Gaining exposure on perceptions of sunscreen: a national survey of melanoma patients.

Melanoma incidence is increasing. We ascertained perceptions regarding sunscreen and factors influencing choice in patients with melanoma. A survey was distributed to all the supporters of a melanoma patient support group. 571 responses were received across six weeks. Most (79.2%; n=452) indicated they knew how much sunscreen to apply; the most popular frequency of application was once daily (32%, n=180). The most popular cosmetic benefit respondents indicated was reduced redness on sun-exposed areas of skin (73.2%; n=418). Most (96.7%; n=552) agreed more education is needed regarding importance of wearing sunscreen. The three most popular factors in influencing sunscreen choice were SPF more than 50 (n=299; 52.4%), recommendation by a dermatologist (n=267; 46.8%) and price (n=262; 45.9%). Sustainable package design (n=45; 7.9%) and ethical sourcing of ingredients (n=65; 11.4%) were not ranked highly. Given 42% (n=240) only applied sunscreen during sunshine, an education campaign is required. Industry should consider public education regarding sustainability. A further study ascertaining views and perceptions of sunscreen in the non-melanoma cohort is strongly encouraged.

Sleep deprivation and the skin.

Sleep is an under-evaluated symptom when assessing patients with cutaneous disease. Consequently, the relationship between sleep deprivation and disease burden is often not considered. The focus of our review article is to explore the bidirectional relationship between sleep and cutaneous disease investigating the disruption in circadian rhythmicity and skin homeostasis. Management strategies should focus on optimizing disease control coupled with improving sleep hygiene.

A systematic review of the uses of metformin in dermatology.

Metformin is an established staple drug in the management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this systematic review, we sought to establish the clinical utility of metformin in a range of dermatological conditions. The pathophysiology of acne vulgaris and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is well suited to the pharmacological profile of metformin, and we found evidence for its efficacy in managing these conditions. We found some evidence for the use of metformin particularly in acne and PCOS; however, the evidence base is of mixed quality. There is scope for clinicians to consider metformin as an adjunct therapy in acne and PCOS. There is generally insufficient evidence to recommend metformin in other dermatological conditions.

Zinc in dermatology.

Zinc has numerous pharmacological uses in dermatology. Its antioxidant and immunomodulatory properties are thought to correlate with its efficacy in acne vulgaris and leishmaniasis, amongst other cutaneous conditions. We conducted a review of the literature on the use of zinc in dermatology; in particular, we investigated its role in acne vulgaris, hair loss, hidradenitis suppurativa, leishmaniasis, and warts. We searched MEDLINE selecting only articles in English and evaluating the evidence using the Oxford Center of Evidence-Based Medicine 2011 guidance. This review has found evidence to support the use of zinc in patients in infectious conditions (leishmaniasis and warts), inflammatory conditions (acne rosacea, hidradenitis suppurativa) and in hair loss disorders.Ppatients with zinc deficiency should also receive oral supplementation. Further research and large randomized controlled trials are required to investigate the role of zinc as a monotherapy.