Radiation dermatitis is an acute skin reaction to radiation therapy that ranges from a mild rash to skin ulceration. Nearly two-thirds of all cancer patients receive radiation therapy. Although many technological advances have resulted in improved treatment protocols, skin damage is still a common side effect of radiation therapy. Radiation dermatitis, induced by ionizing radiation, affects a large proportion (up to 95%) of patients receiving this type of cancer therapy. The severity of radiation dermatitis is dependent upon...
In the war against cancer, chemotherapy (including immunotherapy) has made some terrific advances, but some cancer therapies are associated with significant side effects including skin issues such as dry skin, pruritus, rashes, and skin eruptions. Furthermore, certain chemotherapy can result in edema (swelling) that can lead to other serious skin issues. Providing optimal skin care during chemotherapy can help reduce...
Obesity is defined as a body mass index (BMI) of 30kg/m or greater. There are multiple causes for obesity including, diet, genetics, inactivity or weight gain related to drugs such as oral corticosteroids, oral contraceptives, or serotonin reuptake inhibitors (antidepressants). Obesity increases the risk involved with more than 30 medical problems including skin issues. Obesity is associated with oxidative stress and inflammation that can have deleterious affects on the skin resulting in...
The average age of our population is still rising. Because individuals are living longer, the need for optimal care of aging skin is increasingly recognized. Aging results in visible consequences that become obvious with time including wrinkling and sagging skin. Aging skin is generally more fragile and can also be associated with undesirable skin issues including...
Most people realize that stress affects critical organs like the heart and the brain, but what’s not as well known is how stress affects other important organs including skin. In fact, scientists are now learning more and more about the affects of stress on the skin and how skin stress can affect the body in general (systemic affects). There are many different types of stress that can affect the skin including...
Chronic wounds are wounds that have failed to proceed through the normal wound repair (healing) process for 3 months or more. Typical chronic wounds include diabetic foot ulcers, venous leg ulcers, pressure ulcers and ulcers resulting from peripheral vascular disease. Chronic wounds are extremely complex and have a multitude of potential influencing factors including...
Sunburn results in skin redness (erythema) that develops during exposure to the sun and increases one hour following exposure peaking 24 to 48 hours after exposure. The degree of sunburn is affected by many environmental factors including heat, wind, and humidity, and sunburned individuals can experience symptoms that range from mild redness to painful erythema with swelling (edema) and blistering. Individuals who are severely sunburned can also experience systemic reactions including...
As the outermost barrier against injury, infection, and dehydration, skin serves a crucial function for the body so it’s absolutely critical that it is well maintained. Increased physical activity and exposure to the elements makes skin more vulnerable to damage associated with...
The sun is a powerful source of energy and radiation that can be both beneficial and harmful. It feels great to get out in the sun, especially after a cold, rainy day, but the effects of too much sun can be incredibly damaging to skin health. The sunlight’s cellular and molecular effects depend on...
Eczema or atopic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin condition that can result in serious itching (pruritus), lack of sleep, embarrassment and psychological stress. The lifetime prevalence of eczema has increased worldwide for the past 30 years...
