| | | | | I referred her to a chat group - now I am being sued
| | | By
David J. Goldberg, M.D., J.D.
| | | Dr. B, with an active dermatology practice, sought to increase revenues in his office. After considering a variety of practice enhancement options, he hired a Web master who designed his new highly interactive Web site.
| | | Mentoring makes the most of dermatology
| | | Having spent most of my professional career in academic medicine, I hadn't given much thought to actually putting a label on what I was doing. Sure, I am a physician, and like all physicians, I care for patients.
| | | Dermatologic surgeon is a slippery term
| | | By
Tina Alster, M.D.
| | | At a recent social event, I was asked, "What do you do?" Before I responded, I thought, should I say dermatologic surgery, laser skin surgery, cosmetic surgery, dermsurgery or dermatology?
| | | Medical malpractice costs linger
| | | By
Bob Gatty
| | | Dermatologists hoping for some form of relief from the increasingly high cost of medial malpractice insurance may have to wait a while longer for that itch to be eased, although there was still some hope that a modified bill might be considered.
| |
| | | | Dermatology run leads to love of lasers
| | | By
Karen Nash
| | | His boyhood playing ball with a couple dozen friends in Atlanta was hardly a predictor of the future advances Richard E. Fitzpatrick, M.D., would make in the world of medical lasers
| | | To boutique, or not to boutique: that is the question
| | | By
Karen Nash
| | | Boutique. Concierge. Express service. There are a variety of names but the end result is the same: patients pay an annual retainer, and for that money -
usually between $1000 to $2000 - patients receive a variety of special services: a smaller patient base which allows for no-wait appointments, longer appointments, and quicker return phone calls. It probably can not be called a trend yet, but a number of physicians around the country have dropped Medicare and others have stopped accepting managed care. Now, this new twist is being added - personalized medical care - for a fee.
| | | Medical chart documentation critical to avert melanoma malpractice litigation
| | | By
Laura Newman
| | | La Jolla, Calif-Dermatologists must increasingly contend with malpractice cases; higher malpractice insurance premiums; and the withdrawal of coverage in some markets. That reality underscores the need for thorough case documentation, stressed a presenter at the Melanoma 2004: 14th Annual Cutaneous Malignancy Update, sponsored by Scripps Clinic.
| |
| | | | New ointment treats all levels of psoriasis
| | | By
Cheryl Guttman
| | | Washington -- A relatively new ointment appears effective at treating psoriasis regardless of initial disease levels, according to a poster presented at the annual American Academy of Dermatology meeting in February.
| |
| | | | Etanercept shows safety, efficacy through five years
| | | By
John Jesitus
| | | Washington -- A new study presented in poster form at the recent AAD meeting concludes that etanercept continues to post an excellent record for the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis. The drug maintains its safety profile and clinical efficacy for treatment durations of more than five years.
| | | Skin signs of child abuse
| | | By
Lisette Hilton
| | | Miami, Fla. - Skin findings are the most common presenting signs of child abuse. About 90 percent of abused children present with skin findings, ranging from superficial bruises and deeper soft tissue injuries, to burns, according to Stephen Ludwig, M.D., associate chair of the department of Pediatrics at Children's Hospital in Philadelphia and professor or pediatrics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine, Philadelphia.
| | | Challenges of pediatric AD
| | | By
Lisette Hilton
| | | Miami - Atopic dermatitis (AD) can be challenging to diagnose even for the seasoned dermatologist because it mimics other common skin diseases in the pediatric population. It also can be challenging to treat, with the addition of new agents on the market. There are key points to consider when making the diagnosis and tried-and-true methods of treatment to keep in mind when recommending therapies to parents and their children, according to Bernice Krafchik, M.D., dermatologist, and professor emeritus at the University of Toronto.
| | | New topicals attack AK from myriad angles
| | | By
Jennifer Clark
| | | Waikoloa, Hawaii - Topical treatments for actinic keratosis can attack the problem internally and externally because of varying mechanisms of action, said James Del Rosso, D.O., as he reviewed advances in AK therapies Hawaii Dermatology Seminar.
