What is perioral dermatitis and how is it treated?

December 5, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

What is perioral dermatitis and how is it treated?

Perioral dermatitis is a skin condition that causes a rash around the mouth. Perioral dermatitis may also occur around the eyes, nose, or genitals, but this is much less common. Treatments may include certain creams, lotions, or gels.

What is perioral dermatitis?

Dermatitis refers to an inflammation of the skin, while perioral means around the mouth.

Perioral dermatitis is most common in females between the ages of 20 and 45 yearsTrusted Source. Older adults, males, and children can also have the condition, but it happens less frequently.

Perioral dermatitis belongs to the broader category of periorificial dermatitis, which can affect the skin predominantly around the eyes, the nostrils, the mouth, and occasionally the genitals.

However, when medical professionals discuss the condition affecting specifically the skin around the mouth, they use the term perioral dermatitis.

Types of perioral dermatitis

In most cases, perioral dermatitis affects young adults and adult females up to the age of 45Trusted Source. But when it affects children, health experts call it childhood perioral dermatitis.

Lupoid perioral dermatitis is a more severe version that results in a person developing denser groupings of bumps that can be red and brown on both light and darker skin tones.

Another related type of condition is granulomatous periorificial dermatitis. While it primarily occurs inTrusted Source children with darker skin tones, it can also present in children with light skin tones. It usually appears as flesh-colored, yellow-brown papules.

What are the symptoms of perioral dermatitis?

Perioral dermatitis is a rash that developsTrusted Source around the mouth and tends to be bumpy or scaly.

These bumps generally do not affect the skin right next to the mouth but appear a short distance away from the lips. They may also form a ring around the mouth.

Sometimes the rash can appear around the nose or eyes. It can occasionally appear around the genitals too, but this is rare.

What does it look and feel like?

Some people with perioral dermatitis may only get a few bumps, and their rash may not be very discernible. Others may have many lumps forming a noticeable rash.

The bumps may be skin colored or hyperpigmented and may appear red or pink in people with fair skin. Although they might resemble pimples, the bumps are not the same as acne. The rash may look inflamed, with the underlying and surrounding skin appearing red, pink, or flesh toned.

The rash may be itchy or non-itchy, but it does not usually hurt. Some people with perioral dermatitis may feel tightness or mild burning in the affected skin, which may be dry or flaky.

Granulomatous periorificial dermatitis is more common in darker-skinned people, who may experience less evident skin flushing and color changes. This condition has associations with burning, so individuals with darker skin may experienceTrusted Source this symptom more frequently.

Perioral dermatitis is a common facial skin problem.
Photo by DermNet New Zealand

It presents as tiny red papules around the mouth and chin.
Photo by DermNet New Zealand

The condition is commonly treated with facial ointments and creams.
Photo by DermNet New Zealand

The skin is usually dry and itchy, with the papules presenting in clusters.
Miroslav Lukic/Shutterstock

The condition can be caused by many things, including creams, soaps, and other external exposures.
© 2021, Diehl et al/NCBI

Healing time varies for each individual but usually takes 2–4 weeks.
The Korean Dermatological Association and The Korean Society for Investigative Dermatology/NBCI

What causes perioral dermatitis?

There is no underlying condition that causes perioral dermatitis, and it is not contagious. Although the exact cause is unknownTrusted Source, researchers think it may relate to the use of topical corticosteroids.

Topical corticosteroids are steroid ointments, creams, or gels that people use to treat skin conditions. However, individuals should only ever use topical corticosteroids as a short-term treatment, and most of them are not suitable for applying on the face. Sometimes, a person uses corticosteroids for longer than they should or use them on their face. This can result in skin damage.

A 2021 studyTrusted Source showed that topical corticosteroids may have a link to a variety of skin conditions, including perioral dermatitis. Research from 2017Trusted Source that explored the effects of the misuse of topical corticosteroids on facial skin also showed that perioral dermatitis was one of the adverse effects.

Additional possible causes of perioral dermatitis may include:

a problem with the skin’s protective barrier
a change in the bacteria on the skin
bacteria getting into the hair follicles
an allergic reaction
irritation resulting from a skin care product or fluorinated toothpaste
hormonal changes
strong winds
UV light
in children:
- lip licking and chewing
- thumb sucking
- drooling
chewing gum
inhalingTrusted Source nasal steroids

More research is necessary to understand the exact causes of perioral dermatitis, but using heavily-scented toiletries or skin care products or wearing heavy makeup can trigger the condition.

Other possible risk factors can include young age, being female, hormonal imbalance, topical steroid use, and a history of allergies.

