Recent research suggests that not treating sleep apnea may increase the aggressiveness of a deadly form of skin cancer, melanoma. Previous research has already linked sleep apnea (if left untreated) to an increased risk of developing other health conditions such as depression, heart disease, diabetes and hypertension. Over 20 hospitals involved in the Spanish Sleep and Breathing Network conducted a study that examined 412 patients with confirmed cases of cutaneous malignant m

A recent study examined the association between indoor tanning and melanoma among women under the age of 50. Results show women who tan indoors regularly under the age of 50 were at a 2 to 6 times higher risk of melanoma, compared to age matched women who do not tan indoors (controls). The researchers further examined this correlation by age. Specifically, women who have ever tanned indoors under the age of 30 were 6 times as likely to develop melanoma opposed to controls; wo

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently proposed new restrictions surrounding tanning beds. Specifically, no one under the age of 18 would be able to use tanning beds and persons over 18 years would be required to sign a written consent of acknowledgement to the hazards of tanning beds. It is important to note that these restrictions are only just proposals—proposals that need to be supported. The rule is reviewable by the public and recommendations/comments are a

Construction began late December and in approximately seven months, Toledo Clinic Facial Plastics and Dermatology will open a new office in Wauseon. Dr. David Kouba is building a combination medical office and retail center on Shoop Avenue in Wauseon, Ohio. His 2,500 square foot dermatology office will be the primary occupant of the new 8,000 square foot building. Dr. Kouba extensively researched the area and chose this site because of its central location. Upon completion, t

Have you ever walked into an operating room and hear your favorite song playing? There just might be a reason for that. In fact, a survey found that 90% of surgeons listen to music during operations, and plastic surgeons play the most music. Recent research has shown that listening to music can actually reduce the duration it takes to perform a surgical closure. Fifteen residents took part in the study by performing layered closures on pigs’ feet with and without their prefer

When a patient needs skin cancer treatment, a dermatologist has two options: surgical and nonsurgical treatment. With nonsurgical treatment, it is important to select the proper patients beforehand. That is, the patients need to be obliging. A nonsurgical treatment that does not allow a dermatologist to examine margins microscopically, which occurs in surgical treatment, requires short-term and long-term follow-ups to catch possible recurrences. In addition, daily at home app