Photosensitivity Disorders

Dermatologist shines a light on the latest research in photocontact dermatitis SAN DIEGO, March 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Sun sensitivity and related skin conditions are often misunderstood. Foods, medications, and skincare products can trigger symptoms like itching, redness, blistering, or burning. One of the most common conditions is photocontact dermatitis, a skin reaction occurring when certain substances come into contact with skin that is exposed to the sun. "Sun sensitivity is a common condition that can negatively impact a person's quality of life," said board-certified dermatologist Brandon Adler, MD, FAAD, an assistant professor of dermatology at Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California in Los Angeles, speaking at the American Academy of Dermatology's 2024 Annual Meeting. For many people, sun sensitivity is caused by the things they come into contact with, said Dr. Adler. If you develop rashes, blisters, or skin darkening after making a margarita or chopping vegetables for a salad, some of the ingredients may be to blame, said Dr. Adler. Your skin reaction could be caused by handling fruits and vegetables such as lime, figs and celery, or coming into contact with plants like hogweed and St. John's wort. Certain pain relief medications that are applied to the skin may also cause a photosensitive reaction, as can medications taken by mouth, such as some blood pressure medications like hydrochlorothiazide. While medications applied directly to the skin only cause a rash in the area of the body where it was applied, if a medication taken by mouth causes photosensitivity, it can cause a rash over any part of the body that was not protected from the sun. Reactions often appear as an itchy rash or severe sunburn on areas of the body most exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, arms, or legs, according to Dr. Adler. To determine the cause of sun sensitivity reactions, dermatologists must consider a variety of individual factors, such as various product exposures and medical history, and less frequently bloodwork or a biopsy of the affected area of the skin. "While we will often prescribe anti-inflammatory medications to treat photocontact dermatitis, the primary treatment is identifying and avoiding the irritant or allergen," said Dr. Adler. "In many cases these are reversible reactions, so if the patient stops using the substance causing the reaction, then they will stop having symptoms and won't need ongoing treatment." Many people incorrectly assume that certain types of sun sensitivity only affect older people with lighter skin types, but recent research indicates that younger people and those with darker skin types are more susceptible than previously believed, according to Dr. Adler. New studies suggest that people with darker skin types are susceptible to two other types of photosensitivity, he said. The first is polymorphous light eruption (PMLE), which appears as tiny bumps or rashes that come and go with sun exposure. The second is chronic actinic dermatitis, which causes year-round rashes affecting the sun-exposed parts of the body due to light sensitivity. The exact causes of PMLE and chronic actinic dermatitis are not fully understood, but they are believed to involve an abnormal immune response to sunlight. While it is important for everyone to protect themselves from the sun, Dr. Adler noted that those with sun sensitivity need to be particularly mindful to seek shade, wear sun-protective clothing, and apply a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. "If you notice a rash or blistering on your body after being in the sun, it's important to see a board-certified dermatologist, who can determine whether you have a sun-related skin disorder," said Dr. Adler. "No two patients are the same. A board-certified dermatologist can determine what is causing your sun sensitivity and provide a treatment option that works best for your condition." To find a board-certified dermatologist in your area, visit aad.org/findaderm. More Information Eczema Types: Contact Dermatitis Causes AAD B-Roll Library About the AAD Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 20,800 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care because skin, hair, and nail conditions can have a serious impact on your health and well-being. For more information, contact the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow @AADskin on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube and @AADskin1 on Instagram. SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology

Board-certified dermatologist discusses occupational risks of skin cancer for those who serve SAN DIEGO, March 8, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. veterans are at a higher risk of developing melanoma, one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, likely due in part to the occupational hazards associated with active duty in countries near the equator where ultraviolet (UV) levels are higher. Additionally, members of the Air Force are at an even greater risk for developing melanoma due to long-term exposure to radiation caused by flying at higher altitudes. Exposure to UV light increases your risk of skin cancer, including melanoma. Because melanoma can quickly spread to other parts of the body, prevention and early detection are essential. "Most members of the military tend to serve when they're younger, which is when cellular mutations that cause cancer over time can start to develop," said board-certified dermatologist Rebecca I. Hartman MD, MPH, FAAD, an assistant professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School and chief of the dermatology section at VA Boston Healthcare System, speaking at the American Academy of Dermatology's 2024 Annual Meeting. "Challenges in practicing effective sun protection, like inadequate access to sunscreen or protective clothing, and not having access to sun protection in times of conflict, contribute to this risk." Recent studies show that many veterans who returned from the Iraq War said that they infrequently used sun protection or lacked an awareness of the skin cancer risk associated with not properly protecting themselves from the sun's harmful rays, according to Dr. Hartman. "Over 40 percent said that they were not aware of the risks for skin cancer, and nearly 75 percent said they worked outside more than six hours per day," she said. "Most of the veterans returning from that war reported being sunburned." Having more than five sunburns doubles the average risk of melanoma, while a single blistering sunburn in childhood or adolescence more than doubles the chances of developing melanoma later in life. Unprotected UV exposure is not the only risk factor for melanoma. Air Force members who are flying at higher altitudes additionally face ionizing radiation exposure, which can also contribute to cancer risks. As a result, those who fly should be screened for skin cancer more frequently in addition to wearing sunscreen. Dr. Hartman noted that veterans are more likely to be diagnosed with melanoma at a later stage, when it is more difficult to treat, but that they tend to have better outcomes than the general population due to treatments that work throughout the body. "Veterans have been treated very effectively by therapies that target the immune system," she said. "Immunotherapy tends to work better in men than women, and it works better for those who are older compared to those who are younger, mainly because younger people and women generally have strong immune systems that can eliminate tumor cells efficiently, and the remaining cells may not be easily detected by the immune system. This makes certain types of immunotherapy less effective for younger people and women." Members of the military can reduce their risk of melanoma by seeking shade, wearing sun-protective clothing, and applying a broad-spectrum, water-resistant sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, according to Dr. Hartman. "It's important for those in the military to use sun protection, especially when they're in sunny areas, and for both military members and veterans to look for changes to their skin regularly," Dr. Hartman said. "It they notice anything that looks different, is changing, or bleeding, or if they have a history of skin cancer or have had a lot of sunburns, then they should see a board-certified dermatologist." To find a board-certified dermatologist in your area, visit aad.org/findaderm. More Information Practice Safe Sun Prevent Skin Cancer AAD B-Roll Library About the AAD Headquartered in Rosemont, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 20,800 physicians worldwide, the AAD is committed to advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical, and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair, and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care because skin, hair, and nail conditions can have a serious impact on your health and well-being. For more information, contact the AAD at (888) 462-DERM (3376) or aad.org. Follow @AADskin on Facebook, TikTok, Pinterest and YouTube and @AADskin1 on Instagram. SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology

MALIBU, Calif., March 04, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Leading biotech company CLINUVEL last week joined an intimate event bringing together California’s most prolific investors and philanthropists at the Malibu home of Lady Gaga and Michael Polansky. The event, hosted by Lady Gaga and Mr. Polansky, and Sean Parker and Alexandra Parker, shone a light on the groundbreaking work of CLINUVEL, a global biopharmaceutical firm whose cutting-edge melanocortin therapies transform the lives of patients at the highest risk of photodamage and skin cancer. Mr. Parker and Mr. Polansky have supported CLINUVEL for more than 15 years, finding alignment between the Company’s pioneering approach to medicine and the boundary-pushing work of the Parker Institute for Cancer Immunotherapy which works to revolutionise healthcare. Over a family-style dinner by chef Evan Funke of Los Angeles hotspot Felix Trattoria, and a performance by Grammy-winning Attacca Quartet, the hosts shared how CLINUVEL’s treatments herald a new era for the treatment of light-related conditions. The Group’s CEO Dr. Philippe Wolgen also unveiled what is next for the most exciting biopharmaceutical firm in the field of photomedicine today. The future of photomedicine For 25 years, CLINUVEL introduced a proof of concept by treating groups of patients whose needs had been overlooked by the pharmaceutical industry. These include the genetic disorders erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP), xeroderma pigmentosum (XP) and the skin disorder vitiligo, when people lose their pigmentation. In 2014 CLINUVEL developed the only approved treatment in the world for EPP, accelerating CLINUVEL’s evolution into a profitable, self-sustaining and dynamic company. Now the Company is exploring the vast potential of its technology: how can CLINUVEL’s unique knowledge of melanocortins be scaled up to treat widespread health conditions that affect the skin, brain and nervous system? Beyond the world of pharmaceuticals, CLINUVEL’s technology has the power to disrupt the skincare market. After 43 years of photomedicine research, the Company is launching PhotoCosmetics, a range of advanced skincare products based on a group of peptides known as melanocortins. Revolutionising healthcare for those in needPhilanthropy is central to the work of Lady Gaga and Michael Polansky, Sean Parker and Alexandra Parker. CLINUVEL shares their passion for creating long-lasting change and radically improving patients’ lives. At the event in Malibu, CLINUVEL announced the Photomedicine Foundation, which will count Mr Polansky as a trustee. The initiative will help those most affected by debilitating conditions related to the sun. Through the Foundation, CLINUVEL is taking its world-leading expertise directly to communities who cannot afford care or treatment. The foundation’s mission is to support vulnerable patients at extreme risk of photodamage and skin cancer in Africa, Middle East and Latin America. Michael Polansky said: “It’s critical that investors strive to find companies whose missions extend beyond profitability, by supporting the development of technologies that can drive meaningful and sustained improvement to human life. CLINUVEL is an example of a company that aims to improve human health and I am delighted to become a trustee of the Photomedicine Foundation, which will play a vital role in improving the lives of individuals with light-related conditions who cannot access life-saving medical care.” Sean Parker said: “CLINUVEL is one of the most innovative Life Sciences companies that exists today with a management that has the patience to see through long development. Both its groundbreaking melanocortin technology and long-term business plan will disrupt the world of biopharmaceuticals and luxury skincare. The Photomedicine Foundation is a welcome addition to a company on a path to growth unlike any other.” CLINUVEL’s CEO, Dr. Philippe Wolgen said: “Sean Parker and Michael Polansky are unafraid to rip up the rulebook in their mission to advance science and improve global health. CLINUVEL is grateful to have their support as we translate our pharmaceutical technology into PhotoCosmetics and give back to underserved communities. A bright future looms for CLINUVEL.” About The CLINUVEL Group: CLINUVEL is a public biopharmaceutical company whose pioneering melanocortin technology has revolutionised the field of photomedicine. Over the last 25 years, CLINUVEL’s work has furthered scientific knowledge, delivered breakthroughs in medical technology and transformed patients’ lives. The Company has developed and commercialised SCENESSE® (afamelanotide), the only approved treatment in the world for the prevention of phototoxicity in adult patients with EPP. The treatment was approved for use by the US FDA in 2019 and is also approved for commercial distribution in Europe, Israel and Australia. CLINUVEL is conducting clinical trials to assess the efficacy and safety of its melanocortin technology in treating severe disorders including xeroderma pigmentosum (XP), vitiligo and arterial ischemic stroke. In 2023 it announced its expansion into skincare with the introduction of its first PhotoCosmetic product CYACÊLLE, a polychromatic solar screen. For more information visit www.clinuvel.comInstagram:@clinuvel_pharmaceuticals @clinuvelDNATwitter:@ClinuvelNewsFacebook:@Clinuvel