Health / News

FDA Pulls the Plug on Controversial Soda Ingredient: A Game-Changer for the Global Beverage Industry

December 4, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

In a groundbreaking decision, the FDA has officially banned a controversial soda ingredient that has long been prohibited in many countries worldwide. This move marks a significant shift in the beverage industry and highlights the ongoing scrutiny of food additives in the United States.

Soda Packages In A Supermarket 2023 11 27 05 04 49 Utc — FDA Pulls the Plug on Controversial Soda Ingredient: A Game-Changer for the Global Beverage Industry © The Daily Galaxy –Great Discoveries Channel

Brominated vegetable oil (BVO), once a common additive in citrus-flavored sodas, has finally met its demise in the American market. This decision aligns the United States with numerous other nations that have long since outlawed the substance. The FDA’s ruling comes after decades of debate and mounting scientific evidence regarding BVO’s potential health risks.

Countries such as Japan, India, and members of the European Union have banned BVO for years, citing concerns over its long-term effects on human health. The state of California took a pioneering step in October 2022 by legislating against BVO, with the ban set to take effect in 2027. This proactive approach mirrors the global trend of increased scrutiny on food additives, similar to the ongoing investigations into synthetic food dyes and their potential health risks.

The FDA’s decision to revoke BVO’s registration stems from recent toxicology studies that have cast doubt on its safety for continued use in food products. James Jones, FDA deputy commissioner for human foods, emphasized that this action exemplifies the agency’s commitment to monitoring emerging evidence and conducting scientific research to ensure food safety.

The science behind the ban

BVO’s journey from a widely used emulsifier to a banned substance is rooted in scientific research spanning several decades. Initially introduced in the 1930s, BVO served as an effective agent to prevent citrus flavoring from separating in sodas. Its unique chemical structure, created by attaching bromine atoms to vegetable oil, allowed it to disperse evenly throughout beverages.

However, animal studies have consistently suggested that BVO can accumulate in fatty tissues over time. This bioaccumulation raises concerns about its long-term effects on human health, particularly its potential interference with thyroid function. The thyroid gland plays a crucial role in regulating metabolism, and any disruption to its function can have far-reaching consequences.

A significant study conducted in the UK during the 1970s found evidence of bromine buildup in human tissues. Subsequent animal studies linked high concentrations of BVO to:

Heart problems
Behavioral issues
Potential thyroid dysfunction

These findings, coupled with more recent research using concentrations relevant to human consumption, ultimately convinced the FDA to take decisive action. This decision-making process mirrors the agency’s approach to other substances, such as the FDA’s evaluation of antidepressants for potential cancer treatments, highlighting the organization’s commitment to evidence-based regulation.

Industry response and alternatives

The beverage industry has been anticipating this regulatory shift for some time. Major players like PepsiCo and Coca-Cola have proactively phased out BVO from their products over the past decade. This forward-thinking approach has enabled a relatively smooth transition away from the controversial ingredient.

James Jones noted that many beverage makers had already reformulated their products to replace BVO with alternative ingredients. This industry-wide shift has resulted in very few beverages in the US still containing BVO, making the FDA’s ban more of a formality than a disruptive force.

The search for safe alternatives to BVO has led to innovations in food science. Companies have explored various options, including:

Alternative	Function	Source
Glycerol ester of wood rosin	Emulsifier	Pine trees
Sucrose acetate isobutyrate	Density adjuster	Synthetic
Vegetable gums	Stabilizer	Plants

These alternatives not only serve the functional purpose of keeping citrus flavors well-mixed but also address the growing consumer demand for natural and healthier ingredients. This shift in the industry parallels other health-conscious trends, such as the scrutiny of certain cooking oils and their potential health impacts.

Future implications for food regulation

The FDA’s decision to ban BVO signals a potential shift in the agency’s approach to food additives. Jones has indicated that the FDA is reviewing regulations authorizing the use of certain food additives, with a view to streamlining the process for prohibiting substances found to cause cancer in humans or animals.

This more agile regulatory framework could lead to faster responses to emerging scientific evidence, potentially resulting in quicker bans or restrictions on questionable food additives. The move aligns with global trends in food safety regulation, as seen in the EU’s strict stance on pesticides in imported products.

Consumer advocacy groups have welcomed this development, seeing it as a step towards more transparent and health-focused food regulations. The ban on BVO serves as a reminder of the ongoing need for vigilance in food safety and the importance of continual scientific research in shaping public health policies.

As the food and beverage industry adapts to this new landscape, consumers can expect to see further innovations in product formulations. The focus on safer, more natural ingredients is likely to continue, driven by both regulatory pressures and changing consumer preferences. The FDA’s decision on BVO may well be the harbinger of a new era in food additive regulation, one that prioritizes long-term health impacts over short-term convenience.

