Derm In The News: 2024

As 2024 comes to a close, Dermatology Times recaps the year's biggest headlines in dermatology. From pivotal research and advocacy efforts, we highlight the mainstream news stories that shaped the landscape of dermatologic care and innovation this year.

The Guardian: Children as young as 10 demanding anti-ageing products, say UK dermatologists

Dermatologists expressed concern over a trend where children as young as 10 are pressuring their parents to buy expensive anti-aging skin care products.

US News: Overuse of Antifungal Skin Meds Could Be Driving Drug-Resistant Disease

A study revealed that US doctors are overprescribing antifungal creams for skin complaints, contributing to the rise of drug-resistant infections, particularly drug-resistant forms of ringworm.

The Times: Wildfire smoke caused spike in skin complaints

A study published in Dermatology and Therapy revealed a correlation between increased carbon monoxide levels associated with the Canadian wildfires of 2023 and a rise in atopic dermatitis, dermatitis, and eczema-related clinic visits in a Boston hospital system.

National Rosacea Society: National Rosacea Society Launches New Seal Of Acceptance For Skin Care And Cosmetic Products

The National Rosacea Society (NRS) introduced a Seal of Acceptance for skin care products and cosmetics suitable for individuals with rosacea.

The Guardian: Australia’s sun safety guidelines updated to take account of diverse skin types

Australia introduced new sun safety guidelines influenced by research highlighting the health benefits of sun exposure and recognizing genetic variations in the population.

The Washington Post: More dermatologists are offering skin-care services for people of color

Susan Taylor, MD, co-founded the first Skin of Color Center in the United States in 1999, aiming to address racial and ethnic disparities in health care. Since then, 16 such clinics have emerged nationwide, offering tailored treatments for conditions like hyperpigmentation and keloids.

Fox 13 Tampa Bay: Florida lawmakers propose skin cancer screenings covered by some insurance

A proposed bill in Tallahassee aims to alleviate the high cost of skin cancer screenings for Floridians by shifting the financial burden to insurance companies. Sponsored by Rep. Ralph Massullo and Sen. Gayle Harrell, the bill, HB 241, proposed coverage for skin cancer screenings under state group health insurance plans and health maintenance organizations.

Bloomberg: Chemical Linked to Cancer Found in Acne Creams Including Proactiv, Clearasil

Popular acne treatment products from various brands, including Proactiv, Target's Up & Up, and Clinique, were found to contain elevated levels of benzene, a carcinogen.

NBC News: American Academy of Dermatology votes to keep diversity programs after anti-DEI proposal

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) rejected a proposal to terminate its diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) programs. The decision came after a vote by AAD members, who opposed the resolution aiming to end DEI initiatives within the organization.

BBC: Long waits for skin treatment, after consultant departures

Following the departure of a team of NHS consultants in Worcestershire, severe skin condition patients, including cancer patients, faced treatment delays.

Harvard Crimson: Harvard Neurologists Find Skin Biopsies Can Detect Parkinson’s Disease in Recent Study

A team of neurologists from Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, affiliated with Harvard, discovered that skin biopsies can predict early signs of four progressive neurodegenerative diseases, including Parkinson's disease, by detecting an abnormal protein called alpha-synuclein up to 2 decades before symptoms appear.

AP News: Golfers follow the sun. Now they are paying closer attention how to protect themselves from it

With heightened awareness of skin cancer among golfers, expert golfers are now paying more attention to sun protection.

The Washington Post: Counterfeit Botox found in multiple states linked to hospitalizations

Counterfeit versions of Botox were discovered in multiple states, leading to at least 19 cases of botulism-like illness among patients who received injections for cosmetic purposes.

BBC: Warwick scientists invent new way to detect skin cancer

Researchers at the University of Warwick devised a groundbreaking method for detecting skin cancer using Terahertz waves. These waves, positioned between infrared and microwaves on the electromagnetic spectrum, enable precise mapping of tumor extent with heightened sensitivity to changes in water concentration, a marker for skin cancer.

CBS News: New survey shows more young people are believing myths about skin cancer

A survey conducted by the Orlando Health Cancer Institute revealed concerning misconceptions about skin cancer among young Americans. Nearly a third believed that a tan signifies health, despite it being indicative of skin damage.

BBC: Melanoma skin cancer at all-time high in UK

Cancer Research UK is urging people to increase sun protection as melanoma skin cancer cases in the UK are projected to hit a record 20,800 this year, up from an average of 19,300 annually between 2020 and 2022.

Axios: Melanoma skin cancer rates rising across U.S.

A map of the United States illustrated the annual age-adjusted rate of new melanoma cases from 2016 to 2020. Utah has the highest rate, with 40.8 new cases per 100,000 people annually, while Washington, DC has the lowest at 9.3 cases, followed by Texas with 14.1 cases.

ABC News: The European Union's top court rules that disinfectants can't be advertised as 'skin friendly'

The European Court of Justice ruled that products like disinfectants cannot be advertised as "skin friendly."

Washington Post: Scientists found another way we're exposed to 'forever chemicals': Through our skin

A study discovered that "forever chemicals," toxic compounds present in common beauty and personal care products such as sunscreen, waterproof mascara, and lipstick, have the ability to penetrate human skin and enter the bloodstream.

USA Today: 15-year-old who created soap that could treat skin cancer named Time's 2024 Kid of the Year

Heman Bekele, a 15-year-old from Annandale, Virginia, was recognized as Time's 2024 Kid of the Year for developing a soap that has the potential to improve skin cancer treatment.

People: Star-Studded Rock4EB! Concert Raises Over $1 Million for 'Butterfly' Skin Disease Epidermolysis Bullosa

The 7th annual Rock4EB! concert, hosted by the Epidermolysis Bullosa Medical Research Foundation on September 21 in Malibu, raised over $1 million for research into epidermolysis bullosa.

New York Post: Ozempic can improve a common, chronic skin condition, new study claims

Semaglutide, known for its weight loss benefits, may also help reduce flare-ups in patients with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS). Early findings suggested that even at lower doses, semaglutide improves patients' quality of life by managing both weight and HS symptoms.

Don’t miss a moment of Dermatology Times by signing up for our eNewsletters and subscribing to receive the free print issue and supplements each month.