Stop itchy skin in its tracks

Itchy skin can be irritating, especially an itch that doesn’t go away. There are many potential causes for itchy skin like common skin conditions such as eczema, shingles, hives, psoriasis, or bug bites, or it could be a sign of a contagious disease, like scabies or ringworm. While these causes could mean a visit to a board-certified dermatologist, there are options for self-care at home to provide itch relief.

Declare your independence from skin cancer: perform a skin self-exam this 4th of July

Brian Ingham was only 32 years old when a board-certified dermatologist discovered melanoma on his back during a routine visit to get a tattoo removed in late 2023. The Washington, D.C.-area military pilot said he knew he was at an increased risk as his mother was recently diagnosed with advanced melanoma that same year.

Shielding our heroes: Dermatologists deploy to provide free skin cancer checks to 425 NYC firefighters

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), in conjunction with the Firefighter Cancer Support Network, will host a free Skin Cancer Check event for an estimated 425 New York City firefighters on Saturday, June 1 at the New York City Firefighter Training Facility on Randall’s Island. The inaugural event kicks off the Academy’s Firefighter Skin Cancer Checks Initiative, a nationwide effort designed to provide free skin cancer checks to 10,000 firefighters by 2026.

American Academy of Dermatology survey shows Gen Z adults at risk for skin cancer due to increasing rates of tanning and burning

A new survey from the American Academy of Dermatology revealed that Generation Z adults, ages 18-25, are at risk for skin cancer due to increasing rates of tanning and burning. To encourage safe sun habits, the AAD is shining a spotlight on the ways that people can protect themselves from the most common and one of the most preventable types of cancer — skin cancer — this May for Skin Cancer Awareness Month.

American Academy of Dermatology survey shows outdoor workers more at risk for skin cancer than average Americans

A recent American Academy of Dermatology survey of more than 1,000 U.S. adults revealed that outdoor workers — like those who work in construction, landscaping, emergency medical services, and postal delivery — are far more likely to get sunburned and tanned, putting themselves at increased risk for skin cancer, compared to the average American.

American Academy of Dermatology Association Statement on Reports on Counterfeit Injectables

ROSEMONT, Ill. (Apr. 11, 2024) — The American Academy of Dermatology Association is alarmed by reports of patients suffering from illnesses resembling botulism after undergoing procedures that use possible counterfeit botulinum toxin, also known as botox. The concerning rise in counterfeit injectables poses a grave threat to patient safety, potentially resulting in severe complications such as visual impairment, blindness, infection or even stroke.

IS YOUR MARGARITA GIVING YOU A RASH?

Sun sensitivity and related skin conditions are often misunderstood. Foods, medications, and skincare products can trigger symptoms like itching, redness, blistering, or burning. One of the most common conditions is photocontact dermatitis, a skin reaction occurring when certain substances come into contact with skin that is exposed to the sun.

Five unsafe skin care trends to avoid

Social media platforms are rife with skin care advice from a variety of sources, which can make it difficult to know how to approach the recommendations you find online. In recognition of National Healthy Skin Month this November, board-certified dermatologists are spotlighting unsafe skin care trends that they see on social media and elsewhere to help you keep your skin looking its best.

New study reveals that some children with common form of eczema should also be tested for allergic reactions

Eczema, which is a group of medical conditions that causes inflamed, irritated, and often itchy skin, affects millions of people worldwide. A new article published in the reveals that children diagnosed with a type of eczema called atopic dermatitis — which they usually develop by 5 years of age — may also need to be tested for a second type of eczema called allergic contact dermatitis, which has similar symptoms and can be triggered by a range of substances that cause an allergic reaction.

Largest study on racial differences in men with melanoma shows men with skin of color have lowest survival rates

Melanoma, the most serious form of skin cancer, is highly treatable when detected early, but when the disease advances, it can lead to death. A new article published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reveals that men with melanoma — and particularly men with skin of color — are more likely to die than women with melanoma.

How to tell the difference between dry hands and hand eczema

Hand eczema is one of the most common forms of eczema, causing dry, itchy, and irritated skin affecting the whole hand, including the fingers. This skin condition can negatively impact a person’s quality of life because we use our hands often. In recognition of Eczema Awareness Month in October, board-certified dermatologists share information about the causes of hand eczema and how it can be treated to keep the condition from worsening.