| | | Skin reconstruction
| | | Amsterdam - Cell culture techniques have been developed that allow in vitro reconstruction of skin, based on three different techniques developed 25 years ago at MIT in three independent laboratories (those of Howard Green, Ioannis Yannas and Eugene Bell). The use of these techniques has given rise to a variety of tissue substitutes that can serve not only as permanent covering, used in the repair of large skin defects, but also as temporary biological dressings to promote wound healing.
| | | Study confirms radiotherapy for head and neck
| | | By
Lisette Hilton
| | | Dateline - A new study confirms the efficacy and safety of elective regional radiation therapy for a subgroup of patients with cutaneous head and neck melanoma. The patients include those who are predicted to have high rates of lymph node involvement but because of medical comorbidities cannot undergo surgical dissection and are not candidates for systemic therapy.
| | | Betamethasone valerate effective for short-term stasis dermatitis
| | | By
Maude L. Campbell
| | | Waikoloa, Hawaii -- Pilot study results indicate that 0.12 percent betamethasone valerate foam is more effective than vehicle alone for short-term stasis dermatitis treatment. "This topical therapy can lead to improved health-related quality of life in these patients," said Alexa Boer Kimball, M.D., assistant professor and director, dermatology clinical trials, Stanford University School of Medicine.
| | | Biologics offer dramatic QOL improvement
| | | By
Paula Moyer
| | | Waikoloa, Hawaii - Psoriasis patients report a dramatic improvement in their quality of life when they are treated with a biologic therapy, according to Alexandra B. Kimball, M.D., M.P.H.
| | | Sugars studied for anti-aging benefits
| | | By
Rebecca Bryant
| | | Washington - New N-Acetylamino (N-A) sugars are building a data trail in order to square off with acids for space in moisturizing creams and other anti-aging products. Said Barbara Green R.Ph., director of technical and consumer affairs for NeoStrata Company, Inc., "N-Acetyl offers a new therapeutic skin care alternative with anti-aging benefits, specifically improved for skin plumping and thickness."
| | | Dermatologists need to debunk myth of total protection from UVB and UVA
| | | By
Paula Moyer
| | | Waikoloa, Hawaii - For patients, the world of sunscreens is still shrouded in myth and misunderstanding, according to Zoe D. Draelos, M.D. Therefore, they often buy a product with a higher solar protection factor (SPF) than is necessary, but spread it too thinly and use it too infrequently,yet think they are protected.
| | | Stem cells proliferate, regenerate
| | | By
Lisette Hilton
| | | National report -- In a study that could have implications for faster wound healing in the future, Australian researchers have dispelled the belief that only epidermal stem cells are capable of tissue regeneration; short term and long term. They report in the February 2004 issue of The Journal of Clinical Investigation that significant proliferative and tissue-regenerative capacity resides in the more mature progeny of keratinocyte stem cells - including early differentiating cells.
| | | Melanoma vaccines make steady progress
| | | By
Laura Newman
| | | La Jolla, Calif. - Melanoma vaccine approaches are making headway in treating intermediate-risk patients.
| | | Sun exposure's role in melanoma backed by studies
| | | By
Michelle Stephenson
| | | Santa Monica, Calif. - While genetics might be a strong factor in the development of melanoma, studies show that sun exposure is a key component.
| | | Tax Topics: Enhance your profits by cost accounting
| | | By
Mark E. Battersby
| | | Studies have shown that 80 percent of most business' income comes from 20 percent of its customers. Just as every business has a best customer, every dermatology practice has a best patient. But how can any dermatologist tell whether their best patient is generating a fair share of bottom-line profits?
| | | Less is more in rosacea patients' routine
| | | By
Paula Moyer
| | | Waikoloa, Hawaii- When counseling rosacea patients on routine skincare products, the dermatologist's main mission is to keep the skincare simple and thus avoid the irritation that triggers an exacerbation of rosacea, according to Zoe D. Draelos, M.D.
