Cosmetic industry has adopted nanotechnology whilst dermatologists need to catch up

14-Sep-2011 - Last updated on 15-Sep-2011 at 15:40 GMT

A new study has found that dermatologists have little or no experience of nanotechnology however they do appreciate the potential of the science and are eager to become more educated in the area, particularly as it could have benefits in preventing and treating skin disease.

Nanotechnology, the science of materials that are 1 billionth of a meter, has been utilized in sunscreens and cosmetics and even more recently, in prescription medication for the treatment of common skin diseases such as acne.

The study was carried out by members of the Nanodermatology Society (NDS), a physician-led organization dedicated to the scientific and medical aspects of nanotechnology and dermatology, and focused on the knowledge, perceptions and attitudes regarding nanotechnology amongst dermatologists in the US.

More education and research needed

Published in the September issue of the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, it found that the majority of respondents agreed that more education and research on this subject is needed

"In fact, several of the well-known cosmetic companies are leading patent holders in nanotechnology. Why is it that nanodermatology has yet to become part of the everyday dermatology lexicon?" said Dr Adam Friedman, vice-president of the NDS, and first author of the study.

Dr Adnan Nasir, senior author and president of the NDS explained that this study is the first to show the high level of interest in nanotechnology among dermatologists, and a need to include the topic in teaching and research in academic programs.

“Respondents clearly indicated a desire for more funding in nanotechnology education and for the development of the next generation of clinical tools,” he said.

Great importance

Nasir explained that the results from this study are serving as the impetus for larger survey based studies to fully evaluate and expose the gap in nanotechnology education in dermatology training as well as highlight the areas of greatest importance to the dermatology community, such as issues of safety, as indicated in this study.

"Our pilot study further highlights the need for organized educational programming and support of both bench and clinical research in nanotechnology within the scope of dermatology," continued Friedman.

"The mission of the NDS is to further these goals however there needs to be a collaborative effort between all of the dermatology societies and governing bodies as the implications of nanodermatology are far reaching."

The NDS is a non-profit organization founded in 2010 that has been monitoring nanotechnology as it relates to the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of skin disease and evaluating their potential benefits or pitfalls.