Self-examination by Kidney Recipients
January 30, 2012
Kidney transplant recipients should be aware that their elevated risk for developing skin cancer warrants skin self-examination and follow-up with a dermatologist. It is estimated that 100,000 living kidney transplant recipients in the United States are at risk for developing cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas, which are malignant tumors that occur on the skin and may spread to other organs. Most kidney transplant recipients with a first squamous cell carcinoma develop more skin cancers within five years. Some develop many more skin cancers in just one year. Thus, it is imperative that kidney transplant recipients examine their own bodies for suspicious skin lesions regularly and schedule appointments with a dermatologist, who can conduct a thorough examination of the entire body.
P.S. Kidney transplant recipient patients who take immunosuppressant medications after organ transplantation tend to be at higher risk for all cancers.
Potential Hazards of Nail Dryers
January 10, 2012
Anyone visiting a nail salon for a manicure or pedicure may be exposed to one of two types of nail-drying machines. Aside from the air-drying type, there are UV-drying machines that utilize ultraviolet rays to dry nails. The concern with this type of nail dryer is that it emits UVA rays, which penetrate skin most deeply and have been associated with skin cancer. The level of UVA rays emitted is equivalent to that of a tanning bed, which should raise a red flag among those exposed to this radiation. Not only does UV exposure of this type increase the cancer risk of skin surrounding the nails, it also increases the risk of skin cancer beneath the nails.
P.S. Exposure to UV rays from nail-drying machines is associated with wrinkling and other unattractive symptoms of photo-aging.
The Villages Office