HOW TO REMOVE UNWANTED HAIR USING A CREAM, LOTION OR GEL

As temperatures remain high across the country, removing unwanted body hair is still top of mind for many; however, shaving may have started to feel tedious. Fortunately, there are options besides shaving or waxing. According to board-certified dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, people can dissolve unwanted hair using products called depilatories. These are creams, lotions and gels that are applied to the skin, and the results can last longer than shaving.

HOW TO TREAT KERATOSIS PILARIS AT HOME

The start of summer means more tank tops and shorts, and for some people, a pesky new skin condition they may not have noticed before. Keratosis pilaris causes tiny, rough feeling bumps to appear on the skin, most often on the upper arms and thighs. According to dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, this common and harmless skin condition affects people of all ages and races and occurs when dead skin cells clog the pores.

How to Check Your Nails for Melanoma

When checking the body for signs of skin cancer, many people may only think to check their skin. However, board-certified dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology say it’s important to check the nails, too. Although rare, skin cancer, including melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — can develop under and around the fingernails and toenails.

TELL “SKIN CANCER, TAKE A HIKE!™” DURING STEPS CHALLENGE FOR SKIN CANCER AWARNESS MONTH

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United States, affecting one in five Americans during their lifetime. To help raise awareness of skin cancer prevention and detection, the American Academy of Dermatology will host Skin Cancer, Take a Hike!™, a month-long steps challenge, beginning Sat., May 1 in recognition of Skin Cancer Awareness Month. The participant-driven fundraising event — part of the AAD’s SPOT Skin Cancer™ campaign to create a world without skin cancer — aims to log 9,500 miles across the country in honor of the approximately 9,500 people who are diagnosed with skin cancer every day.

American Academy of Dermatology warns the public about the dangers of buying unregulated cosmetic injectables, such as hyaluronic acid fillers, online

While it may be tempting to use a needle-free “do-it-yourself” device to inject hyaluronic acid filler purchased online into the face or lips, doing so can come with serious health consequences. While fillers and neurotoxins, such as botulinum toxin, are…

HOW TO PREVENT PREMATURE SKIN AGING

As people age, it’s natural to experience thinner, drier skin and an increase in wrinkles and other signs of aging. However, sometimes one’s environment and lifestyle choices can cause the skin to age prematurely. Although there is no way to prevent your skin from aging, dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology say it’s possible to prevent premature skin aging by following a few simple steps.

HOW TO PREVENT AND TREAT DRY, CHAPPED LIPS

For many people, winter skin probably conjures up images of dry, cracked hands, flaky skin, and windburn. However, the lips can be affected too. And while it may seem that dry, cracked lips are something you have to live with until spring, dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology say it’s possible to have soft, supple lips year-round by following a few simple steps.

NYU Medical Center Board-Certified Dermatologist: How COVID-19 Caused Delays in Skin Cancer Diagnosis

NYU Medical Center Board-Certified Dermatologist: How COVID-19 Caused Delays in Skin Cancer Diagnosis When caught early, skin cancer, including melanoma — the deadliest form of skin cancer — is highly treatable. However, from March to May 2020 during the peak…

Dermatologists warn consumers about the dangers of buying cosmetic injectables — such as fillers — online

A new article published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology reveals just how common these illicit products are on popular e-commerce sites, increasing the public’s risk for severe and potentially long-term complications, including blindness, disfiguration, and stroke.

HOW TO PREVENT AND TREAT COMMON SUMMER RASHES

As the coronavirus continues to spread throughout the country, many people may find themselves spending more time outdoors for a much-needed change of scenery. While gardening, hiking in the woods and swimming can provide relief amid continuous social distancing measures, dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology say the increased exposure to things like sunlight, insects and poisonous plants can cause some itchy and painful rashes. Fortunately, there are a few simple steps people can take to avoid unwanted rashes and other skin issues while still enjoying the outdoors.

