper every day.”

The results have a double significance since the reduced skin damage from UV rays also translates to a lower risk of skin cancer.

At home, look for a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Note that even products labeled “waterproof” or “sweatproof” only for 40 minutes while swimming or sweating. Greenville Dermatology’s retail store carries a wide selection of broad-spectrum sunscreens that are ideal for everyday use. Stop by today or call (864) 242-5872 to make an appointment with a dermatologist.

Is Your Lipstick Killing You?

Lipstick may brighten your smile, but according to a recent study, it could also be poisoning your body. The study found that many commonly sold lipsticks and lip glosses contain lead, cadmium, chromium, aluminum and five other toxic metals, some at levels that could raise potential health concerns.

Researchers from the University of California, Berkeley’s School of Public Health analyzed 32 different lipsticks and lip glosses commonly sold in drugstores and department stores across the U.S. Although scientists had already detected metals in cosmetics in the past, this new report went a step further to estimate the risk of daily intake of the toxic metals. Lipstick and lip glosses are of particular concern since these products are applied to the lips and are gradually ingested.

“Just finding these metals isn’t the issue; it’s the levels that matter. Some of the toxic metals are occurring at levels that could possibly have an effect in the long term,” said S. Katharine Hammond, study author and professor of environmental health sciences. “This study is saying, ‘FDA, wake up and pay attention.’”

The scientists in the study determined that even if you don’t “slather on” lipstick or reapply lip products multiple times per day, you could still be at risk for ingesting a high concentration of toxins. The average user applies lipstick 2.3 times daily and ingests 24 milligrams each day, while a heavy user applies it as many as 14 times per day and ingests an average of 83 milligrams, according to the study.

The study found that even average users are at risk for excessive exposure to toxins. For instance, applying lipstick two times per day could lead to excessive exposure of chromium, a carcinogen associated with stomach tumors.

Individuals who are heavy users are even more at risk. Slathering on lipstick several times per day could lead to an overexposure of cadmium, aluminum and manganese. Exposure to high concentrations of manganese has been associated with toxicity in the nervous system.

Out of the 32 lip products tested, 24 of them contained lead, although at levels that were generally lower than the acceptable daily intake.

There are currently no standards for metal content in cosmetics sold in the U.S. However, cadmium, chromium and lead are all considered unacceptable ingredients, at any level, in cosmetic products sold in Europe, according to the European Union.

So, what’s the deal? Should you choose to forgo lip color and go au naturel? The authors of the study said there’s no reason to throw your lipstick away. Instead, they urge health regulators to have more oversight of lip products to prevent these toxic metals from getting inside your lipstick and into your body.

“I don’t think people should panic,” said Hammond. “But if you use it several times every day, you may want to think about it.” Her basic advice: “Use it less.”

The ABCs of Skin Cancer Detection



When it comes to skin cancer, early detection is key. While it is important to schedule an annual exam with your dermatologist, there are also signs you can be on the lookout for in order to assist in early detection.

According to the American Melanoma Foundation, you should monitor the following four appearance characteristics of moles:

• A for Asymmetry – if a mole has one half that is different from the other half 
• B for Border Irregularity – if a mole has uneven, blurred or jagged edges
• C for Color – if the color is uneven or if different shades of color are present
• D for Diameter – if the diameter is greater than six millimeters (the diameter of a pencil eraser)

Another study by a group from NYU School of Medicine stresses the importance of also focusing on the next letter in line:

 

• E for Evolution – if a mole changes in shape, size or color over time, or if there is itching, soreness or surface bleeding around the mole

According to the study, this additional characteristic refers to nodular melanoma, a type of melanoma that doesn’t fit specifically within the ABCD detection criteria. Nodular melanoma is the most aggressive type of melanoma and typically does not appear suspicious at first glance. However, 78% of patients with nodular melanoma noted that their lesions typically experienced some type of change in shape. In fact, the study concluded that moles that changed appearance were at least four times more likely to be diagnosed as melanoma. 

 

In order to protect yourself from melanoma, you must be proactive! It is crucial to protect your skin from harmful UV rays, but you may also monitor any suspicious moles by keeping ABCDE in mind. Remember to report any areas of concern to your doctor immediately, which will help stop melanoma in its tracks. 

 

To speak to a dermatologist or a member of our talented staff, call Greenville Dermatology today at 864-242-5872. 

