Posts Tagged ‘Dermatology’

Some cosmetic surgeons say that gum chewing can lead to facial wrinkles, as reported by MSNBC this week.  The surgeons contend that chronic, extensive gum chewing “promotes muscle over-activity and potentially breaks down support tissue within the skin.” Although this may be true, there are no studies that have been done which link gum chewing with wrinkling. Nor does money need to be spent on such a study – would it really matter? This makes me wonder whether we should tell perpetually happy people to stop smiling, or habitual snackers to quit munching. Yes, perhaps maniacal gum chewers should be warned, but personally, I’ll take my gum with all it’s wrinkle risks in stride. [via MSNBC]

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For the very first time, a surgical technique used to treat vitiligo patients in Europe, Asia and the Middle East has been performed in the US and shown to be effective in treating the skin condition. Called melanocyte-keratinocyte transplantation (MKTP), the surgical technique involves harvesting healthy skin cells from a part of the body unaffected by vitiligo, a disease which causes white patchy skin discoloration. These healthy cells are then applied to an affected area and covered with a specially developed adhesive biologic dressing. Over time, researchers have found that in some patients the affected areas of skin began to regain their ability to produce skin pigment. The study was presented yesterday, March 9, at the 68th annual American Academy of Dermatology meeting in Miami. [via PhysOrg]

Read more at the Guide To Vitiligo.

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In this month’s issue of the Archives of Dermatology researchers noted that common skin diseases can lead to poor morale and combat ineffectiveness of troops on the front line. Poor control and misdiagnosis of common, benign conditions such as itchy rashes, eczema, psoriasis, non-cancerous moles can often lead to evacuation of troops for evaluation and treatment. The study authors say that measures such as identification of individuals with chronic skin diseases during medical screening before they are deployed and emphasizing preventive measures to clinicians in the field can reduce the number of evacuations. Teledermatolgy may someday play a role as well, allowing physicians with dermatological expertise to visually examine soldiers remotely.

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Yes, really. Cell phones can cause rashes. According to the British Association of Dermatologists doctors have began to see what they are calling “mobile phone dermatitis” – rashes on the ears and cheeks of prolonged cell phone users caused by an allergic reaction to nickel.  Nickel is a metal commonly used in consumer products, especially jewelery and belt buckles, and is one of the most common causes of allergic contact dermatitis. The rash is purely due to the nickel coming into contact with the skin. Earlier this year a Brown University study tested 22 popular handsets from eight different manufacturers and found nickel in 10 of the devices. The British group is urging physicians to think about the possibility of mobile phone dermatitis in any patient with a ear/cheek rash that cannot otherwise be explained.

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