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Atopic dermatitis, one of the most common forms of eczema in this family of inflammatory skin diseases, is a chronic disease marked by red, cracked and itchy skin. Now, increasing evidence indicates atopic dermatitis is a precursor to allergic diseases rather than a consequence. Dermatologists are advising parents of infants and young children affected by this common skin condition to be aware of the potential for future food allergies.

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Vascular birthmarks, which occur in nearly 10 percent of all infants at birth or within the first few weeks of life, can cause concern for parents particularly if they are large or in a cosmetically important area. The decision to treat a birthmark is one that parents should make with a dermatologist, who can determine the type of birthmark and whether or not it poses any potential risks in the future.

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Patients with acne and rosacea are often confused about selecting appropriate skin care products, cosmeceuticals and cosmetics to add into their daily routine. While they want to continue to see results with the treatment regimen from their dermatologist, they also want to be comfortable using products that address other skin issues, such as wrinkles or that protect their skin, such as sunscreens. They also may want to select skin care products that can help improve the overall appearance and health of the skin during treatment, especially if their medications have left their skin with redness, dryness or inflammation.

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What may start as a seemingly harmless day of gardening or yard work can quickly take a turn for the worse when common plants make their mark on the skin, causing a host of mild to even severe skin reactions. That is why dermatologists are arming outdoor enthusiasts with preventative tips to keep these perils of the great outdoors at arm’s length.

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For many young adults, the serious health consequences of tanning have been shown to have little impact on their behavior when it comes to sun exposure. But with spring break around the corner, dermatologists are urging people -- particularly young adults -- to practice proper sun protection and understand the importance of early detection of skin cancer, the most common type of cancer.

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Team sports have a long history of fostering cooperation, camaraderie and a healthy competitive spirit among athletes. But the closeness that brings athletes together also can create an environment for a host of contagious skin infections. Now, dermatologists are urging teammates and coaches to be aware of the most common skin conditions caused by bacteria, viruses and fungi that occur in athletes and educating them on how to prevent a widespread outbreak.

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A cancer diagnosis and subsequent treatment, which commonly includes chemotherapy or radiation, can be taxing physically and emotionally on any patient. If that is not enough, dermatologists are cautioning patients receiving cancer treatment and cancer survivors that they may experience a host of skin, hair or nail problems as a direct result of their therapy that may require additional treatment by a dermatologist.

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While the latest hairstyles and hair colors may look great, dermatologists warn that many women are subjecting their hair to harsh chemicals and heated styling devices that, in turn, can damage the hair. Over time, lustrous hair can look lackluster, become brittle and require a complete hair care overhaul to improve hair health and appearance.

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The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) is bringing thousands of visitors back to The Big Easy for the Academy’s 69th Annual Meeting, to be held February 4-8, 2011, at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center. Academy members are not only helping to revitalize the city by spending their tourist dollars in New Orleans, but they also are assisting with volunteer efforts to help those still struggling after the disaster. Dermatologists and their spouses along with other meeting attendees will be converting unused green space into an urban garden at the Lower Ninth Ward Village on Thursday, February 3, from 1:30 to 4:30 p.m. The garden will eventually supply Lower Ninth Ward residents with farm-fresh produce. The Lower Ninth Ward does not currently have a supermarket within biking distance.

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The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) has updated its position statement on vitamin D based on the results of a review of the increasing body of scientific literature on this vitamin and its importance for optimal health recently conducted by the National Academy of Sciences Institute of Medicine (IOM).

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The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) recently updated its position statement on the use of isotretinoin. The position continues to state that patient safety is dermatologists’ primary concern and that the AADA is committed to the safe and responsible use of isotretinoin, which is the most effective treatment for severe acne.

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If detected early, nonmelanoma skin cancers (primarily basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas, the two most common forms of skin cancer) can be easily treated. But when left untreated, these skin cancers can grow and even spread, causing considerably more harm than if they were treated upon initial detection. Now, a new study finds that denial is the top reason why patients delay seeking treatment for skin cancer and shows that this delay results in larger, more serious, skin cancers.