| | | New study focuses on treatment, resources, and impact of atopic dermatitis
| | | By
Nancy Groves
| | | Washington -- A recent prospective study has shown that treatment of atopic dermatitis with tacrolimus ointment (Protopic, Fujisawa) produced clinical improvement and reduced healthcare resource use and improved patient and caregiver quality of life, said Mark Boguniewicz, M.D., professor, division of pediatric allergy-immunology, National Jewish Medical and Research Center, Denver, and University of Colorado School of Medicine.
| | | Sentinel node biopsy looks feasible for head and neck melanomas
| | | La Jolla, Calif. - A sentinel node biopsy of the head and neck is a very accurate method for staging negative node cases and it is a minimally invasive procedure compared with a radical neck dissection. However, the procedure is difficult to perform because of variable drainage patterns and the neck's complex anatomy.
| | | Human growth factors fight photodamage
| | | By
Maude L. Campbell
| | | Waikoloa, Hawaii -- Topical application of human growth factors appears to improve signs of sun damage, according to results of two studies discussed during the annual Hawaii Dermatology Seminar. Continued use of a topical formula containing human growth factors, TNS Recovery Complex with NouriCel-MD, was associated with improvement in skin texture and a decrease in visible wrinkles, said Mark G. Rubin, M.D., Lasky Skin Center, Beverly Hills, Calif.
| | | Alleviating sensitivity
| | | By
PATRICIA REIMAN
| | | Washington -- Not only do moisturizers with niacinamide provide temporary relief to patients with sensitive skin, they also appear to make sensitive skin less sensitive, said Tracy L. Grosick, principal researcher, skin care product development, Procter & Gamble, Cincinnati. Grosick presented these clinical trial findings at the annual American Academy of Dermatology meeting.
| | | Computer Monitor: Technology for trekkers
| | | I spend about two months a year away from my office attending meetings and vacationing. Often I am many time zones away, where I want to avoid the cost and inconvenience of phoning home to the office every day. Some of my staff are not regular users of e-mail, and it is not practical to train them for occasional use of my office email system.
| | | Biologic lifelines
| | | By
Laird Harrison
| | | Washington - Five new biologic drugs for psoriasis offer useful alternatives when the standard therapies cannot be used, according to Henry W. Lim, M.D. Dr. Lim focused on the five biologics in his summary of the most important recent developments in medical dermatology for the American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting.
| | | Ms. Codit
| | | By
Inga Ellzey
| | | We get many faxes regarding issues that don't warrant that I dedicate an entire column to their responses. Many of these questions can answered with simple "yes' and "no" answers. I have collected the questions and will dedicate the next few months to answering them. I refer to them as "Dermatology Potpourri." Enjoy!
| | | Should you give references?
| | | By
Gail Garfinkel Weiss
| | The following article was reprinted with permission from Medical Economics magazine, another of Advanstar Medical Economics Healthcare publications. Weiss is senior editor of Medical Economics. For more information on the article, please visit Medical Economics Magazine Your receptionist lets you know that a Dr. Smith is on the phone, and he's checking the references of Jane Miller, a former staffer. You and your employees are thrilled that Jane no longer works for you. She was chronically late, sloppy, rude to patients, and was about to be fired when she quit, ostensibly for family reasons, about a year ago. "What should I tell him? Do you want to talk to him?" | | | Side effects come to the fore in pediatric dermatology
| | | By
Rebecca Bryant
| | | Washington, D.C. - Because all the ramifications of new medications - and even some of the older ones - are not yet known, practitioners should give special consideration to possible side effects. In making treatment decisions, get as much information as possible, said Roselyn E. Epps, M.D.
