Posted by dermcareonline on January 21, 2010 under Parkinson's Disease, Skin Cancer, melanoma | 
A recent study at Harvard University found that people with a family history of melanoma are twice as likely to develop Parkinson’s disease, suggesting a genetic link. Initially, they found that patients taking levodopa, a drug for Parkinson’s disease, were more suseptible to melanoma, and thought that the risk was associated with the medication itself. However, they then discovered that people with melanoma were at higher risk for developing Parkinson’s.
The cause of this association is still unclear, and a genetic link has yet to be discovered. If you or a family member have Parkinson’s disease, remember to get a yearly skin screening from your doctor, as well as self examinations.
Posted by admin on February 19, 2009 under Skin Cancer, Summer Skin Care, UVA, UVB, UVC, cancer, sun damage, sun protection |
As Winter Wanes and Spring Begins to Blossom, the Impact of Light on Day to Day Life Becomes ….. Illuminated
Understanding Ultraviolet light and one’s exposure is key to good health
Ultraviolet light is an essential part of life, with both life-sustaining as well as damaging affects. From promoting Vitamin D and treating many different types of skin conditions to aging and skin cancers, it’s role has an undeniable impact on life. Understanding it and one’s exposure to it is key.
Ultraviolet (UV) light is part of the electromagnetic spectrum that begins at the violet color of visible light (400 nm) and ends at the beginning of X-ray (200 nm). Visible light includes ultraviolet light A (320-400 nm), ultraviolet light B (290-320 nm), and ultraviolet light C (200-290 nm).
Ultraviolet light A (UVA) comes from sunlight and is capable of penetrating windows. It also has a longer wavelength and penetrates deeper into the skin to cause photoaging. Ultraviolet light B (UVB) is also from the sun and can cause sunburns and immediate redness. Ultraviolet light C (UVC) from sunlight and is filtered by the ozone layer. Artificial sources of UVC include cold quartz lamps and operating room germicidal lamps.
UV light is not only beneficial but necessary for individuals and the environment. It makes vitamin D in our skin, which is increasingly linked to overall health and well being. In fact, recent reports indicate Vitamin D deficiencies of large proportions within the United States as a result of sunscreen overuse and our conditioning to stay out of the sun in order to avoid the harm of its rays. Vitamin D deficiencies are linked to increased risk of many different types of diseases including cancer.
UV light has also been effectively used to treat skin diseases such as psoriasis and vitiligo. Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that causes red, dry and rough patches of skin that worsens in colder winter months. Vitiligo is a skin pigmentation disorder.
The harmful affects of UV light are well-known in American society, contributing to the multi-billion dollar pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries - promoting sunscreens and anti-aging cosmetics. The light can be harmful, not only aging the skin but also damaging cells - resulting in various types of skin cancers.
Sunscreens labeled with a sun protection factor (SPF) lower the chances of a sunburn from UVB rays. UVB has been used to treat psoriasis, vitiligo, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, eczema and other dermatologic diseases. Sunlight machines have bulbs that emit light of the UVB spectrum. And now a specific band of UVB at 311-312 nm (narrowband UVB) is used to more effectively treat various skin conditions such as psoriasis. This is called phototherapy.
UVA rays cause damaging aging affects in the skin. Sunscreens containing zinc and titanium dioxide protect the skin against UVA. Phototherapy machines also have bulbs that emit light of the UVA spectrum. After taking a medication called psoralen, the skin becomes sensitized to the ultraviolet light. This is called PUVA treatment, psoralens plus UVA, and it is used as well to treat diseases like psoriasis and vitiligo.
Tags: cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, eczema, harmful sun rays, photoaging, phototherapy, psoralen, psoriasis, PUVA, Skin Cancer, sun damage, sun lamps, sunlight machines, titanium dioxide, ultraviolet light, UVA, UVB, UVC, vitiligo, zinc
Posted by admin on December 29, 2008 under Skin Cancer, Skin Care General, sun protection |
What’s all the Hype with Vitamin D and Sun Exposure?
A simple blood test can be performed to detect the levels of vitamin D in the blood. Even an apparently healthy athlete can have a blood test that reveals a deficiency in vitamin D.
Aside from the psychological benefits it is believed many derive from sunlight, the Vitamin D also produced by sun exposure is today seen as a critical vitamin for bone and muscle health. It is also considered a deterrent to many other harmful diseases plaguing today’s society.
A deficiency in Vitamin D can cause Rickets in children and has been associated with diabetes, hypertension, certain cancers and arthritis in adults as well.