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There is no denying that teenagers in the foster care system need special support so they can begin to develop the skills that will take them successfully into adulthood. Those with skin, hair or nail diseases may face even more challenges because their self-esteem may have been shattered by the obvious signs of their condition. Their condition can make them feel self-conscious, depressed and concerned about their future medical needs. Pearl E. Grimes, MD, FAAD, a Los Angeles-based dermatologist, recognized this two-fold need to: build self-esteem for these underprivileged teens and provide them with medical care.

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Back to school means new classes, clothes and schedules, including a heavy calendar of social events. Unfortunately, many young adults, particularly young women, head to indoor tanning salons in preparation for high school and college dances in the fall. Despite repeated warnings about the dangers of indoor tanning and the fact that there is no such thing as a healthy tan, many women feel peer and societal pressure to be tan, thereby putting their health at risk.

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What do you do when you need to feed two great passions in your life? In the case of Charlotte-based dermatologist Gary B. Slaughter, MD, FAAD, you merge your passion for flight with your passion for medicine to help children with severe medical needs and their families fly to important health appointments. As the executive vice president of Flight Charities, Inc., a North Carolina-based non-profit that provides free medical transportation to families with financial challenges, Dr. Slaughter is fulfilling his own desire to give back to his community.

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Despite previous concerns about the cancer-causing potential of sunscreens containing retinyl palmitate (vitamin A), an independent analysis published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology determined that there is no evidence that the inclusion of retinyl palmitate in sunscreens can cause cancer in humans.

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Open any beauty magazine and it seems as though all the models have full, pronounced cheeks and a firm, tight jaw line. In contrast, aging causes a loss of volume across the middle of the face, resulting in a flattened or sunken cheek structure with sagging jowls that can make the face appear drawn, tired and old.

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In most cases, non-melanoma skin cancers are caused by overexposure to ultraviolet radiation – the invisible rays from the sun that can burn the skin. To reduce the risk of skin cancer, dermatologists encourage the public to Be Sun Smart®, including limiting sun exposure and using broad-spectrum sunscreens. Despite these efforts, the incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer continues to rise. Now, several agents – including medicines, foods and vitamins – are being investigated for their chemopreventive properties, or ability to prevent skin cancer.

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Hair is considered a woman’s “crowning glory,” but women with thinning hair and those with curly, textured hair may face considerable challenges in keeping their hair looking its best. Fortunately, there are many different hair care products, or hair cosmetics, that can help conceal thinning hair and also keep textured hair in check.

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For many people, the phrase “tough as nails” doesn’t apply to their own nails. Instead of strong nails, their nails may be brittle and break or split easily. Or, nail fungus might cause nails to look unattractive and unhealthy. Fortunately, dermatologists can help people improve the health and overall appearance of their nails with proper diagnosis and treatment.

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Vaccines have a long history of successfully preventing disease and, in effect, improving the lives of countless Americans. Now, two serious diseases – human papillomavirus (HPV) and herpes zoster – could become a thing of the past as people better understand the safety and efficacy of vaccines to prevent these serious viral infections in specific populations.

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The American Academy of Dermatology will hold the Summer Academy Meeting 2010, its annual summer scientific meeting, in Chicago, August 4-8, at the Hyatt Regency Chicago.

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As the scientific evidence mounts, more federal agencies and state governments are taking action to educate and protect Americans against the serious risks of indoor tanning. Recent and pending legislation in numerous states restricting access to indoor tanning, along with the federal 10 percent indoor tanning tax that goes into effect on July 1, are important steps in keeping Americans safe from overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation and the potential for future skin cancers.

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Jaime Regen Rea spent her high school lunch hours tanning in a nearby salon in an effort to be tan and popular. Jaime, who also spent time in the sun, went from a self-proclaimed tanning bed addict to a melanoma patient in just a couple of years. Jaime was diagnosed with melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, at age 20 and died just three weeks shy of her 30th birthday. Now her family is honoring Jaime’s memory by participating in the American Academy of Dermatology's (Academy) new TV and print public service advertisements (PSAs) to educate people about the increased risk of melanoma from tanning beds and sun exposure.

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Sunscreen active ingredients, which are compounds that absorb, scatter or reflect ultraviolet (UV) light, are regulated as over-the-counter (OTC) drugs by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA is currently addressing requirements for UVA coverage in sunscreens and considering sunscreen labeling changes to help the public make knowledgeable decisions about protecting themselves from the dangers of the sun. The American Academy of Dermatology currently awaits the FDA’s final ruling which is tentatively expected in October.

