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Month: October 2017

31Oct

Melanoma, a cancer of skin pigment cells called melanocytes, will strike an estimated 87,110 people in the U.S. in 2017, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A fraction of those melanomas come from pre-existing moles, but the majority of them come from sources unknown — until now.

Cornell researchers have discovered that when melanocyte stem cells accumulate a sufficient number of genetic mutations, they can become the cells where these cancers originate. Under normal conditions, ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun activates melanocytes to release melanin, a pigment that protects the skin from the sun’s rays. But if melanocyte stem cells have surpassed a threshold of genetic mutations, a tumor can start to grow when those skin stem cells are activated by sun exposure.

“If you had mutations that were sufficient for melanoma, everything would be fine until you went out and got a sunburn,” said Andrew White, assistant professor of biomedical sciences at Cornell’s College of Veterinary Medicine, and senior author of a study published this month in the journal Cell Stem Cell. Hyeongsun Moon, a postdoctoral researcher in White’s lab, is the paper’s lead author. “The stimuli that would normally just give you a tanning response could in fact start a melanoma instead,” White said.

The researchers also may have discovered a way to prevent melanomas caused by mutated stem cells. A gene called Hgma2 was suspected to become expressed in the skin under UV radiation. When expressed, Hgma2 facilitates melanocyte stem cells to move from the base of skin hair follicles to the skin’s surface (the epidermis), where the cells release melanin. Moon, White and colleagues used mice engineered with melanocyte stem cell mutations. One set of mice had the mutations, while another set with the mutations had the Hgma2 gene deleted. They then gave the mice a very low dose of UV radiation, just enough to trigger a tanning response. Mice with tumor-causing mutations and the Hgma2 gene intact developed melanomas, but the mice with mutations and the deleted gene remained healthy.

More study is needed to better understand the Hgma2 gene’s function.

“We have an actual mechanism, with Hgma2, that can be explored in the future and could be a way we can prevent melanomas from happening,” White said.

Source: Cornell University, sciencedaily.com

31Oct

The uncomfortable, itchy rash that most people relate to babies and young children occurs frequently in adults. Although many adults with atopic dermatitis (commonly known as eczema) develop the disease in childhood and carry it through life, a large number are first diagnosed in adulthood — a trend being discussed at the American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (ACAAI) Annual Scientific Meeting.

“Atopic dermatitis (AD) is underdiagnosed in the United States,” says allergist Luz Fonacier, MD, ACAAI board member and presenter at the meeting. “Many adults don’t seek out medical care, preferring to self-treat instead, either with home remedies or over-the-counter drugs. Often, they aren’t aware they have eczema, and they also don’t know treatments have changed a lot in the last few years. There are new drugs and topical medications that can make a huge difference in their quality of life.”

In addition to the itching and discomfort, people with eczema can experience problems with sleep and emotional distress, and it can affect their social life. Allergists work with patients to introduce therapies that treat uncomfortable and sometimes painful symptoms like dry skin, itchiness, and scaly rashes that can become infected. Easing the discomfort associated with painful symptoms can improve quality of life and make sleeping easier, as well as relieve emotional distress and embarrassment.

“In the last few years we’ve seen the introduction of targeted therapies, also known as precision medicine,” says allergist Mark Boguniewicz, MD, ACAAI member and lead author on a soon-to-be-published Atopic Dermatitis Yardstick. “The Yardstick will have practical recommendations for physicians about the treatment of AD.”

Two new medications have recently been approved for AD. The first, crisaborole, is an ointment that reduces itching, redness and swelling of the skin. It is the first anti-inflammatory medication to be approved for the treatment of mild to moderate AD in more than 15 years. It is approved for patients 2 years of age or older. Dupilumab, the second new medication, is a biologic therapy given by injection for patients 18 years or older with moderate to severe AD who haven’t responded to, or can’t use topical medications.

“The takeaway message is that there are effective medications available that help relieve eczema symptoms and now can also target the underlying cause,” says Dr. Boguniewicz. “People with eczema have been frustrated by the limitations of existing treatments. We’re very excited by the new medications which were developed based on better understanding of atopic dermatitis. We expect additional therapies to be approved soon. An allergist has the right training and expertise to diagnose your eczema, and to help you find relief with the right treatments.”

  • source: American College of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology – sciencedaily.com
5Oct

The University of Arizona has licensed a new, non-penetrating sunscreen to MexiAloe Laboratorios, S.A. de C.V., a subsidiary of Novamex.