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Genes Older Than Animal Life Itself Were Inserted Into Mice. Here’s What Happened.

December 4, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

The chimeric mouse (left) has dark eyes compared to the red eyes of the wild-type mouse (right). (Gao Ya and Alvin Kin Shing Lee)

With their little beady black eyes and dappled gray fur, the mice born in a recent lab experiment in Hong Kong are unlike any others of their species, or indeed any other animal.

And yet, in spite of their fundamental differences, they couldn’t appear more ordinary, a fact that reveals an astonishing truth about our evolutionary history.

The mice were spliced with genes from a single-celled microbe called a choanoflagellate. Though not an animal itself, the microorganism is closely related to them, having changed little since a time before complex, multicellular life even existed.

Remarkably, the success of a selection of the choanoflagellate’s genes in something as complex and multicellular as a mouse gives us new insights into the evolutionary origins of animal traits.

Animals feature what is known as pluripotency: an ability for embryonic stem cells to differentiate and develop into the variety of tissues that make up a fully developed organism. In spite of not having this talent, choanoflagellates have their own versions of the genes responsible for pluripotency in animals.

By swapping mouse genes for the version found in choanoflagellates, researchers could determine just how similar the two are in their functionality.

“By successfully creating a mouse using molecular tools derived from our single-celled relatives, we’re witnessing an extraordinary continuity of function across nearly a billion years of evolution,” says geneticist Alex de Mendoza of Queen Mary University in the UK.

“The study implies that key genes involved in stem cell formation might have originated far earlier than the stem cells themselves, perhaps helping pave the way for the multicellular life we see today.”

Scientists Have Built an Entire Mouse Spliced With Genes Older Than Animal Life Itself — Neonatal chimeric mouse pups. (Goa et al., *Nat. Commun*., 2024)

Pluripotency is thought to have emerged with the appearance of multicellular animals some 700 million years ago, so it stands to reason that transcription factors associated with stem cell pluripotency, such as those in the Sox and POU families, are thought to be restricted to multicellular animals.

But prior research conducted on animal-adjacent microbes suggests that the origins of pluripotency predate multicellularity. If this is the case, it could be one of the drivers of animal evolution, rather than a consequence of it.

Choanoflagellate Sox genes have traits similar to those found in mammalian Sox2 genes. In mice, Sox2 interacts with a POU member called Oct4, but choanoflagellate POU genes are incapable of generating pluripotent stem cells.

A team of researchers led by Ya Gao and Daisylyn Senna Tan of the University of Hong Kong and Mathias Girbig of the Max Planck Institute for Terrestrial Microbiology in Germany wanted to know what might happen if they replaced the mammalian Sox2 gene with a choanoflagellate Sox gene.

They grew cloned mouse stem cells and reprogrammed their genomes, replacing Sox2 with choanoflagellate Sox. These cells were injected into embryonic mouse blastocysts that were then implanted into pseudopregnant mouse surrogates to be gestated, birthed, and raised in a nurturing environment.

The chimeric pups were born with a mix of traits based on their spliced heritage. Obviously they were mice, but they had dark eyes and dark fur patches that indicated their mixed genetics. Otherwise, they were pretty normal, which suggests that choanoflagellate Sox genes were able to create stem cells compatible with the mouse’s development.

This suggests that the tools for creating pluripotency developed in choanoflagellates before multicellularity emerged.

“Choanoflagellates don’t have stem cells; they’re single-celled organisms, but they have these genes, likely to control basic cellular processes that multicellular animals probably later repurposed for building complex bodies,” de Mendoza says.

The findings suggest that the Sox transcription factors in choanoflagellates hundreds of millions of years ago were biochemically similar to the Sox genes that serve important functions in multicellular organisms today. The inability of choanoflagellate POU to produce pluripotent stem cells, on the other hand, suggests that POU members had to undergo modification to take up the role they play in pluripotency now.

These results could have implications for stem cell research and stem cell therapies, the researchers say. And they add an interesting layer of complexity to the story of how life diversified on Earth.

“Our data clearly shows that two of the main gene families involved in vertebrate pluripotency and key developmental genes across animals were already present before the origins of multicellularity,” the team writes in its paper.

“Eventually, their biochemical capabilities were enhanced to build one of the defining cell types of a complex multicellular entity.”

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There’s one reason your teeth will start to go yellow over time that you might not be able to avoid

December 3, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

You may brush and floss twice a day, but you definitely won’t be able to stop this from gradually turning your teeth yellow

There’s a leading reason behind your teeth becoming more yellow as you get older, and it might not be a problem that can be solved.

