Healthy skin research: What you need to know

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, according to the American Academy of Dermatology, and more than 8,500 people are diagnosed with the disease every day. However, there are other concerns involving the body’s largest organ, such as psoriasis, dermatitis, alopecia and acne, which collectively affect millions of patients across all age groups each year.

Medical costs associated with these conditions and diseases are extensive: The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) estimates psoriasis treatments alone cost between $51.7 billion and $63.2 billion in 2013, and costs for acne treatments exceeded $3 billion in another study cited by the AAD.

In recognition of National Healthy Skin Month, here is some of the latest research on common skin diseases and cancers.

Review finds benefits of skin cancer screening, but significance of findings may be limited

Studies have indicated the benefits of skin cancer screening, but the quality of evidence is low, according to data from a systematic review published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. Read more

PCP training improves skin cancer screening rates, diagnostic outcomes

Skin cancer screening performed in the primary care setting during routine examinations resulted in detection of thinner melanomas, according to the results of a study presented at the American Society of Clinical Oncology Annual Meeting. Read more

Noninvasive imaging for early skin cancer diagnosis

In a video perspective from the AAD’s annual meeting, Orit Markowitz, MD, discusses using noninvasive imaging for early skin cancer diagnosis. Watch video

PCPs should be aware of potential psoriasis risks, treatment options

Psoriasis can be visually, physically, and emotionally jarring for those with the disease. According to the National Psoriasis Foundation, approximately 7.5 million people in the United States live with the disease, which is a common issue seen by primary care physicians. Read more

FDA approves Enbrel to treat children with plaque psoriasis

The FDA has approved Amgen’s supplemental biologics license application for expanded use of Enbrel for treating pediatric patients aged 4 to17 years with chronic moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, according to a press release from the drug’s manufacturer. Read more

Risk factors may predict persistent atopic dermatitis in children

Childhood atopic dermatitis subsides by adulthood in most cases; however, clinical factors such as already persistent disease, later onset, and/or more severe disease increases the risk for persistence, according to recent study results. Read more

Indoor tanning likely factor in melanoma diagnosis among younger women

Younger women who tanned indoors experienced up to a 6-fold likelihood of developing melanoma, which was particularly true for women in their 20s, according to study results recently published in JAMA Dermatology. Read more

Olumacostat glasaretil shows efficacy in treating adult acne

Adults with acne who were treated with olumacostat glasaretil saw significant improvements in inflammatory and noninflammatory lesions compared with vehicle treatment, according to recently published study results. Read more

Single-session combination therapy successfully treats rolling acne scars

Researchers found that a combination of a superficial chemical peel, subcision and fractional CO₂ laser resurfacing after tumescent anesthesia is a safe and effective treatment for rolling acne scars, according to a study data published in Dermatologic Surgery. Read more

Determining risk factors for hair loss in black women

In a video perspective from the AAD annual meeting, Yolanda M. Lenzy, MD, FAAD, discusses her presentation on central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia in black women. Watch video