While dietary requirements for Vitamin D has traditionally been 200 IU for children and adults, 400 IU for adults over the age of 50 and 800 IU for elderly adults, some physicians believe that doses of even 800 IU are not enough to prevent fractures associated with osteopenia. Some doctors are now recommending 1000 IU per day of Vitamin D3 supplementation for those patients who are avoiding or protecting themselves from the harmful rays of the sun – or those living in regions with long seasons of diminished sunlight.
Societies today are receiving less natural sun exposure than generations past – as a result of sun –related health concerns and changing work and school environments with less outdoor exposure.
The new guidelines from the American Academy of Pediatrics now recommends that all children receive 400 IU of vitamin D every day, either through their diet or vitamin supplements. These guidelines come in response to the increasing reports of rickets in infants and children in the United States. It is important to note that 400 IU of vitamin D is seen in the vitamin supplements of most children.
Vitamin D derived from the diet is found in such things as orange juice, milk and other dairy products, as well as oily fish and cod liver oil. Vitamin D is also produced in the skin after approximately five minutes of sun exposure. Additional exposure does not increase production of vitamin D.
Ultraviolet light B (UVB) converts 7-dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC) to pre-vitamin D3 in the skin, which is then converted to vitamin D3. Vitamin D3 is transported to the kidneys and liver and becomes biologically active.
For years dermatologists have recommended the avoidance of excessive sun exposure at peak hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.), along with the use of sun protective clothing. In contrast, some endocrinologists have recommended exposure to this UV radiation so that people ensure that they achieve the adequate Vitamin D levels in the body.
So, what are readers of such conflicting information to think? Too much sun causes skin cancer, too little sun causes a deficiency in vitamin D…
Too little vitamin D can cause rickets or osteoporosis. There are approximately 10-12 million Americans with osteoporosis. What is the best thing to do? All individual factors should be considered.
Who is at risk for developing a Vitamin D deficiency?
- Breast fed infants may require supplementation after the first few days of life, as mother’s milk does not contain enough vitamin D.
- Children who consume less than one quart of milk a day require supplementation.
- Other children at risk for vitamin D deficiency and in need of supplementation include African American children. The darker skin of an African American child interferes with ultraviolet light penetration and vitamin D production. African American children and adults alike, as well as other cultures with particularly dark skin, require six times more UVB to produce vitamin D.
- Obesity suppresses the production of vitamin D, as vitamin D is kept in adipose tissue.
- Skin of the elderly is also vulnerable as it is thin and does not have enough vitamin D precursor – establishing a deficient environment.
A simple blood test can be performed to detect the levels of vitamin D in the blood. Even an apparently healthy athlete can have a blood test that reveals a deficiency in vitamin D.
Parents should ensure that children are eating a healthy diet with vitamin D-rich foods and achieve a healthy balance in diet, sun exposure and supplementation – assuring healthy vitamin D levels.
As with any new recommendation, it is best to discuss the issues of vitamin D, sun exposure, blood tests and supplementations with a qualified physician.
Tags: 7 -dehydrocholesterol (7-DHC), arthritis, breast-fed infants and vitamin D, cancer, diabetes, elderly and vitamin D, healthy vitamin D levels, hypertension, kidney and liver health, obesity and vitamin D deficiency, pre-vitamin D3, rickets, sun exposure, sun light benefits, Ultraviolet light B (UVB), Vitamin D deficiency, vitamin D supplementation, vitamin D supplements, vitamin D-rich foods, vitamin D3
Posted by admin on December 15, 2008 under Skin Cancer, Skin Care General, sun protection |
Why Sunscreen Shouldn’t be Packed Away with the Swimsuits
Sunscreen is important all year round.
Winter is here and winter vacation plans are made. The bathing suits have been packed away, and the sweaters and ski clothes are out.
Stop!
Don’t put the sunscreen in the back of the medicine cabinet. Wintertime is still a time to protect skin against the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun.
The rays of the sun reflect off the snow. It is still possible to get a sunburn – even while bundled and skiing on sunny slopes. The same rules for applying sunscreen in the summer apply to winter time as well. A broad spectrum sunscreen with UVA and UVB coverage should be used and reapplied every two to three hours on sun exposed areas.
It is recommended that 2mg of sunscreen is used per square centimeter of skin. That means that approximately 2/3 teaspoon is needed for the face and neck. And sunglasses and a hat should be worn to protect the eyes and scalp. Enjoy the slopes!
