First Genetic Study of Stretch Marks

23andMe, the leading personal genetics company, has conducted the first genetic study of striae distensae (stretch marks). Researchers at the company identified four genetic markers significantly associated with the development of stretch marks that inform why some individuals are more susceptible to the skin condition.

Estimates of the prevalence of stretch marks range from 50-80 percent, however the exact causes of stretch marks are still widely unknown. Many factors, including excessive skin distension (during pregnancy, growth spurts, rapid weight gain), prolonged exposure to cortisol and genetics are thought to play a role.

Popular treatments, including topical creams and laser removal often focus on stimulating collagen production to decrease the appearance of stretch marks. The strong association between elastin and stretch marks discovered through this research offers an opportunity to improve methods to prevent and treat stretch marks.

"To date, no genetic variants were known to be associated with isolated stretch marks that affect the general public," said Joyce Tung, Ph.D., author and 23andMe Director of Research. "Through this first of its kind study, we've identified new genetic associations that can provide deeper insights into the root causes of stretch marks, and look forward to continuing research in this space. One intriguing area for further study is the potential effect of genes associated with obesity on the development of stretch marks, both independent of and via changes in BMI. Replicating this work in a more precisely phenotyped population would also be a logical next step."

23andMe conducted a genome-wide association analysis across 33,930 unrelated 23andMe customers of European descent; within the sample there were a total of 13,930 cases and 20,862 controls. Because loose skin is a symptom of syndromes caused by deletion or loss-of-function mutations in elastin, it is likely that variations in the elastic fiber component of the skin extracellular matrix contribute to the development of stretch marks. The expression of collagens, elastin and fibronectin is also decreased in striae, which could be linked to the reorganization and overall loss of elastic fibers in skin affected by stretch marks.

source: http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/releases/265171.php 

Introducing: Farmhouse Fresh!

McLean Dermatology is proud to announce that we now carry Farmhouse Fresh products in our office.

Each Farmhouse Fresh product is made with 90-99% natural and naturally-derived ingredients. Everything they make is Paraben and Sulfate FREE. Man

y of their products are also Vegan and Gluten FREE.

Not to mention, they smell so good you could almost eat them!

To learn more about these awesome products visit their website and stop by the office to pick up yours today!

Cleaning Pacifiers with Spit Reduces Later Risk of Eczema

Did you know that cleaning your child’s pacifier with your own saliva may reduce the likelihood that they’ll develop eczema and allergies later on? While it may sound like nasty business, researchers in Sweden reported that an infant’s immune system against eczema, allergies, and asthma is stimulated when parents introduce gut microflora onto the pacifier through their spit. This system works because of the exchange of oral bacteria from parent to child who then swallows the bacteria, which in turn helps to regulate the development of tolerance in their gut.

The study* was conducted among 136 children, all of whom used pacifiers during the first six months. Out of the 136 children, 65 of them had parents who sucked on the pacifiers to clean them. After 18 months, the researchers found that the likelihood of eczema and asthma were reduced in the children who sucked on spit-cleaned pacifiers. This effect held for eczema through the age of 3. It is important to note that spit cleaning had no effect on the transmission of respiratory illnesses from parent to child.

Children also receive these immune system-boosting gut microbes when they pass through the birth canal during a natural vaginal birth. Considering this, researchers recommend that parents who delivered through a cesarean section should at least lick their child’s pacifier because these children are more likely to develop allergies than those delivered by natural birth.

(Journal of Drugs in Dermatology – May 2013)

*http://pediatrics.aappublications.org/content/early/2013/04/30/peds.2012-3345.abstract

Attention Tylenol Users!

Acetaminophen, brand name Tylenol (amongst others), is a common household drug used to relieve aches, pains and fevers. However, if you develop a rash, blister or any other kind of skin reaction while taking acetaminophen you should stop taking the drug and seek medical attention immediately. This past August the FDA issued a safety announcement stating that acetaminophen poses a risk for three rare but potentially fatal skin disorders; Toxic epidermal necrolysis (where the top layer of skin detaches from the lower layers of skin), Stevens-Johnson syndrome (a minor form of toxic epidermal necrolysis), and Acute generalized exanthematous pustulosis (pustules on the skin). Typical symptoms include a burning rash, skin pain, dryness of the eyes, blistering of the lips, a cough with mucus, a headache or joint paint. If you or your child display any of these symptoms while taking acetaminophen it is important to STOP taking the medication and go to the nearest ER.

Wet Wipes Linked to Contact Dermatitis

     Most of us have reached for a wet wipe at least once to help clean the inevitable daily messes. Effective, convenient and portable, it’s no surprise that people both young and old include them in their daily regimen. For all of the convenience, however, there is a good reason to be wary when using wet wipes on a consistent basis.

     Methylisothiazolinone (MI, for short) is a powerful biocide and preservative that prevents microbial growth in many personal care products including shampoos, lotions, cosmetic products and, of course, wet wipes. It was named the 2013 contact allergen of the year by the American Contact Dermatitis Society. While MI is used in very low concentrations and generally not a cause for concern, it can cause an allergic reaction called contact dermatitis for those who are sensitive to the compound. The first reported case was an 8 year old child who presented with red, itchy, crusted and fissured skin around the mouth and perianal area. The child was misdiagnosed with eczema and treated ineffectively for almost 11 months. Once the wet wipes were pinned as the cause and their use discontinued, the condition cleared in a matter of days. Contact dermatitis from wet wipes can cause a reaction in both children and adults.

    If you or your child starts to exhibit these symptoms, it is important to discontinue wet wipe use immediately.

Sun Protection: Fact or Fiction

Check out this article about Sun Protection from ABC News here

The Dangers of Aviators

Many people associate sunglasses with eye care, style, and most importantly protection. However, regarding the popular aviator sunglasses, that is not always the case. In reality, the metal frames of these stylish shades reflect the sun, which can potentially cause damage to the skin on your cheek. Your skin can become tender and develop melasma, particularly along the sensitive cheekbones directly under the metal rims. Melasma causes hyper pigmentation and discoloration on the face. If you develop dark spots in the summer months, choose sunglasses with plastic rims...one of our favorites for the season are Wayfarers.