Louise Gagnon is a medical writer and editor based in Oakville, Ontario, Canada.
Melanoma overlooked, has higher mortality in African-American patients
September 1st 2012While the incidence of melanoma is lower among African-Americans than it is among Caucasians, mortality due to melanoma is higher among the former. The reason, experts say, is because skin cancers in African-Americans appear on sites where they behave more aggressively, and there is a delay in diagnosis with this patient population.
Laser therapy provides permanent solution to hyperhidrosis
July 1st 2012The use of a fixed combination of 924 nm and 975 nm continuous wave laser energy can treat primary axillary hyperhidrosis, according to a study presented at the 2012 annual meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.
Propranolol combined with PDL clears infantile hemangioma
June 1st 2012The combined use of propranolol and pulsed dye laser (PDL) resulted in more rapid and complete clearance of infantile hemangiomas than propranolol monotherapy, according to data presented at the 2012 annual meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.
Off-label use of propranolol for infantile hemangioma requires watchful eye
April 1st 2010Pediatric dermatologists are taking a very slow - but hopeful - approach to using propranolol to treat hemangiomas in children. In doing so, they are also carefully monitoring children for possible unwanted reactions such as hypotension, bradycardia and hypoglycemia.
Taking aim at NMSC: Nicotinic acid receptor potential therapeutic target in nonmelanoma skin cancer
December 1st 2009Investigators have found that a particular nicotinic acid receptor has increased expression in later stages of SCC, indicating that this receptor may represent a target for therapy in nonmelanoma skin cancer.
Treating diversity: Patients of color have unique cosmetic concerns
October 1st 2009New York - Patients of color have a unique set of skin concerns, and those concerns need to be addressed while clinicians are treating patients, according to Andrew Alexis, M.D., M.P.H., a dermatologist at St. Luke?s-Roosevelt Hospital in New York.
Botox and hyperhidrosis: Gold standard for treating underarms
August 26th 2009Botulinum toxin type A (Botox Allergan) is the gold standard to treat axillary hyperhidrosis, but it also can be administered to treat palmar hyperhidrosis or plantar hyperhidrosis. In very rare instances, it can be used to treat the mid-face. There is not a standard dosing schedule in using botulinum toxin type A to treat hyperhidrosis.
Under suspension: Suture lift technique permits retention of facial tissue
August 14th 2009Augusta, Ga. - A new technique for soft-tissue suture lifting in the face is an alternative to the minimally invasive facelift. The technique uses clear, modified polypropylene with bio-absorbable cones and multiple point fixations, says Gloria Mabel Gamboa, M.D., F.A.C.S., associate professor at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Ga.
Nevi of special site: Conservative treatment approach justified
August 5th 2009Nevi of special site can be seen not only in children and adolescents, but in adults up to age 35 as well, according to a recent study. A conservative approach to treating these nevi is justified given they do not appear to have the potential for malignancy.
Treating vitiligo: Clobetasol propionate, tacrolimus are safe, effective
February 1st 2009Topical immunomodulators are effective in managing pediatric vitiligo over six months, with no serious adverse events observed, one study has found. More extended treatment will provide a better sense of efficacy with these therapies in the longer term.
Fat reduction: Carboxitherapy complements liposuction to get rid of fatty tissues
February 1st 2009Carboxitherapy involves the administration of gaseous carbon dioxide to penetrate the skin and reach subcutaneous tissues, thereby, reducing localized deposits of fat. It can be used as an adjunct to proceduressuch as liposuction.
A new look: Fat injections used to enhance buttocks shape, projection
February 1st 2009Autologous fat harvested from sites of the body can be injected into the buttocks to reshape them. Clinicians can use epidural anesthesia to make the procedure relatively painless. Forceful massage is necessary to distribute the fat and to optimize vascularization through increased contact with the muscles in the buttocks.
Biodegradable fillers: New options can avert need for allergy testing in patients
December 1st 2008Many new fillers are made from porcine collagen, averting the need for allergy testing. Because many new fillers are biodegradable, they will not induce fibrosis in the skin, leaving surgical correction as an option for patients in the future. Complications that occur with biodegradable fillers disappear spontaneously.
Laser lipolysis: Procedure offers advantages over traditional liposuction
December 1st 2008While traditional liposuction may remove unwanted fat, one of its disadvantages is that it produces skin laxity. Contemporary treatment modalities such as laser lipolysis are minimally invasive, tighten the skin and produce less blood loss than traditional liposuction.
Preventing scars: Early involvement after surgery key to better cosmesis
December 1st 2008Early intervention will prevent the development of visible, linear scars. One of the increasingly common treatment modalities to prevent scar development is the use of lasers. Laser therapy is virtually painless and does not burn the skin.