Psoriasis Sufferes’ Quality-of-Life Issues
July 28, 2010
In this country, seven to eight million people have some form of psoriasis, the chronic skin condition characterized by thick, red, raised patches of skin (often covered with flaking, silvery scales). Psoriasis occurs when skin cells known as “keratinocytes” proliferate too rapidly. Normally, these cells, which grow in the lower layers of skin, rise slowly to the skin’s surface, about one month. In those with psoriasis, the process takes only three to four days. As the cells quickly pile up, skin becomes red, patchy, and flaky. As might be imagined, psoriasis sufferers often curtail their participation in social activities. The skin disease may be managed with topical medications, ultraviolet-light therapy, and systemic treatments.
P.S. One psoriasis treatment involves the use of “biologics,” which are immunomodulatory drugs that work by inhibiting the effects of several immune-system components.
Does Your Sunscreen Protect Against UVA?
July 20, 2010
Until the FDA introduces its long-awaited sunscreen recommendations, the public will have to rely on its own knowledge about sunscreen performance. What everyone should know is that current SPF (sun protection factor) ratings do not reflect the degree of full protection against sun damage. SPF is only a measure of protection against UVB rays even though UVA rays are more prevalent than UVB rays and penetrate the skin more deeply. To get the best UVA protection, consumers should look for the ingredients avobenzone (parsol 1789), Mexoryl, or zinc oxide on the label. Avobenzone must be combined with stabilizers to prevent breakdown, although newer formulations have stabilized avobenzone to the point where it can last four to five hours.
P.S. While it might be suspected that sunscreen with an SPF of 30 is twice as good as one with an SPF of 15, SPF 15 blocks 94 percent of UVB rays and SPF 30 blocks 97 percent.
The Villages Office