Poole Dermatology

Skin Care News

September is Alopecia Areata Awareness Month

September has been designated National Alopecia Areata Awareness Month. Please refer to the National Alopecia Areata Foundation Website to learn more about Alopecia Areata and efforts to build awareness in your community.

Encourage Elderly Family Members to Examine Their Skin

Based on current estimates, substantially more than 1 million new cases of skin cancer are diagnosed in the United States every year. Melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, is being diagnosed more rapidly in men age 65 and older than in the general population. A history of exposure to UV rays is a risk factor for skin cancer.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) recommends that people lovingly remind their elderly family members to perform a skin self-examination for suspicious moles that could be skin cancer.

The Academy has created several tools to make it easy to determine if a mole is suspicious and should be brought to a dermatologist’s attention. The Academy’s Body Mole Map is a tool individuals can use to track their moles. The map provides information on how to perform a skin exam, images of the ABCDEs of melanoma and space for people to track their moles to determine any changes over time.

People with Psoriasis At Risk for Other Medical Conditions

A new study by the National Psoriasis Foundation of 5,000 people with psoriasis reveals that people with psoriasis are at risk for developing other serious medical conditions, including heart disease, diabetes and obesity.

According to the National Psoriasis Foundation patient survey:

• Nearly 70 percent of people with psoriasis are overweight or obese.
• 33 percent have high blood pressure.
• 28 percent have another chronic, inflammatory disease such as lupus, Crohn's disease or multiple sclerosis.
• 24 percent have high cholesterol.
• 11 percent have diabetes.

"Psoriasis is a very serious condition that impacts the body well beyond the skin," said Mark Lebwohl, M.D., professor and chairman of dermatology at the Mount. Sinai School of Medicine and chair of the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board. "Like any patient with a chronic disease, people with psoriasis must see their doctor regularly and adopt a healthy lifestyle to lessen their risk of developing another serious disease."

Additionally, up to 30 percent of people with psoriasis develop psoriatic arthritis, which causes pain, swelling and stiffness around the joints. People with mild psoriasis are just as likely to develop psoriatic arthritis as those with moderate or severe forms of the disease.

The National Psoriasis Foundation urges people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis to work with their dermatologists to find an appropriate treatment regimen to help manage their disease. Learn more about this psoriasis survey from the National Psoriasis Foundation.

___________________________________________________________

The health information provided here should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or healthcare provider. Communicate promptly with your physician with any health related questions or concerns.