| | | Topical bexarotene benefits mycosis fungoides
| | | By
Cheryl Guttman
| | | Waikoloa, Hawaii - Bexarotene 1 percent gel (Targretin) is a useful alternative modality, offering advantages to other therapies, for the treatment of mycosis fungoides (MF), according to Joan Guitart, M.D., at the annual Hawaii Dermatology Seminar in January.
| | | Cosmetic Conundrums
| | | By
Zoe Diana Draelos, M.D.
| | | Q. What are the pros and cons of permanent cosmetics?
| | | Mohs danger zones mapped
| | | By
John Jesitus
| | | Washington -- It is tough to say how frequently office-based surgeries create nerve injuries. However, a poster presented at the February American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting aims to help Mohs and dermatologic surgeons avoid nerve damage by working cautiously in troublesome areas of the head and neck.
| | | Invest the time, energy to treat alopecias
| | | By
PATRICIA REIMAN
| | | Washington - Much can be done to help patients who have any of the various types of alopecias, and dermatologists should be more willing to invest time and energy into diagnosing and treating the condition.
| | | Bioengineered skin improves pediatric wound healing
| | | By
Lisette Hilton
| | | Miami, Fla. - Dermatologists face extraordinary difficulties in their efforts to heal the wounds of epidermolysis bullosa (EB) patients because of the genetic absence of anchoring structures, such as anchoring fibrils and hemidesmosomes. While there has been significant progress in the science of identifying the structural defects and genetic sites of damage that lead to this disease, wound healing remains a great challenge, according to Lawrence Schachner, M.D., professor of dermatology, professor of pediatrics and interim chair at the University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami, Fla.
| | | Illuminating therapies
| | | By
John Jesitus
| | | Washington, D.C. - Ongoing work regarding aminolevulinic acid (ALA) for photodynamic therapy provides a shining example of the value of off-label uses. The drug has earned UK approval for treating skin cancer and FDA approval for actinic keratoses. However, its most effective applications may well be cosmetic treatments including photo-rejuvenation, acne, and sebaceous gland hyperplasia.
| | | Slew of new fillers requires keen attention to technique
| | | By
Paul Wynn
| | | Waikoloa, Hawaii - Nearly two decades after bovine collagen hit the market, several new allergy-free, long-lasting dermal fillers are available for soft tissue augmentation. "Every new filler is a step closer to perfection with no reactivity and good longevity for filling wrinkles and folds," said Mark G. Rubin, M.D., at the annual Hawaii Dermatology Seminar.
| | | Time and the Bottom Line: New 'e-technology': How to decide if it's worth it
| | | By
Neil Baum, M.D., M.Sc.
| | | As physicians, we're all faced with making decisions about the purchase of new electronic technology that promises to streamline the efficiency of the practice and significantly reduce our overhead expenses. Vendors ply their products and promise us the sun and the moon, yet few office managers and even fewer physicians know how to evaluate these products.
| | | Resolving hard-to-treat disorders
| | | By
Rebecca Bryant
| | | Washington D.C. - In treating patients with non-responsive conditions, it's important to consider altering your method of inquiry, said Alan M. Dattner, M.D., FAAD. "I go beyond a clinical diagnosis to make an etiological diagnosis and treat on the basis of that," he said.
| | | Control of pruritus pushes pimecrolimus
| | | By
Barbara J Rutledge Ph.D.
| | | Washington - "Control of itching is critical to the management of atopic dermatitis in children, and Elidel safely and rapidly controls itching in many cases," said Joseph F. Fowler, Jr., M.D., Clinical Professor of Dermatology at the University of Louisville and one of the investigators in a large, multicenter clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of pimecrolimus 1 percent cream (Elidel, Novartis) for the treatment of mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in children. Previous clinical research had demonstrated that adults with atopic dermatitis can experience relief from pruritus as early as two days following first treatment with pimecrolimus 1 percent cream, but similar research had not been carried out in a pediatric population. Data from this Phase IV pediatric study were analyzed to determine the time to first pruritus improvement during the initial seven days of treatment.