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Half the battle in knowing how to properly protect oneself from skin cancer is being able to separate fact from fiction. Unfortunately, some myths about tanning and sun protection are deep rooted and could mislead people into thinking that tanning is safe – when, in reality, nothing could be further from the truth. Now, a new survey by the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) sets the record straight on some of the most common myths and what people believe to be true about tanning and sun protection.

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When it comes to tanning, dermatologists have long suspected that most people need an attitude adjustment. Now, results of a new survey by the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) confirmed that the majority of people still idolize the bronzed look of a tan despite wanting to protect themselves from skin cancer.

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At first glance, Hartford, Salt Lake City and Denver might not seem to have much in common. But a new survey by the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) found these three cities outshine other U.S. cities in heeding dermatologists' advice on preventing and detecting skin cancer.

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The American Academy of Dermatology’s (Academy) “Suntelligence: How Sun Smart is Your City?” survey polled adults in 26 U.S. cities and ranked them based on residents’ answers to a range of questions testing their knowledge, attitudes and behaviors toward preventing and detecting skin cancer.

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A new study reviews the currently published scientific literature to determine what evidence exists to support the use of vitamins in skin care products to slow or reverse the effects of sun damage.

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Grammy Award-winning multi-platinum recording artist and psoriasis patient LeAnn Rimes is calling for people with psoriasis to pledge to better manage their disease as part of the awareness campaign “Stop Hiding from Psoriasis.” In partnership with the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) and National Psoriasis Foundation (NPF), LeAnn is encouraging people to take a stand against psoriasis by taking the Make a Change Pledge online at StopHiding.org.

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Indoor tanning is dangerous. There is compelling, irrefutable scientific evidence which shows that indoor tanning beds can increase your risk for skin cancer. A tax on indoor tanning services serves as a signal from the federal government to young people that indoor tanning is dangerous and should be avoided. In addition, the indoor tanning tax furthers the goal of promoting wellness and prevention as part of health reform.

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American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) President and dermatologist William D. James, MD, FAAD, along with other dermatologists and leading researchers today testified before a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel considering changes to the current classification of indoor tanning devices. Currently, the FDA classifies indoor tanning devices as Class 1, the category for items that have minimal potential to cause harm to individuals. Items in Class 1 include adhesive bandages and tongue depressors.

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New Maryland legislation to protect youth from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is based on significant scientific evidence that indoor tanning before the age of 30 is undeniably linked to increased risk of developing the disease. Senator James N. Robey and Delegate William A. Bronrott represent a broad-based coalition of 20 legislators in the Senate and House co-sponsoring cross-filed bills SB 718 and HB 1039 to prohibit minors’ use of tanning devices in tanning facilities and prevent any marketing offers of these services to minors.

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Acne and rosacea are two seemingly different skin conditions that have one important thing in common: both are chronic and extremely common skin conditions. However, dermatologists recommend that with proper diagnosis, treatment and a healthy dose of good, old-fashioned skin care, acne and rosacea can be less of a nuisance for patients.

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According to projections from the United States Census Bureau, people with skin of color will comprise approximately half of the U.S. population by 2050. This group, which includes African-Americans, Asians, Latinos and other ethnicities, are more prone to certain dermatologic problems than those with lighter skin tones due to their genetic make-up and in some cases cultural practices. For that reason, dermatologists – who understand the nuances of different skin tones – are poised to help patients of color by diagnosing and treating these conditions.

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Itchy irritated skin can leave some people scratching their heads trying to determine the cause of this bothersome condition. What did they touch? Is it just dry skin gone awry? Are they allergic to something in their home or workplace? The answers to these questions could require not only a little detective work, but the help of a dermatologist who can diagnose and treat the most likely culprit – contact dermatitis.

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For many women, unexplained hair loss can take a significant psychological toll on their overall quality of life. From altering their hairstyle to hide a thinning part to scaling back their hair care regimen in an effort to halt further hair loss, women try countless ways to cover up this problem – and the results are often lukewarm at best. A better option is to see a dermatologist, a physician trained in the care of skin, hair and nails, who can diagnose and, in many cases, successfully treat hair loss in women.