People care a lot about their smiles, and it’s no wonder, with Instagram being filled to the brim with gleaming white gnashers.

It’s also why so many people have been booking flights over to Turkey to get a cheaper set of veneers put in to get themselves that fresh white smile.

We all want our teeth to look and feel the best they can (Getty Stock Image)

But for those who prefer to keep it natural, even though you may be brushing and flossing twice a year, your teeth may turn yellow naturally regardless.

There’s a particular reason behind this, though.

It’s well documented that there are certain foods and drinks that can ruin your teeth quicker than others, wearing your enamel away.

The outer layer of your teeth, the enamel, is crucial to protect your teeth from breaking, and it helps to give your teeth a nice white colour when fresh.

However, once it erodes, you are susceptible to fractures and discoloration, with one drink above all known to be the worst for your chompers.

It’s coffee, sadly, while tea and wine can also ruin the colour of your teeth. And if you think it’s caffeine doing this and decaf is any better—you’re wrong.

Who would want yellow teeth? (Getty Stock Image)

So let’s say you avoid coffee. Well, it turns out that your teeth will go yellow anyway, unless you can reverse the aging process.

While there are a number of reasons behind discoloured teeth, ageing is one that you cannot steer clear of.

According to Naenae Dental Clinic, your enamel will slowly wear away and leave behind a set of yellow teeth, regardless of how healthy your teeth cleaning routine is.

They add: “This can be exacerbated by the simple fact that, based on our genetics, some of us are born with an extremely thick layer of enamel, and some of us naturally have a very thin layer.”

So essentially, it’s all up to genetics, the cards you were dealt at birth… Unless you want to make a quick trip to Turkey, of course.

Brushing your teeth won’t stop you from getting older (Getty Stock Image)

However, you can cut down on drinks that speed up the breaking down of teeth, such as the aforementioned three of coffee, tea, and wine, as well as dark soft drinks.

This is all due to chromogens, which make up the composition of the dark colour, though it is also sticky, meaning it can latch onto teeth.

So even if you’re brushing extra hard, more often than normal, make use of other products (which experts advise you to do), or even get your teeth cleaned and whitened, you will not see the long-term benefits.

If you continue drinking these drinks that stain, your teeth will end up adopting the yellow colour once again.

Health

10 Warning Signs Your Kidneys May Be in Danger

December 2, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

10 Warning Signs Your Kidneys May Be in Danger

December 2, 2024 – by dnews25 – Leave a Comment

Kidney disease is a serious condition affecting millions worldwide. When the kidneys are damaged, they can’t function properly, which is crucial for maintaining fluid and electrolyte balance and filtering waste from the blood. Early detection and treatment are essential to prevent further damage and complications. Thankfully, the body sends signals that something might be wrong with your kidneys. Learn to recognize these signs and seek medical help promptly.

Understanding the Role of the Kidneys

The kidneys are two small, bean-shaped organs located on either side of the spine, just below the ribcage. They filter blood, removing waste products and excess fluids, help control blood pressure, produce red blood cells, and maintain the balance of electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and calcium. Healthy kidneys filter around 120 to 150 quarts of blood daily, producing about 1 to 2 quarts of urine.

What is Kidney Disease?

Kidney disease, or renal disease, occurs when the kidneys are damaged and can no longer function optimally. Causes include high blood pressure, diabetes, infections, autoimmune disorders, and genetic factors. If left untreated, kidney disease can progress to kidney failure, requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant. Early detection is critical for effective management and preventing further damage.

Signs of Kidney Disease

Many people don’t catch kidney disease until it is advanced. However, the body does send early warning signs. Here are 10 signs that your kidneys might be in trouble:

Changes in Urination
- Increased frequency, especially at night
- Decreased urination or foamy urine
Fatigue and Weakness
- Anemia caused by kidney disease leads to persistent fatigue and difficulty concentrating
Swelling
- Fluid buildup (edema) causing swelling in the legs, hands, face, and abdomen
Persistent Back Pain
- Severe pain below the ribcage, often accompanied by tenderness, and usually related to untreated urinary tract infections
Unexplained Weight Loss or Loss of Appetite
- Decreased appetite and weight loss due to waste buildup in the body
Nausea and Vomiting
- Feeling of nausea and episodes of vomiting, especially in the morning or after meals
Difficulty Sleeping
- Trouble sleeping due to nighttime muscle cramps, restless leg syndrome, or frequent urination
Metallic Taste in the Mouth
- Persistent metallic taste from the buildup of waste products in the blood
Muscle Cramps and Twitching
- Electrolyte imbalances causing muscle cramps and twitching
Itchy Skin
- Generalized itching from toxin accumulation in the blood

These symptoms can vary depending on the stage and severity of kidney disease. If you notice any of these signs, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and appropriate management. Early intervention can make a significant difference in the treatment and outcome of kidney disease

World AIDS Day raises awareness about HIV/AIDS, celebrates progress against the disease, and honors and supports impacted communities.

