A simple virus found on human skin could offer a new treatment option for acne, this according to a report in the Dermatology Times E-News(10/24/12, Heather Onorati).  The study was originally published  in mBio.

According to the study, the bacteria that causes acne is defenseless against the virus that lives on the skin.  The authors of the study explained that the isolated phages from the virus could help in “the development of a phage-based topical anti-acne therapy.”

New research is indicating that basal cell carcinoma(BCC), the most common type of skin cancer, may be a chronic condition.

The Journal of Investigative Dermatology reported on a six year study which examined patients with a history of BCC.  The study found that basal cell carcinoma appeared to be a chronic disease for those patients diagnosed.  The study also showed that a major risk factor for BCC was “high sun exposure before the age of 30.”

Because we live in such a sunny environment, we recommend yearly skin checks for the average patient.  If you have a history of skin cancer, twice a year skin checks are recommended.  Also, keep in mind the ABCD’s of skin cancer detection:

A: Asymmetry- make sure one half of the mole doesn’t look different than the other half

B: Border- make sure the border of the mole isn’t ragged, notched or blurred

C: Color- make sure the mole is uniform in color

D: Diameter- make sure the mole is not larger than the size of a pencil eraser

If there’s ever a question, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist for a skin cancer screening.  To learn more, visit our website: San Diego Dermatology & Laser Surgery

Ever wonder why you notice more brown spots, more broken blood vessels and more wrinkles on the left side of your face? It’s your drivers side, and years of driving result in accumulated photodamage.  Need proof?  See the picture below:

Notice the left side of the face has substantially more photodamage. Photo credit: The New England Journal of Medicine

To prevent this from happening to you, we recommend a full spectrum, UVA/UVB sunscreen of AT LEAST SPF 30.  Sunscreen should be worn daily, even if it’s overcast, and should be re-applied every one to two hours when outdoors.  We offer our patients several great options for sun protection:

Jan Marini Antioxidant Body Block- Very water resistant with a mild fragrance…smells like summer! (SPF 30)

DermSD Shield- All natural sun protection, chemical free! (SPF 29)

Revision Intellishade- A moisturizer with a sunscreen with a light tint that you can wear as makeup or under makeup.  Contains Zinc Oxide and Titanium Dioxide… a patient favorite! (SPF 45)

May is skin cancer awareness month… some of you may have even celebrated Melanoma Monday (the first Monday of May). Pretty soon, we’ll be welcoming summer to sunny San Diego with open arms.

Are you feeling like Casper the ghost as we head out of winter and spring?  Thinking about hitting up the nearest tanning salon to get a pre-summer glow?  DON’T DO IT!! According to The Panama City (FL) News Herald (5/7), “Sunburns and tanning beds are two of the greatest risk factors for melanoma.”  In fact, a column posted in the St. Louis Post-Dispatch (5/3) details a 40 year study that showed  the incidence of melanoma in “women ages 18 to 39 increased eight-fold.”

Melanoma, when caught early, can be treated successfully.  However, the article featured in The Panama City (FL) News Herald (5/7) points out that malignant melanoma causes “about 75 percent of all skin cancer fatalities.”  So what can you do to lessen your chances of  getting a skin cancer?

Limit your sun exposure.  Try to avoid prolonged sun exposure during the hours of 10 AM to 4 PM, and absolutely avoid tanning beds!  When you are outdoors, wear protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats, rash-guards and sunglasses.  Make sure to apply sunscreen liberally 30 minutes before going outdoors.  We recommend a cream or lotion of SPF 30+ for the first application.  Sprays can be used for re-application throughout the day.  Sunscreen should be re-applied every 1-2 hours.  See your dermatologist regularly for skin checks, or anytime you’re concerned about a spot that won’t go away, or is changing in size, shape, color, or if it is itching or bleeding.

Enjoy the beautiful California sunshine, but do it safely!