Non-Melanoma Skin Cancers Linked to Risk for Other Cancers

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Did you know May is National Skin Cancer Awareness Month? Although most of the focus will be on melanoma awareness, there are other types of skin cancer that are equally as important. In fact, one study shows that non-melanoma skin cancer may be an indication for other types of cancer.

According to the study, white people with non-melanoma skin cancer may be at greater risk for developing other forms of cancer. The researchers found that individuals with squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) had a 26 percent greater risk of eventually having another type of cancer than people with no history of cancer, while patients with basal cell carcinoma (BCC) had a 15 percent greater risk.

This could be particularly big news for women, who were found to be at greater risk than men. When considering only non-melanoma skin cancers, researchers found women with skin cancer had a 20 percent higher risk for other types of cancer, while men had an 11 percent greater risk. Specifically, the study showed women with non-melanoma skin cancer were at greater risk for melanoma, breast and lung cancers.

The study, led by Dr. Jiali Han, an associate professor at Brigham and Women’s Hospital and Harvard Medical School in Boston, examined two large U.S. studies involving more than 51,000 male health professionals and nearly 122,000 female nurses. Among white participants, researchers identified more than 36,000 cases of non-melanoma skin cancer and more than 29,000 new cases of other forms of cancer.

Although melanoma is more deadly, BCC and SCC are the most common types of skin cancer. BCCs are abnormal, uncontrolled growths or lesions that arise on the epidermis (the outermost layer of skin), while SCCs are uncontrolled growths that arise in the squamous cells (the upper layers of skin). Both are similar in appearance – often looking like open sores, red patches, shiny bumps, pink growths or scars – and may crust or bleed.

So how can you prevent BCC and SCC? By protecting your skin from the sun! Always wear a sunscreen of SPF 30 or greater when you’re going to be outside, and try to avoid prolonged time in the sun during the middle of the day when the sun’s rays are most intense. Remember that UV rays can pass through clouds and windows, so don’t ignore sun protection on a cloudy day or when you’re driving in the car. Although you can’t undo sun damage, you can prevent additional damage and reduce your risk of getting skin cancer.

To speak with a dermatologist or a member of our talented staff, call Greenville Dermatology today at (864) 242-5872.

Red Hair Pigment May Increase Skin Cancer Risk

According to a new study, redheads may be more susceptible to getting skin cancer, even if they don’t spend a lot of time in the sun.

Dr. David Fisher, chief of dermatology at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, first uncovered the link between hair pigment and melanoma last fall. Dr. Fisher and his team of researchers tested mice and found that at least half of mice with red fur developed melanoma, even though none of them had been exposed to any ultraviolet (UV) radiation. By comparison, only about 10 percent of mice without the redhead gene developed melanoma. 

Now researchers are asking why the body’s red hair pigment, known as pheomelanin, might create an increased risk for skin cancer.  

In Dr. Fisher’s new paper, published in the journal BioEssays, he proposes that pheomelanin could leave cells more vulnerable to DNA damage, thus increasing the risk for melanoma. Through research, Dr. Fisher and his team hope to figure out a way to prevent future cases of skin cancer.

"We are focusing on what the possibilities are, what the directions for new research are and how that could impact treatment," said Dr. Fisher. "In the mouse studies, it was possible to completely remove UV and there was still a major incidence of melanoma that was attributable to the red pigment."

Despite his research, Fisher says that UV rays still play a strong role in the development of skin cancer.

"I want to emphasize that we strongly believe UV is a contributor to melanoma, and UV may actually amplify this red pigment phenomenon," Dr. Fisher said. "It still is absolutely crucial for people to avoid sun exposure."

While all individuals should be careful in the sun, redheads should take additional precautions. This includes visiting a dermatologist for frequent body checks – even if there is no family history of skin cancer. For those with a family history of melanoma, they should visit their dermatologists every three months. This is crucial since melanoma could form on a part of the body that is not touched by UV rays.

Redheads should also avoid being in the sun for long hours and use a sunscreen with at least SPF 30 when they know they’re going to be in the sun.  

Greenville Dermatology’s revolutionary new MelaFind device can help detect melanoma at early, treatable stages. To schedule a skin exam or to speak with a dermatologist, please call us at (864) 242-5872.