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LA County commemorates 2024 World AIDS Day

December 2, 2024 - by USA Facts News - Leave a Comment

World AIDS Day raises awareness about HIV/AIDS, celebrates progress against the disease, and honors and supports impacted communities.

EFE

(Día, Mundial, Concienciación, Autismo) EFE/EPA/BILAWAL.

Landmarks across the county of Los Angeles will light up in red Sunday to commemorate World AIDS Day 2024, representing a collective commitment to ending the epidemic.

This Sunday marks the 36th annual World AIDS Day, with this year’s theme being “Collective Action: Sustain and Accelerate HIV Progress.”

The L.A. County Department of Public Health encourages residents to learn more about HIV and available free, low-cost, and life-saving medication and services.

County officials said eight landmarks will light up red:

Paramount Pictures’ Studio Water Tower;
Petersen Automotive Museum;
Rose Bowl Stadium;
Los Angeles Department of Water and Power’s John Ferraro Building;
The Ritz-Carlton Los Angeles;
Long Beach Convention & Entertainment Center;
Los Angeles Union Station; and
The Queen Mary and The Aquarium of the Pacific in Long Beach

About 52,000 people with HIV live in the county, and an estimated 1,400 new HIV infections are reported each year, according to DPH. A disproportionate number of cases are seen among gay men, African Americans, Latinos, and transgender individuals.

“This year’s theme of collective action is central to the spirit of World AIDS Day and to our goals,” Barbara Ferrer, director of DPH, said in a statement. “We are committed to working with multisector partners to end transmission of HIV and create a future where every person affected by HIV receives the support they need.”

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Get Los Angeles’s latest local news on crime, entertainment, weather, schools, COVID, cost of living, and more. Here’s your go-to source for today’s LA news.

As part of its Ending the HIV Epidemic Initiative, DPH provides more than 35 HIV-related programs and partners with organizations for outreach and education, community-based HIV/STD testing, linkage to care, intensive street-based case management, and clinic-based services.

Mario Pérez, director of DPH’s division of HIV and STD programs, added that residents with HIV can visit getprotectedla.com for HIV-related information and services.

Meanwhile, The Wall las Memorías, a nonprofit, will host its Noche de las Memorías to honor the lives lost to AIDS. This year marks the 20th anniversary of its monument, which features six murals depicting life with AIDS in the Latino community and two granite panels that contain more than 1,600 names of people who died from the disease.

The event will begin at 4:30 p.m. with 3,000 candles lit around the lake at Lincoln Park, located at 3600 N. Mission Road, followed by testimonials from families at 6:30 p.m. and a fireworks show at 7:30 p.m.

David Archuleta, singer and 2008 American Idol runner-up, will perform at 7 p.m. and share his journey of self-discovery, identity, and faith with other young Latinos who are looking for the courage to live their lives openly and authentically.

Latinos are impacted by AIDS more than any other group in L.A. County and the nation, according to The Wall las Memorías.

Two events are planned Sunday in West Hollywood.

At 2 p.m., the City of West Hollywood will join Stories: The AIDS Monument and APLA Health in a World AIDS Day event at the West Hollywood Park Aquatic and Recreation Center Respite Deck, 8750 El Tovar Place, adjacent to West Hollywood Library.

Afterward, at 3:30 p.m., the Lavender Effect will host a launch and reception for the “Young City at War” exhibit, which will be featured under the Grand Staircase at West Hollywood Park, 647 N. San Vicente Blvd. The exhibit features stories from West Hollywood during the AIDS epidemic of the 80s and 90s, focusing on the story of a diverse community’s response to the early days of HIV/AIDS.

The public installation honors people past and present who were at the forefront of the fight against the disease and showcases the power of community.

World AIDS Day raises awareness about HIV/AIDS, celebrates progress against the disease, and honors and supports impacted communities.

Globally, an estimated 88.4 million people have acquired HIV since the start of the epidemic in the early 1980s. Almost 40 million people around the world are currently living with HIV, and more than 42 million people have died from AIDS-related illnesses since the start of the epidemic, DPH reported.

In 2023, worldwide, approximately 630,000 people died from HIV, and an estimated 1.3 million people became newly infected with HIV.

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