| | | Cryosurgery: cost-effective cancer cure
| | | By
Cheryl Guttman
| | | Washington - Cryosurgery should be offered as a treatment option for a variety of skin cancers because it is an effective modality with numerous advantages, said Gloria F. Graham, M.D., at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
| | | Psycho-social dysfunction
| | | By
Lisette Hilton
| | | Miami, Fla. - Dermatologists treating pediatric skin diseases should always look for related, underlying psycho-social issues and make referrals or offer solutions when problems are identified. The challenge is that sometimes the psycho-social issues from which children and teens suffer are not so obvious, according to Karen Mallin, Psy.D., instructor in the departments of psychiatry and behavioral sciences and dermatology and cutaneous surgery at University of Miami School of Medicine, Miami.
| | | Natural forces?
| | | By
Laird Harrison
| | | Waikoloa, Hawaii - Controlled studies show water from thermal springs in Avene, France, reduces inflammation, pruritis, and erythema, according to a general practitioner whose employer markets the water. The water is effective in treating psoriasis, inflammation caused by laser treatments, and mild to moderate atopic dermatitis, said FranÇois Verriere, M.D., at the Hawaii Dermatology Seminar.
| | | Money Matters: The buck stops here: credit card advantages
| | | By
Joel Blau
| | | Q. In order to have more money available for my own personal investments, I first need to improve on our collections in the practice. Any suggestions?
| | | Contraceptives conquer acne
| |
| | By
Louise Gagnon
| | | Waikoloa, Hawaii - Oral contraceptives are effective therapies for treating severe acne in younger women, and dermatologists should feel at liberty to prescribe oral contraceptives to their patients to control acne, according to one dermatologist.
| | | New anti-dandruff foam looks promising
| | | By
Barbara J Rutledge Ph.D.
| | | Washington - A novel thermophobic foam containing three active ingredients to fight dandruff is at least as effective as standard anti-dandruff treatment, and offers the advantages of a non-greasy formulation that is fast-acting and not irritating to the hair or scalp, according to Massimo Milani, M.D., the medical director and head of technology and development at Mipharm SpA in Milan, Italy.
| | | Clinical variants dictate KS treatment
| | | By
Barbara J. Rutledge, Ph.D.
| | | Washington, D.C. - There are several clinical variants of Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), and appropriate treatment and response to treatment differ according to the clinical variant, according to Katie Pang, M.D., a clinical research fellow working with Dr. Stephen Tyring at the Center for Clinical Studies in Houston, Texas. The four major clinical variants are classic KS, KS in iatrogenically immunosuppressed patients, AIDS-related epidemic KS, and African endemic KS. HHV-8 is the etiological agent of all of the clinical types of KS.
| | | Neonatal skin conditions challenge pediatricians
| | | By
Louise Gagnon
| | | Miami, Fla. - The challenge in neonatal dermatology is that pediatricians who commonly see various skin conditions in infants often lack the training and knowledge to respond to the skin eruptions, according to the head of pediatric dermatology at the Phoenix Children's Hospital.
| | | Interferon: Hope or hindrance?
| | | By
Beth Kapes
| | | Washington - In a retrospective review of 135 patients diagnosed with a primary, thick melanoma (Breslow ³ 4mm) and/or pathological evidence of regional nodal metastasis, further analysis shows significant differences between those who undergo adjuvant interferon alfa-2b (IFN_2b) therapy and those who decline, said Tracy L. Bialy, M.D., M.P.H.
| |
| | Maggot debridement therapy promising
| | | By
Rochelle Nataloni
| | | Akron, Ohio - Maggot debridement therapy (MDT), a controversial, but reportedly effective wound-healing technique, has attracted a following abroad in recent years, and is now gaining interest in the United States, as well. MDT is the medical use of live maggots or fly larvae for cleaning non-healing wounds. "MDT has been around for centuries -- so it's certainly not new, but there has been a resurgence of interest," said dermatologist and wound-care specialist Elliot N. Mostow, M.D., of Wound Care Associates of Akron (Ohio).
