Derm In The News: January 7-13

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

Dermatologists are expressing concern over a trend where children as young as 10 are pressuring their parents to buy expensive anti-aging skincare products. Driven largely by social media, especially platforms like TikTok, girls are becoming obsessed with aging, influenced by influencers showcasing in-depth skincare routines and luxury brands. Experts worry about the psychological impact of starting an anti-aging routine at such a young age and emphasize the need for moderation in skin care practices for adolescents.

BBC: The new drugs that may bring an end to constant itching

While scientists previously considered itch as a mild form of pain, recent discoveries have identified specific receptors and neurons in the spinal cord responsible for transmitting the sensation of itch to the brain. New research has unveiled cytokines like IL-31 that trigger itch-specific neurons, providing potential targets for treatment. Drugs such as nemolizumab and dupilumab, which target these pathways, have shown promise in clinical trials, offering hope for individuals suffering from chronic itch conditions.

Medical News Today: Eczema: How this skin condition can affect mental health

A study by the National Eczema Association reveals that 72% of people with eczema experience adverse mental health symptoms for one to 10 days a month, with 17% facing more than 11 days per month. The study emphasizes the impact of atopic dermatitis on mental health, noting a connection between eczema severity and diagnoses of depression and anxiety. The online survey of 954 adults with atopic dermatitis highlights a significant unmet need in addressing mental health concerns among these individuals.

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

A new study reveals that US doctors are overprescribing antifungal creams for skin complaints, contributing to the rise of drug-resistant infections, particularly drug-resistant forms of ringworm. Cases of ringworm resistant to drugs have been reported in 11 US states, leading to extensive lesions and delays in diagnosis. The study, based on 2021 Medicare Part D data, shows that 6.5 million prescriptions for antifungal creams were prescribed that year, with primary care doctors writing the biggest percentage of prescriptions.

THE MORE YOU KNOW:

Scaly Fossil Is the Oldest-Known Piece of Skin

Researchers have discovered fossilized skin, believed to be the oldest on record, dating back at least 286 million years. The crocodile-like skin was found in an ancient cave in present-day Oklahoma, offering a glimpse into the appearance of some of the earliest animals transitioning to life on land. Preserved as a 3-dimensional cast with fossilized tissue, the skin was found at the Richards Spur quarry and cave system. The discovery, particularly rare for Paleozoic land animals, could provide insights into the evolutionary history of reptiles and mammals, shedding light on the common ancestor shared by the two branches of life. The finding is considered crucial for understanding the mysteries of early terrestrial life.

Have you seen any dermatology headlines this week that we may have missed? Share with us by emailing our team at DTEditor@mmhgroup.com.