Menthol

TUESDAY, Nov. 5, 2024 -- Banning menthol cigarettes could help convince smokers quit the habit, a new study finds. People who prefer menthol cigarettes would rather buy nicotine gum or other nicotine replacement therapies than switch to traditional tobacco cigarettes, researchers reported recently in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence . In addition, menthol cigarette smokers were less likely to use e-cigarettes as a substitute if menthol vaping products are also restricted, researchers found. “I think the most important conclusion from this study is that we can improve health outcomes by emphasizing policies that reduce sales of flavored products and increase accessibility of nicotine replacement therapies,” said researcher Roberta Freitas-Lemos , an assistant professor at the Virginia Tech Fralin Biomedical Research Institute. More than 9 million adults -- about 32% of all smokers -- use menthol cigarettes, researchers said in background notes. Menthol makes smoking easier by reducing the harshness of cigarette smoke and cooling the throat. The Biden Administration has come under fire for delaying a proposed U.S. Food and Drug Administration ban on menthol cigarettes. In a September hearing before Congress, FDA leaders said a menthol ban is still in the works. "It's a priority for us. We followed through rule-making processes and it's presently with the White House and it continues to be a priority for us," Brian King, director of the FDA's Center for Tobacco Products, told a House Energy and Commerce Committee hearing. For the new study, researchers analyzed data from 172 people who smoke cigarettes, including 76 who only smoke menthol cigarettes and 96 who smoke non-menthol cigarettes. They also looked at 91 who use multiple types of tobacco products. The smokers were asked to use an online account to buy tobacco and nicotine products, which included replacement therapies. When menthol cigarettes weren’t available, smokers who prefer menthol were less willing to buy other types of cigarettes. Instead, they turned to nicotine replacement products like patches or gum. The study also found higher demand for high-ventilation cigarettes, which feature filter holes for airflow that make the smoke less harsh. “Cigarettes with ventilation are milder and people think they are less harmful, but it is a false perception,” Freitas-Lemos said in a Virginia Tech news release. Bans of these products could help smokers choose to quit, the researchers concluded. “It could be that people who smoke ventilated cigarettes are more responsive to one ban than another,” Freitas-Lemos said. Whatever your topic of interest, subscribe to our newsletters to get the best of Drugs.com in your inbox.

5 tips for relief from a board-certified dermatologist ROSEMONT, Ill., Sept. 24, 2024 /PRNewswire/ -- Itchy skin can be irritating, especially an itch that doesn't go away. There are many potential causes for itchy skin like common skin conditions such as eczema, shingles, hives, psoriasis, or bug bites, or it could be a sign of a contagious disease, like scabies or ringworm. While these causes could mean a visit to a board-certified dermatologist, there are options for self-care at home to provide itch relief. "Our first instinct is to scratch that pesky itch, but in reality, that could be making things worse by irritating your skin further," said Susan Massick, MD, FAAD, clinical associate professor of dermatology at The Ohio State University. "Everyone experiences itchy skin from time to time, but relief can be possible by following a few easy steps at home." To help soothe itchy skin, Dr. Massick and the American Academy of Dermatology recommend following these tips: Apply a cool, damp washcloth to itchy skin for about 5-10 minutes, or until the itch goes away. Take a warm colloidal oatmeal bath. This can soothe your skin, especially if the cause of your itch is chickenpox, hives, poison ivy, or sunburn. Apply a "fragrance-free" moisturizer when your skin is still damp after bathing or whenever it itches. Soaps, detergents, and other products should also be "fragrance-free" as fragrance can irritate the skin. If your moisturizer doesn't relieve the itch, apply a cooling agent, like menthol or calamine. You can also try an over-the-counter cream or gel that contains pramoxine, a topical pain reliever. Sometimes keeping these in the refrigerator also helps. Wear loose-fitting, cotton clothes. These help you stay cool and won't irritate your skin, like wool and other rough-feeling fabrics can. Avoid extreme temperature changes, as these can make itch worse. Keep your house cool during the summer and use a humidifier and avoid high heat in the winter. "If you do not find relief after trying these at-home tips, or if you notice changes to your skin, such as redness, swelling, rash, bumps, or sores, a board-certified dermatologist can diagnose the underlying condition," said Dr. Massick. "Often, itching can have more than one cause, and together we can work toward a treatment plan that offers the best results, healthier skin, and, ultimately, symptom relief." These tips are demonstrated in "How to relieve itchy skin," a video posted to the AAD website and YouTube channel. This video is part of the AAD's "Your Dermatologist Knows" series, which offers tips people can use to properly care for their skin, hair, and nails. To manage itchy skin and learn more tips, partner with a board-certified dermatologist. To find a board-certified dermatologist in your area, visit aad.org/findaderm. More Information Itchy Skin Resource Center 10 Reasons Your Skin Itches and How to Get Relief 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 21,000 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 WANT YOUR COMPANY'S NEWS FEATURED ON PRNEWSWIRE.COM? 440k+ Newsrooms & Influencers 9k+ Digital Media Outlets 270k+ Journalists Opted In GET STARTED