| |
| | | | Pyruvic acid offers gentle acne therapy
| | | By
Barbara J. Rutledge, Ph.D.
| | | Washington - Facial peeling with pyruvic acid is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for patients with mild-to-moderate papulopustular acne, according to Alessia Pacifico, M.D., a dermatologist at the University of L'Aquila. Dr. Pacifico and colleagues evaluated the efficacy and tolerability of topical application of a solution of 40 to 50 percent pyruvic acid in a study enrolling 24 subjects with mild to moderate papulo-pustular acne.
| | | INGN 241 in phase II clinical trial
| | Source: www.biotechnologyhealthcare.com
Austin, Texas – Introgen Therapies announced initiation of a Phase II clinical trial of INGN 241 in patients with metastatic melanoma. | | | Medicare to provide limited relief for biologic payment
| | | Amgen has gotten Medicare to pay for limited amounts of Enbrel, the $1,000-a-month rheumatoid-arthritis drug. The coverage, tucked in the new Medicare law that covers drugs for seniors, includes some expensive biotech drugs that patients can inject themselves, such as Enbrel and a rival, Abbott Laboratories' Humira.
| | | Melanoma detection
| | | Australian-based Polartechnics has entered into an agreement with Open System Imaging, headquartered in Palm Desert, to be the exclusive distributor of SolarScan, a device used for the early detection of melanoma.
| | | FDA says Aldara "approvable" for superficial basal cell carcinoma Tx
| | Source: www.pharmalive.com
3M has received an “approvable” letter from the FDA in response to its supplemental new drug application on Aldara (imiquimod cream), 5 percent, for treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma, a common form of non-melanoma skin cancer. | | | Clinical judgement still key
| | | By
Louise Gagnon
| | | Washington –– Dermatologists have to remember not to do away with classical medicine and rely solely on molecular tests when making a diagnosis, according to a presenter at a meeting of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology here.
| | | Satisfactory response
| | | Washington - Etanercept can be safely administered to AIDS patients with difficult-to-treat inflammatory conditions, according to Robert Wallis, associate professor of medicine at UMDNJ-NJMS, who presented a poster at the February 2004 AAD meeting describing results of a Phase I trial conducted in Kampala, Uganda. "There does not appear to be a substantial risk that either opportunistic infections or HIV disease will be deleteriously affected by this treatment," said Dr. Wallis.
| | | PAs a growing factor as part of derm teams
| | | By
Suzette Hill
| | | Washington - Over the past three years, the ranks of dermatology physician assistants (PAs) have swelled, growing from approximately 600 in number to approximately 1,500, estimates Robert Higham, a dermatology PA at Mid Valley Dermatology in Sherman Oaks, Calif.
| | | Derms top primary physicians in evaluating, treating lesions
| | | By
Beth Kapes
| | | Washington - Is there a difference in not only the diagnostic accuracy of pigmented lesions by primary care physicians compared to dermatologists, but also in their ability to act upon a suspicious lesion?
| | | Smoothbeam gets nod for facial acne
| | | The Smoothbeam diode laser was given expanded FDA clearance for treatment of facial acne.
| | | Deoderant chemical under fire
| | | Chemicals from underarm deodorants and other cosmetics can build up inside the body, according to a study. British researchers have found traces of chemicals called parabens in tissue taken from women with breast cancer.
| | | United Research Laboratories and Mutual Pharmaceutical Co. launch generic version of Periostat
| | Source: www.drugfacts.com
United Research Laboratories / Mutual Pharmaceutical Co. announced the launch of a generic version of CollaGenex Pharmaceutical Inc.’s Periostat (doxycycline hyclate) tablets. | | | Psoriasis therapies targeted
| | | By
Cheryl Guttman
| | | Washington - Findings of a retrospective analysis designed to characterize comorbidities in the psoriasis population and adverse events associated with systemic therapies will hopefully increase physician understanding of their psoriasis patients and thereby enhance patient care, said Daniel J. Pearce, M.D., at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
| | | Where to find a mouse model for dermatitis?