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According to estimates from the American Cancer Society, melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, was responsible for an estimated 8,650 deaths in the United States in 2009. Of growing concern among dermatologists is the fact that melanoma is now the most common form of cancer for young adults 25-29 years old and the second most common cancer in adolescents and young adults 15-29 years old1. Early diagnosis is the key to curing this potentially deadly disease, and diagnostic tools are playing a crucial role in aiding dermatologists to spot melanomas at earlier – and more curable – stages.

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For the approximately 7.5 million Americans affected by psoriasis, the thick, red, scaly, itchy plaques it causes only scratch the surface when it comes to the overall implications of this disease. Now, ongoing research linking psoriasis to other serious medical conditions and the incredible toll it can take on a person’s overall quality of life are shifting the way psoriasis is viewed – from a common skin disease to a complex systemic condition.

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The rapidly growing field of nanotechnology and its future use in cosmetic products holds both enormous potential and potential concern for consumers. Currently, major cosmetic manufacturers have imposed a voluntary ban on the use of nanoparticles in products while they await a ruling from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regarding the safety of this technology. However, these manufacturers know that when ingredients in products such as sunscreens and anti-aging products are converted into nano-sized particles, the end product displays unique properties that can benefit the skin in ways that otherwise could not be achieved using larger-sized particles.

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In the U.S. and around the world, the popularity of minimally invasive cosmetic procedures continues to increase. Soft tissue injectables, also known as dermal fillers, are popular procedures that improve the appearance of aging and sun-damaged skin by restoring lost volume and filling lines. A recent clinical study sheds light on how cross-linked hyaluronic acid, CL-HA, a widely used dermal filler, works to improve skin appearance.

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If simply the thought of bedbugs, scabies and head lice makes you feel a little itchy, imagine how those affected by these common infestations feel when they learn what has been creeping around them and causing symptoms such as intense itching, red bite marks or irritated scalps. Even less comforting is the fact that some parasitic infestations are on the rise, and can strike adults and children in unsuspecting places.

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The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) is disappointed that the United States Congress has failed to approve legislation preventing the implementation of a 21 percent cut in payments for physicians who treat Medicare patients.

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While the proven negative health consequences of smoking and tanning are undeniable, tobacco and indoor tanning advertisers would like consumers to think otherwise. In fact, a new study comparing the tactics used in advertising tobacco and indoor tanning products found several similarities in how these two industries market unhealthy products.

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The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy) applauds the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for issuing a consent order that prohibits the Indoor Tanning Association (ITA) from making false health and safety claims about indoor tanning. The Academy raised its concerns about the false statements being made by the ITA with the FTC in 2008 after the ITA launched an advertising campaign designed to portray indoor tanning as safe and beneficial. The Academy and several of its leading members cooperated fully with the agency’s investigation into this important public health issue. The FTC is the federal government agency that works for consumers to prevent fraudulent, deceptive, and unfair business practices and to provide information to help spot, stop, and avoid them.

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The American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) applauds the decision of the U.S. Senate to substitute a 10 percent federal excise tax on indoor tanning services for the proposed tax on cosmetic procedures in the Senate’s health system reform legislation (H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordability Act of 2009).

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Thousands of dermatologists across the country offer free skin cancer screenings in their communities through the American Academy of Dermatology’s National Melanoma/Skin Cancer Screening Program. The program recently reached a milestone – two million screenings have been conducted since the program’s inception in 1985.

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Finding the right skin care routine starts with understanding the unique needs of your skin type. For example, people with dry skin can benefit from applying moisturizer several times a day; whereas, those with oily skin might need to apply a lightweight moisturizer only once a day, if at all. Customization is key, and dermatologists can help people of all ages and skin types select products based on their individual skin care needs.

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For many people, diet and exercise help keep them looking and feeling healthy. But even those who work hard on staying in shape might have a hard time shaking stubborn love handles or lower belly fat, which can bulge through clothing like a neon sign. While the market for getting rid of unwanted fat has grown over the years to include stomach stapling and behavioral techniques, there is still a demand for procedures that can reduce areas of localized fat safely and effectively.