Although frequently performed, laser removal of pigmented lesions still contains certain controversial issues. Epidermal pigmented lesions include solar lentigines, ephelides, café au lait macules and seborrheic keratoses. Dermal lesions include melanocytic nevi, blue nevi, drug induced hyperpigmentation and nevus of Ota and Ito. Some lesions exhibit both an epidermal and dermal component like ...

Measurements of anatomical UV exposure distribution were made using miniaturized polysulfone dosimeters over a four year period between 2005 and 2008 in Toowoomba, Australia (28 degrees S, 152 degrees E). Anatomical UV exposures were expressed relative to the horizontal plane ambient UV. The UV exposures were compared with existing data detailing the anatomical distribution of basal cell carcin...

Basal cell carcinoma is the most common malignant neoplasm in humans and its incidence has increased over the last decades. Its high frequency significantly burdens the health system, making the disease a public health issue. Despite the low mortality rates and the rare occurrence of metastases, the tumor may be locally invasive and relapse after treatment, causing significant morbidity. Exposu...

Nicotinamide (vitamin B3) protects from ultraviolet (UV) radiation-induced carcinogenesis in mice and from UV-induced immunosuppression in mice and humans. Recent double-blinded randomized controlled Phase 2 studies in heavily sun-damaged individuals have shown that oral nicotinamide significantly reduces premalignant actinic keratoses, and may reduce new non-melanoma skin cancers. Nicotinamide...

According to the National Cancer Control Initiative’s National Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer Survey, in 2002, an estimated 256 000 Australians (884/100 000) were treated for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and 118 000 (387/100 000) were treated for squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). 1 This represented a 35% rise in BCC rates, and a 133% rise in SCC rates since 1985. Approximately 50% of BCC occur on the head...

These guidelines stemmed from a consensus meeting held by the British Photobiology Group (BPG) in 1999. Following this meeting one of the authors (J.M.M.) was invited to draw up guidelines for the management of actinic keratoses by the British Association of Dermatologists Therapy Guidelines and Audit Subcommittee. Relevant evidence was sought using the search terms 'solar keratosis' and 'actin...

Deterioration in stratum corneum reticular patterning (skin pattern or skin wrinkling) has been associated with increased rates of solar keratoses and skin cancer. A previous analysis of data from the twin sample used in this investigation has shown that 86% of the variation in skin pattern is genetic at age 12 and 62% in an adult sample (mean age = 47.5). Variation due to genetic influences is...

Arsenic-induced skin cancer is a significant global health burden. In areas with arsenic contamination of water sources, such as China, Pakistan, Myanmar, Cambodia and especially Bangladesh and West Bengal, large populations are at risk of arsenic-induced skin cancer. Arsenic acts as a co-carcinogen with ultraviolet (UV) radiation and affects DNA damage and repair. Nicotinamide (vitamin B3) red...