WHAT TO WEAR TO PROTECT YOUR SKIN FROM THE SUN

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., and nearly 20 Americans die from melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, every day. As more Americans prepare to head outdoors for the 4th of July holiday, dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology have an important reminder: dress to protect yourself from the sun. In addition to seeking shade and applying sunscreen, wearing protective clothing goes a long way in protecting you from the sun’s harmful UV rays, which can increase your risk of skin cancer. However, not all clothing is created equal when it comes to sun protection, say dermatologists. Some garments provide better UV protection than others.

NEW AAD SURVEY: 74% OF PARENTS TODAY SAY THEY WORRY ABOUT SUN PROTECTION MORE WITH THEIR CHILDREN THAN THEIR PARENTS DID WITH THEM

With Father’s Day approaching, dermatologists are giving parents two thumbs up for keeping sun protection top of mind for their families. According to a new survey from the American Academy of Dermatology, 74% of parents today say they worry about sun protection more with their children than their parents did with them, and 90% of parents believe it’s important to teach their children healthy habits now so they will keep them when they are adults.

5 TIPS TO IMPROVE NAIL PSORIASIS AT HOME

Approximately 7.5 million people in the U.S. have psoriasis, a chronic inflammatory disease that mostly affects the skin and joints but could also affect the nails. According to dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology, most people who have plaque psoriasis — the most common form of psoriasis — also develop nail psoriasis at some point. This is why dermatologists say it’s important for psoriasis patients to check their nails — both their fingernails and toenails — for signs of nail psoriasis, which can include nail dents, lifting, discoloration, thickening and crumbling. However, it’s also possible for patients to experience nail psoriasis without having psoriasis on other parts of their body.

SURVEY: 60% OF AMERICANS SAY THEY HAVE GOTTEN SUNBURNED SO BADLY THEIR CLOTHES WERE UNCOMFORTABLE

Memorial Day — long considered the unofficial start of summer in the U.S. — is quickly approaching, and dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology are urging Americans to practice safe sun as they head outdoors, especially as shelter-in-place measures related to COVID-19 begin to lift. Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the U.S., affecting one in five Americans in their lifetime, yet new data from the AAD shows that many Americans aren’t protecting themselves from the sun’s harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.

NEW AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY SURVEY FINDS MOST AMERICANS KNOW SUN PROTECTION IS IMPORTANT, YET MANY AREN’T PROTECTING THEMSELVES

As more Americans head outdoors for warmer weather and fresh air amid “shelter-in-place” measures, dermatologists from the American Academy of Dermatology have an important reminder: practice safe sun. Skin cancer is one of the most preventable types of cancer, but new data from the AAD shows that many Americans aren’t taking the necessary steps to protect themselves.

HOW TO REDUCE FLARES IF YOU HAVE LUPUS

Medications for lupus — a long-term autoimmune disease that occurs when a person’s immune system attacks different parts of their body, including their skin — are currently being explored as a treatment for COVID-19 patients. This may significantly limit access to the drugs by those who depend on it to manage their health conditions.

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY ELECTS NEW OFFICERS, BOARD MEMBERS

The American Academy of Dermatology has announced the results of its annual election. The Academy’s new officers and board members will lead the world’s largest dermatologic society, representing more than 20,500 physicians who specialize in the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions. These officers and board members, all of whom are board-certified dermatologists, will also hold the same position for the American Academy of Dermatology Association, a sister organization to the AAD that focuses on government affairs, health policy, and practice information.

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY INSTALLS NEW OFFICERS AND BOARD MEMBERS

Today, the American Academy of Dermatology installed two new officers and five new directors to its Board of Directors. The AAD’s new officers and board members will lead the world’s largest dermatologic society, representing more than 20,000 physicians specializing in the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of skin, hair, and nail conditions. They will also hold the same positions for the American Academy of Dermatology Association, a sister organization to the AAD that focuses on government affairs, health policy, and practice information.

AMERICAN ACADEMY OF DERMATOLOGY SHARES HAND WASHING TIPS AMID COVID-19

As the number of COVID-19 cases continues to climb, health officials have been urging Americans to wash their hands at every opportunity. Hand washing is critical to the effort to stop the spread of the virus. However, a side effect of frequent hand washing is dry skin that can flake, itch, crack and even bleed, say dermatologists at the American Academy of Dermatology, making consumers more susceptible to germs and other bacteria. Fortunately, there are simple precautions you can take to avoid excessive dryness due to handwashing.