Skin Deep Newsletter, Fall 2009

Vitamin D and Sunscreen
We’ve become aware of some confusion surrounding vitamin D and sunscreen lately. Here’s our take: First off, it is absolutely true that the body needs sunlight to produce vitamin D. It is also true that vitamin D is a critical nutrient. As the importance of vitamin D has come to the forefront in recent studies, this has caused some to wonder: If we are dependent upon vitamin D for general good health, and we need sunshine to produce vitamin D, could sunscreen block our ability to do just that?

Our answer? No.

On the one hand, studies have found that by blocking ultraviolet rays, sunscreen does in fact limit the vitamin D we produce. But a preponderance of studies have concluded that this effect is negligible. While sunscreen does hamper vitamin D production, these studies say, it is not enough to cause a deficiency. First off, most people don’t wear enough sunscreen to completely block the sun. More importantly, it doesn’t take much sun to produce adequate amounts of vitamin D. According to the National Institutes of Health, perhaps as little as 30 minutes of daytime exposure (without sunscreen) twice a week is ample to spur adequate vitamin D production.

Based on current available data, The American Academy of Dermatology recommends that you continue to protect your skin from the sun.  It’s one of the most important things you can do to keep and maintain healthy, cancer-free, great looking skin. And remember that Colorado is one of the sunniest places in the entire country, even in winter. Your general exposure to the sun here is more than enough to keep your vitamin D levels where they need to be. If you’re worried, instead of cutting back on sunscreen, increase your consumption of vitamin D rich foods – like salmon, milk and orange juice.

(For more indepth information, the National Institutes of Health web site offers this comprehensive article on vitamin D.)

Best Ways to Fake a Tan
In the last Skin Deep we wrote about new scientific proof that tanning beds cause of skin cancer. Many of you wondered about the best ways to get a tanned look safely. Here’s a terrific blog post on the subject from The Learning Channel’s web site, quoting our own Dr. Gallagher:  Best Ways to Fake a Tan.

Eczema Help
What Is Eczema? Eczema is a term for a general group of conditions that cause the skin to become inflamed, dry, red and itchy.

Causes? Although we do not know the specific cause for eczema, atopic dermatitis is often associated with asthma and hayfever. Scratchy clothing, over bathing, irritating soaps, stress and allergies can exacerbate it.

How Common? The prevalence of the most common form of eczema (atopic dermatitis) is rising and thought to impact 10% – 20% of the population.

Treatments?  While there is no cure, there are many treatment strategies for eczema. Lifestyle choices that keep the skin well hydrated as well as non-irritating clothing are good first steps. Topical medications like over-the-counter treatments  prescription medications with or without steroids, and antihistamines can bring relief as well. In severe cases, phototherapy and systemic medications are warranted. ALL medications, over-the-counter or prescription, can have potential side effects.

Bottom Line?  Seek help from your dermatologist if you or your child has persistent, itchy, recurring rashes. Your dermatologist can safely treat as well as control this potentially life-altering condition.