| | | By
Barbara J. Rutledge, Ph.D.
| | | Washington - The availability of a suitable animal model for atopic dermatitis could advance research in the field and aid in the development of new therapies. Scientists in Japan may have developed such a model, according to Takuya Uozumi, MS, a researcher at Lion Corp.
| | | Clioquinol could help defeat alzheimer's
| | | A drug used to treat skin infections including athlete's foot, could help to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease, scientists say.
| | | FDA accepts Connetics Corp. NDA filing for Extina
| | Source: www.PRNewswire.com
Connetics Corp., a specialty pharmaceutical company focused on dermatology announced Thursday, April 8 that it has received confirmation that the FDA has accepted for filing the company's NDA for Extina, as of Jan. 26, 2004, with a user fee goal date of Sept. 24, 2004. | | | Office-based surgery: Study of all data urged
| | | By
Rebecca Bryant
| | | Washington - Get the facts first, then regulate. So urged Rajesh Balkirshnan, Ph.D., associate professor of management and policy sciences at the University of Texas School of Public Health in Houston.
| | | Hair color examined
| | | Scientists are to examine the way people with different hair, eye, and skin colors react to sunlight as part of a study into skin cancer. Experts at Edinburgh University are looking for 400 volunteers between the ages of 18 and 30 to take part in the three-year research project.
| | | No user fee needed for extina
| | | Connetics Corp. has received notifications from the FDA that no user fee is required for the new drug application seeking marketing clearance for Extina (ketoconazole 2 percent) Foam. Previously, Connects announced positive results from its Phase III clinical trial with Extina versus Nizoral.
| | | Digital cameras now ready for prime time
| | | By
Laura Newman
| | | La Jolla, Calif. - Digital cameras have improved so much in recent years that dermatologists should think seriously about purchasing and using one in their clinical practices. Instead of rifling through old slides in crowded file drawers or three ring binders, a doctor with a digital camera can store images on a computer and easily compare skin changes over time.
| | | A novel presentation: Tinea capitis mimics classic acne keloidalis
| | | By
Nancy Ortman
| | | Baltimore - The skin-colored papules of acne keloidalis are generally thought to occur when curled hairs grow into the skin from close clipping, become inflamed, and cause scar tissue to form.
| | | Satisfactory response
| | | Washington - Etanercept can be safely administered to AIDS patients with difficult-to-treat inflammatory conditions, according to Robert Wallis, associate professor of medicine at UMDNJ-NJMS, who presented a poster at the February 2004 AAD meeting describing results of a Phase I trial conducted in Kampala, Uganda. "There does not appear to be a substantial risk that either opportunistic infections or HIV disease will be deleteriously affected by this treatment," said Dr. Wallis.
| | | Azelaic acid gel is well-tolerated
| | | By
Cheryl Guttman
| | | Washington - Sensitive skin is much more common among persons with rosacea compared to the general population, but even those rosacea patients with confirmed heightened skin sensitivity are likely to tolerate application of azelaic acid 15 percent gel (Finacea), according to the results of a prospective study undertaken by Zoe D. Draelos, M.D.
| | | Do it yourself tx
| | | Scottish researchers have discovered a breakthrough treatment they believe will allow thousands of skin-cancer sufferers to treat themselves at home.
