Author Archives: webadmin

Medical dermatology is constantly evolving. Doctors and scientists are consistently looking for ways to improve treatment options for a range of conditions, from cystic acne and eczema to psoriasis and rosacea. Skin cancer research and treatment has commanded a lot of attention in recent months. Scientists around the world are testing the limitations of medical knowledge for skin cancer identification, diagnosis, and treatment, improving prognoses and prevention methods.

Skin Cancer Research Worth Following

We think some of those developments are pretty interesting. Below, we’ve detailed five of the most interesting and meaningful improvements to skin cancer research in recent months.

Human Clinical Trials for Skin Cancer Vaccine

For years, companies have been attempting to develop a vaccine to hinder skin cancer development. Now, one company is expanding its human clinical trials: advanced Merkel cell carcinoma and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. Twenty patients with late-stage forms of these cancers will be eligible for the study, which will involve administering the vaccination, through a tuberculin syringe, into the tumor. If this phase of human clinical trials proves to be successful, the company will move into phase two, which will include 160 patients and expand to melanoma treatment.

Connection Between Human Genome and Skin Cancer Discovered

A researcher at Indiana University identified eight new genomic regions that increase risk for developing skin cancer. The research team conducted the largest ever genetic-associated study for squamous cell carcinoma. Their findings shed light on how this form of skin cancer develops. They concluded that pigmentation genes, among others, can be a person’s skin cancer susceptibility gene. This will help develop new techniques of identifying a genetic predisposition to the condition.

Doctors Find Limitations in Skin Cancer Screening Apps

Smartphone app developers are trying to make skin cancer diagnoses easier, but doctors warn that the technology is not sufficiently catching malevolent growths. A new study found that the leading apps that offer this service consistently missed melanomas and told some users their non-cancerous moles were a cause for concern. The study assessed nine previous studies, each of which analyzed six different apps. This is further cause to visit a dermatologist for skin cancer checks. Apps may be convenient, but they are never as effective as a doctor.

Prevalence of Skin Cancer Differs Across Gender and Sexual Orientations

Researchers recently detailed differences in skin cancer prevalence across several sexual orientations and gender identities. The study found that gay and bisexual men had higher rates of skin cancer than heterosexual men. By contrast, the study also found lower rates among bisexual and gay women than among heterosexual women. While the relationship between these rates is not causal (i.e. being a sexual minority does not cause skin cancer), the findings can be used to implement a more effective Behavior Risk Factor Surveillance System for sexual minorities.

Melanoma Prognosis Improves Amid Treatment Discoveries

Malignant melanoma is one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer. It is more likely to spread to other parts of the body. It accounts for 1 percent of skin cancers, but is responsible for more than 90 percent of skin cancer deaths. However, researchers are developing new therapies to block specific targets in tumor production pathways. Additionally, cancer vaccines are gaining additional momentum as possible treatment options. While melanoma prevention is still more effective than a cure, these new technologies provide hope that malignant melanoma prognoses will improve significantly in the coming years.

See a Dermatologist about Diagnosing and Treating Skin Cancer

Anyone in the Twin Cities area who believes they may have skin cancer or wants a second opinion about a diagnosis and treatment plan should Contact us to schedule an appointment at one of our local clinics in Minneapolis, Edina or Plymouth.

It happens to all of us. You buy a new skin care product, maybe a cream or cleanser, and have a bad reaction. Sometimes the reaction manifests as a rash, while other times it can lead to acne excessive dryness, and redness. Around 50 percent of people who use these products experience this reaction, known as contact dermatitis. But with so many users experiencing contact dermatitis, scientists should understand its development and a preventative strategy. Right?

Until now, the best form of contact dermatitis prevention has been to avoid products containing allergens or triggers. However, a new study has identified a clearer cause of why contact dermatitis forms with some products. With this new understanding, better, allergen-free products may be widely available in the future, putting a stop to most product-related contact dermatitis.

How Contact Dermatitis Forms

Allergic reactions are often triggered by molecules called peptides, which carry information between tissues. These molecules trigger immune cells, known as T-cells. Strangely, the products we’re talking about – common skin care treatments – don’t include peptides. In fact, the molecules those products include are thought to be too small to be seen by T-cells. That changed just recently with the publication of a paper in Science Immunology.

The study found a molecule in our skin, CD1A, binds to some skin care product chemicals. This results in a larger molecule, which the T-cells then notice. Several skin care product ingredients were discovered to create this reaction, including benzyl benzoate and benzyl cinnamate, which are molecules commonly used in vanilla-scented oil.

The researchers also looked into another ingredient, farnesol, which can displace natural skin oils. This indicates that T-cells recognize that the CD1A molecule isn’t just large. It’s actually the same molecule with a different shape. As a result, researchers are now confident that they can find a compound like farnesol that can bind to CD1A without causing an immune response. This, they hope, should be able to prevent contact dermatitis.

What Does This Mean for You?

Because this research is so new, there aren’t any companies or products taking applying this new information just yet. In fact, researchers are still looking for a better compound to bind with CD1A. That said, when this research is put into practice, it will likely result in less triggering skin care products – and a severe reduction in contact dermatitis.

For now, avoidance is still the best preventative strategy for contact dermatitis, but that could change in the next few years. If you’re not sure which products you need to avoid to prevent a rash from forming, skin patch allergy tests are the best way forward.

Finding a Personalized Skin Care Strategy

While some patients and dermatologists may draw a line between cosmetic and medical dermatology, these branches of medicine are intricately intertwined. Every dermatologist should be up to date on industry research, including papers like this. Continually learning how the skin reacts to certain compounds is an important part of providing the best possible care. This is exactly the type of professional treatment you’ll receive at Zel Skin & Laser Specialists.

Our practitioners can help you develop an ideal skin care routine that minimizes the likelihood of developing contact dermatitis and other skin rashes. If you have a rash and don’t know its source, we can also help you find the cause. Contact one of our Minneapolis-area dermatology clinics to learn more about how certain medicines and products can alleviate your contact dermatitis symptoms. Our team can provide personalized care and treatment strategies, as well as access to prescription-strength skin care products.