Tomorrow marks the final day of the American Academy of Dermatology’s 69th Annual Meeting in New Orleans. As one of the major medical conferences of the year, it is common for some fascinating advances, new statistics and unusual reports from the field to be unveiled in the many presentations made over the five days. Here is a brief sample of the highlights reported thus far.
Spring Breakers warned on skin cancer rate rises
Figures presented at the AAD show there has been a significant increase in non-melanoma skin cancers in the US, the rates of which have nearly doubled between 1994 and 2006 to over 3.5 million cases annually. The report from Medical News Today, based on a release from the AAD, focused on a timely warning for US students making the annual pilgrimage to warmer climes for the Spring Break period and encouraging all to heed the SunSmart message.
Read more: Skin Cancer On The Rise; Spring Breakers At Serious Risk
Atopic dermatitis may lead to food allergies
Covering a presentation from Dr. Jon M. Hanifin, professor of dermatology at Oregon Health and Science University in Portland, a release on Sify.com highlights how the common skin disorder atopic dermatitis can actually lead to food allergies, rather than be a resultant symptom. Reporting results from a five-year study at his clinic, Dr Hanifin stated that approximately 15 percent of infants with atopic dermatitis aged 3-18 months also had a food allergy. “In most cases, patients experience atopic dermatitis before food allergies, so it is important for parents of infants and small children affected by this skin condition to be aware of the risk of food allergies,” Dr Hanifin said.
Read more: Atopic dermatitis is a strong precursor to food allergies
Skin conditions common among athletes
Science Daily reported on Dr Brian B Adams’ warning to athletes on the threats posed by common bacterial, viral and fungal skin conditions. Citing MRSA (a staph infection), herpes simplex virus and tinea (ringworm) as three examples of common diseases which can spread through locker rooms, Dr Adams advised that athletes consult a dermatologist as soon as they notice a change in their skin, such as a rash or sore.
Read more: Athletes Prone to a Rash of Skin Conditions or on the AAD website.
HandsOn in New Orleans
Away from the conference, Skin & Allergy News got dirty with a group of dermatologists building an urban garden as part of the Lower 9th Ward Village in New Orleans. As part of one of the projects helping the city after Hurricane Katrina, the garden will host summer workshops teaching children how to grow fresh fruit and vegetables. Read more: Dermatologists Get Their Hands Dirty in New Orleans and check out the video below:
We’ll bring you more reports from New Orleans towards the end of the week.
Image reference:
New Orleans – October 3, 2009 uploaded to Flickr.com by Beadmobile on October 3, 2009 < http://www.flickr.com/photos/beadmobile/4012411371/>
