Another reason to quit smoking ... skin cancer

03/08/19 20:33

If you need another reason to help motivate you to quit smoking cigarettes, a new study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology (August 2019) which was looking at risks for non-melanoma skin cancer in non-white individuals found the following. On average, current smokers were diagnosed with skin cancer 12.27 years earlier than those who had smoked in the past, but who had successfully quit. Smoking has numerous other negative effects on your skin and most other organ systems. Get help to quit now.

What is happening to your skin when you tan?

28/01/19 19:48

The following is a link to an article authored by Prof Peter Soyer of The University of Queensland regarding the changes in your skin that lead to a tan. Prof Soyer is a dermatologist well known for his skin-related research. It is worth a read.

The access the article click here.

Routine daily sunscreen advised

28/01/19 19:21

We have long recommended the routine application of daily facial sunscreen as an important strategy against sun-induced skin ageing and skin cancer. Now it's official…

The peak bodies responsible for sun safety advice in NZ and Australia have adopted a new policy recommending people apply sunscreen daily as part of their morning routine - just like brushing our teeth. The policy change follows an Australasian Sunscreen Summit in Brisbane last year. Prior to this, sunscreen was only recommended prior to anticipated outdoor exposure. It is now officially recognised that we get a lot of incidental sun exposure from everyday activities such as walking to public transport or to/from our car, walking to lunch, putting out the washing, having work breaks outside etc.

The new recommendation sticks with the traditional threshold of applying sunscreen when the UV index is 3 or greater. It is worth noting however; recent NZ study evidence suggests relying on the UV index may still lead to over-exposure. Click here for more information.

Important warning about the flammability of moisturisers

27/01/19 21:34

It has been known for some time that moisturisers containing paraffin are flammable and can pose a significant risk of fire and injury if ignited. The most common scernario is for a spark from a fire or cigarette to ignite clothing/pyjamas of a child that are oily after application of moisturiser. Severe burns and deaths have been reported.

A recent warning published by the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency has extended the issue to moisturisers containing less than 50% paraffin and to non-paraffin containing products.

Patients who use these products should not smoke, go near naked flames, and be warned of the easy ignition of clothing, bedding, dressings and other fabric that have dried residue of an emollient product on them.