The novel formulation binds oxybenzone — the active ingredient in most over-the-counter sunscreens — in a way that keeps it from seeping into the skin.

Douglas Loy, a UA professor of chemistry and biochemistry and materials science and engineering, developed the formulation with UA graduate student Stephanie Tolbert.

Blocking the absorption of oxybenzone into skin would help resolve public concern over the use of the compound, which filters out ultraviolet light and is used in many commercial topical sunscreens. The American Association of Dermatology says oxybenzone is safe, but public concerns have been raised about its effects when absorbed by users.

Tech Launch Arizona, the office of the UA that commercializes inventions stemming from research, worked with Loy to protect the intellectual property and license the invention to MexiAloe Laboratorios, a major supplier of aloe verde to cosmetics firms in North America. The firm’s parent company, Novamex, is one of the largest distributors of Mexican products in the United States.

According to Loy, the inspiration for the invention came from Tolbert.

“Stephanie wanted to improve cosmetics by introducing sunscreens that wouldn’t pass through the skin,” he said. “In addition to being nonhazardous, we made the sunscreens last longer so they wouldn’t have to be reapplied as frequently.”

Sunscreens take molecules that block UV light and encase them in microscopic capsules, which the industry calls “pearls.” These pearls break down, and the chemicals they contain can become even more photosensitive — and then leach into the skin.

So Loy and Tolbert posed the question: Why can’t we take a natural product and minimize the issue of these bothersome chemicals with naturally occurring, nontoxic alternatives and achieve the same UV protection?

Leveraging the power of chemical bonds, the new formulation binds the pearls to the sunscreen’s components so they do not break down.

In addition to the science behind the invention, two additional drivers contributed to the successful licensing of the technology. First, TLA’s Asset Development Program provided funds to develop the invention beyond basic research. Also, TLA’s Commercialization Partners, a group of experienced entrepreneurs and business people who volunteer their advice to help bring UA inventions to market, helped provide input and strategic direction.

“We worked with MexiAloe on defining the Asset Development project, which we designed to provide the company with more of the product for them to test and validate the findings,” said Paul Eynott, TLA licensing manager for the College of Science. “The CEO wrote a letter supporting the project and contributed financially to the development, as well. TLA awarded the funds to Loy’s lab, and the results tipped the scales in favor of a great exclusive license arrangement.”

“Personal care consumers are connecting the dots between health, environmental sustainability and natural ingredients. This trend is shaping the future of the natural personal care category,” said Luis Fernandez, CEO of Novamex. “With these licensed patents from UA, we are looking forward to providing innovative solutions for consumers that now more than ever are looking for natural and functional sunscreens.”

Story Source: sciencedaily.com. Materials by University of Arizona College of Engineering. Original by Paul Tumarkin.

 

5Oct

Poikiloderma of Civatte is commonly found on the sides of the neck and cheeks. It presents as hyperpigmentation (darkening of skin colour) with underlying redness (telangiectasia/dilation of fine blood vessels) in men and women.

Hyperpigmentation is caused by sun exposure, hormonal changes (in women), the use of perfumes/after shaves and certain cosmetic ingredients such as Oil of Bergamot that cause the skin to become light-sensitive.

Telangiectasia becomes visible because of the loss of vascular support and thinning of skin. The lesions are usually asymptomatic, but some patients may feel mild burning, itching and increased sensitivity in the affected area.

Poikiloderma of Civatte is more obvious on the right side of the neck and face because of driving.

Recommended Skin Care

  1. It is recommended to use a non-irritating SPF 50 sun screen twice daily.
  • Heliocare Sun Protection range
  • Avéne Mineral SPF (for sportsmen and women who perspire/swim)
  1. A topical cream to lighten the dark skin may also be used.
  • Skin Tech Blending Bleaching Cream
  • Obagi Nuderm Blend fx
  • NeoStrata Enlighten Skin Brightener SPF25

Professional Treatments available at Lasermed are: 1. Intense Pulsed Light (IPL) to lighten hyperpigmentation and constrict blood vessels; and Chemical Peels to lighten hyperpigmentation.

By combining topical creams, sun protection and appropriate treatments, one can improve the appearance of this condition. Prevention is better than cure: wear a cotton scarf around your neck while driving or when doing sport.

Book a free consultation with a laser operator/ skin therapist at Lasermed.

Visit www.dermashop.co.za to purchase products.

  • by Dr Francois de Goede

 

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