Gaining exposure on perceptions of sunscreen: a national survey of melanoma patients.

Melanoma incidence is increasing. We ascertained perceptions regarding sunscreen and factors influencing choice in patients with melanoma. A survey was distributed to all the supporters of a melanoma patient support group. 571 responses were received across six weeks. Most (79.2%; n=452) indicated they knew how much sunscreen to apply; the most popular frequency of application was once daily (32%, n=180). The most popular cosmetic benefit respondents indicated was reduced redness on sun-exposed areas of skin (73.2%; n=418). Most (96.7%; n=552) agreed more education is needed regarding importance of wearing sunscreen. The three most popular factors in influencing sunscreen choice were SPF more than 50 (n=299; 52.4%), recommendation by a dermatologist (n=267; 46.8%) and price (n=262; 45.9%). Sustainable package design (n=45; 7.9%) and ethical sourcing of ingredients (n=65; 11.4%) were not ranked highly. Given 42% (n=240) only applied sunscreen during sunshine, an education campaign is required. Industry should consider public education regarding sustainability. A further study ascertaining views and perceptions of sunscreen in the non-melanoma cohort is strongly encouraged.

A systematic review of the uses of metformin in dermatology.

Metformin is an established staple drug in the management of Type 2 diabetes mellitus. In this systematic review, we sought to establish the clinical utility of metformin in a range of dermatological conditions. The pathophysiology of acne vulgaris and polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS) is well suited to the pharmacological profile of metformin, and we found evidence for its efficacy in managing these conditions. We found some evidence for the use of metformin particularly in acne and PCOS; however, the evidence base is of mixed quality. There is scope for clinicians to consider metformin as an adjunct therapy in acne and PCOS. There is generally insufficient evidence to recommend metformin in other dermatological conditions.

Ultrasonography in diagnostic dermatology: a primer for clinicians.

Ultrasound has long been a diagnostic staple throughout medicine, with extensive use in orthopaedics and obstetrics. In this review, we find there are a range of versatile uses for diagnostic ultrasound in dermatology, with particular clinical relevance in the imaging of skin tumours. Our review outlines that diagnostic ultrasound can play an important role as an adjunct, but shortfalls remain with inter- and intra-operator discrepancies in aptitude and accuracy.

Vitamin D Deficiency and Associated Risk Factors in Muslim Housewives of Quetta, Pakistan: A Cross-Sectional Study.

Background Vitamin D (Vit-D) plays a central role in calcium homeostasis and maintains skeletal integrity. Housewives in Quetta, Pakistan are at increased risk of vitamin D deficiency (VDD). They spend a greater part of their day in cleaning, washing, cooking, managing daily groceries, and other household chores. Thus, little time is left for self-care and outdoor activities. They wear hijab and have very little exposure to sunlight. In addition, their diet is deficient in Vit-D-rich food items, rendering them at high risk of VDD. Fear of getting tanned, melasma, and preference for a fair complexion further limit their sun exposure. This study evaluates the prevalence of VDD in housewives and determines its various risk factors to recommend screening guidelines for VDD. Methods A cross-sectional study was performed between November 2020 and April 2021 and recruited housewives aged >18 from the outpatient department of a tertiary care hospital in Quetta. Informed consent was obtained from all participants. VDD was defined as a serum 25(OH)-D level <20 ng/mL (50 nmol/L). Sociodemographic variables and information about the dietary habits, perception, attitudes towards sunlight, and daily duration of sunlight exposure were collected. Mean and standard deviation (SD) were calculated for continuous variables and counts, and proportions were calculated for categorical variables like education, age. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the risk factors and associations of VDD. Data were analyzed by SAS/STAT software (version 9.4). Results Among 151 housewives, 58.9% of housewives had VDD. VDD group had a higher proportion of females aged 18-30 years and a lower proportion of graduates. The reported use of Vit-D supplements was much lower in the VDD group compared with the non-deficient group, 38.2% versus 71.0 %, P-value <0.001. History of fragility fractures was reported by 10.1% of housewives in the VDD group compared to 4.8% in the non-deficient group, P-value: 0.03. Around 77.5% of housewives in the VDD group spent 15 minutes or less outdoors versus 51.6% in the non-deficient group; 55.1% of housewives in the VDD group reported that they never consumed milk versus 17.7 % in the non-deficient group, P-value <0.00001. In the univariate logistic regression model, housewives with an 11-12th grade of education had 4.80-fold higher odds of VDD compared to those who had undergraduate or graduate degrees (OR: 4.80, 95 % CI: 1.07-21.45). Housewives who never consumed milk had 9.72-fold (95 % CI: 3.69-25.58) higher odds of VDD compared to those who consumed milk on daily basis. Odds of VDD were 3.61-fold (95% CI: 1.06-12.31) higher in those who never consumed fish as compared to those who ate fish at least 1-2 days/week. In multivariate logistic regression, age group 18-30 (OR: 17.07, 95% CI: 1.18-246.86), and never consuming milk (OR: 7.33, 95 % CI: 1.99-26.89) were independently associated with VDD. Conclusion VDD is highly prevalent (58.9%) in housewives of Quetta. It is the need of time to increase awareness regarding the health benefits, sources, and deficiency symptoms of Vit-D. Our study revealed VDD in housewives irrespective of education and income. Dietary supplementations were greater predictors of VDD. Daily sun exposure should be encouraged, and food items should be fortified with Vit-D. Recommendations for Vitamin D screening would be a good step, especially in Muslim housewives.