As women age their levels of estrogen decline dramatically. Most women will have half the amount of estrogen they started with by age 50, and the levels continue to fall after menopause. It is known that estrogen plays a key role in skin aging, but a recent review looked at how this decline relates to …
The connection between dysplastic nevi and cutaneous melanoma is well established. A recent study explored whether nevi and freckles found on the iris are also predictors of cutaneous melanoma. Over 1100 participants completed a questionnaire regarding sun exposure history, sun sensitivity, use of sunglasses, hats and sunscreen, past medical history. Images of the iris were …
Molluscum contagiosum (MC) is one of the most common skin infections in children. It is a viral infection caused by a human-specific Poxvirus. Though it is eventually self-clearing, treatment options include curettage and cryotherapy or the use of topical therapies such as salicylic acid, tretinoin, cantharidin, podophyllotoxin, and potassium hydroxide (KOH). However, there is limited …
Because childhood and adolescent melanomas are rare, adult-based protocols are often used for treatment. It has been hypothesized that using such protocols may result in unnecessary morbidity because childhood melanomas may follow a less aggressive disease course. Previous research has shown that childhood melanomas present with thicker tumors and sentinel lymph node metastasis. Researchers have …
Oral teething products that contain the ingredient benzocaine should not be used on children younger than two according to a recent FDA warning. The FDA warning states that these products have little to no benefit for children in this age group, though they are marketed to reduce teething pain. In addition, the active ingredient, benzocaine, …
Studying the skin’s microbiome has led to many discoveries about the extent and composition of the cutaneous microbiome. Skin-specific (skin site and skin microenvironment), individual-specific (hygiene, sex, age and hormonal status), disease-specific (atopic eczema, acne) and genetic factors can all influence the cutaneous microbiome. As sciences discovers more and more about how the microbiome functions, …