| | | Skin health portal
| | | Dermik Laboratories has launched a medical information resource devoted to conditions involving the skin, hair, and nails. www.skinhealthsolutions.com offers direct and simple access to nearly 300 Web sites at no cost to the visitor. The portal contains an extensive range of targeted information about skin, hair, and nails provided by physician groups
| | | Ceplene/Interleukin-2 combination approved for treatment of malignant melanoma
| | Source: www.pharmalive.com
Maxim Pharmaceuticals announced that its treatment protocol to provide its investigational drug Ceplene, in combination with interleukin-2 (IL-2), for treatment of patients with advanced malignant melanoma, has been approved by the FDA. The protocol allows Maxim to provide expanded access of Ceplene to patients in the United States while a Phase III clinical trial continues. | | | Drug exposure tested
|
| | By
Suzette Hill
| | | Washington -- In the treatment of moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis, pimecrolimus (Elidel) cream 1 percent is less likely than tacrolimus (Protopic) ointment 0.1 percent to be systemically absorbed, according to Zoe Draelos, M.D., lead investigator of a blind treatment trial that compared systemic exposure levels of the two topical drugs.
| | | Cold virus nips cancer in the bud?
| | | Australian researchers say the common cold may hold the key to curing a deadly form of skin cancer. They say that when a virus that causes colds is injected into malignant melanoma cells, it destroys them.
| | | Burn cream sold
| | | Human BioSystems (HBS), a Palo Alto, Calif., biomedical company conducting research to extend the shelf life of blood platelets and donor organs, announced that it finalized a purchase agreement to acquire all rights to a skin-cream product previously developed for severe burns.
| |
| | | | Who first described mycosis fungoides?
| | | By
Rebecca Bryant
| | | Washington - A dermatologist and dermatologist-to-be believe they have confirmed the answer to a longstanding riddle: Did the 19th century French physician Jean-Louis Alibert or the 17th century Dutch physician Jacobus Bontius first describe mycosis fungoides (MF)?
| | | Rud's syndrome
| | | By
Barbara J. Rutledge, Ph.D.
| | | Washington - Topical application of tazarotene 0.05 percent was effective in reducing cutaneous roughness and scaling in a patient with a rare form of ichthyosis known as Rud's syndrome, according to Maria Concetta Fargnoli, M.D., a dermatologist at the University of L'Aquila, Italy.
| | | Azelaic acid gel is well-tolerated
| | | By
Cheryl Guttman
| | | Washington - Sensitive skin is much more common among persons with rosacea compared to the general population, but even those rosacea patients with confirmed heightened skin sensitivity are likely to tolerate application of azelaic acid 15 percent gel (Finacea), according to the results of a prospective study undertaken by Zoe D. Draelos, M.D.
| | | NL infests CABG scars
| | | By
Beth Kapes
| | | Washington, D.C. - A unique case report of necrobiosis lipoidica (NL) within coronary artery bypass graft scars presents the dermatologist with the ongoing challenge of managing an ever-present skin disorder that denies therapy, according to Shannon Heck, M.D.
| | | Problem psoriasis gets relief
| | | By
John Jesitus
| | | Washington, D.C. -- This year's AAD meeting included a presentation of the first reported success of etanercept in treating a particularly problematic case of palmoplantar psoriasis. The patient, a 59-year-old white woman, achieved almost total clearing of her hands, notable improvement of her feet, and resolution of her arthritic symptoms.
| | | Differential diagnosis points to possible congenital case of linear atrophoderma in nine-month-old patient
| | | By
Rochelle Nataloni
| | | Washington, D.C. - Of the approximately 19 cases of linear atrophoderma of Moulin described in the literature; all of them presented in children or young adults less than 20 years of age -- until, perhaps, now. Gina C. Ang, M.D., and colleagues at Philadelphia's Jefferson Medical College, may have identified the first case of congenital linear atrophoderma, or at least the first one to come to the attention of the medical community.
| | | Unlikely presentation masks case of early juvenile xanthogranuloma
| | | By
Rochelle Nataloni
| | | Washington D.C. - Juvenile Xanthogranuloma (JXG) is a rare histiocytic proliferation of uncertain histogenesis usually found in the cephalic region and more common in males less than one year of age. So when an 11-day old female neonate presented to Wake Forest University Baptist Medical center with a firm, immobile, non-pulsatile, pink-red nodule and telangiectases localized to the right groin, JXG was not initially suspected. However, as part of the initial workup, a confirmatory biopsy revealed the diagnosis.
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