Pediatric Dermatology

It's doubtful the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) could have picked a better spokeswoman for its recently launched PSA campaign to educate teens about the risks of indoor tanning.

And, says the AAD, a 2005 study shows that regular exposure to tanning beds significantly elevates a person's risk for developing melanoma.

Although benzoyl peroxide has been available for consumer use for three decades without any major reported side effects, we add a few comments regarding the safety of benzoyl peroxide at this time.

EDITOR'S NOTE: Dr. Leon Kircik is replying to a clarification from Chester Valley Pharmaceuticals that ran in our November issue on an article in the October issue, "Vehicles often drive treatment of difficult ailments." Atopiclair is Chester Valley Pharmaceutical's product. While Dr. Kircik was not the author of the article (he was interviewed by Senior Staff Correspondent John Jesitus) he did see the article before it went to press for his approval, as is Dermatology Times' standard practice with clinical articles.

In his Guest Commentary "Managing rosacea; practitioners discuss trends" (September 2006), Dr. William Baum presents his findings after moderating advisory panels across the country consisting of specialists talking about the many facets of rosacea.

Bochum, Germany-Results of a recent study conducted at Ruhr University here suggest that the corticosteroid betamethasone is more effective for treatment of intertriginous psoriasis than is pimecrolimus or calcipotriol.

Washington-The federal government's Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices has recommended that Americans aged 60 and above get anti-shingles vaccinations.

The saying "like father, like son" takes on a new twist when you meet the Orentreich family. Norman Orentreich, M.D., is the patriarch of a dermatology practice that includes his son and daughter.

Toronto - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) may cause necrotizing fasciitis, especially in areas where community acquired MRSA is prevalent, researchers say.

On behalf of the American Academy of Dermatology, I would like to respond to a letter to the editor from Michael Franzblau, M.D., regarding the Academy's efforts to restrict access to indoor tanning equipment. ("Cannot fathom AAD/AADA indifference toward indoor tanning regs," September, 2006). The letter's criticisms are not supported by the facts, and I appreciate the opportunity to set the record straight.

National report When it comes to wound healing, scabs are out and wound hydration is in, says Susan H. Weinkle, M.D., a Bradenton, Fla., dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Fla.

"Usually, when kids go to the clinic, especially if they're little, they get so many vaccinations that when one takes off their clothes, they think they're getting a shot," explains Papri Sarkar, M.D., a third-year resident in Harvard's dermatology training program. "Also, I try to avoid using gloves unless they're clinically necessary."

When patients miss appointments, what should a practice do?

National report - The two forms of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL), mycosis fungoides (MF) and S?zary syndrome, are reported to arise more often in adults than in children. But the incidence of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas appears to be on the rise in children and adolescents.

Noordwijk, Netherlands - Going back to the genesis of a disease and analyzing its roots can sometimes be very helpful and even pivotal in treating it effectively.

In the long term, understanding and addressing the origin of this skin disease - down to its genetic mutation - will prove more beneficial to patients and physicians.

National report - People are more often choosing herbal remedies to treat their chronic rosacea.

National report - Studying the genetic roots of mosaic disorders often presenting in pediatric patients could provide important insights into how effected genes function - and, possibly, direction for future treatments, an expert says.

Chicago - Compensation for some U.S. medical specialties - including dermatology - showed double-digit increases from 2004 to 2006, United Press International reports.

Toronto - Women's skin ages faster than men's, according to a German study, Reuters reports.

Toronto - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) may cause necrotizing fasciitis, especially in areas where community acquired MRSA is prevalent, researchers say.

Schaumburg, Ill. - The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has launched a public service advertisement campaign to communicate the dangers of indoor tanning to teens.

Bethesda, Md. - Two patients with metastatic melanoma have been cancer-free for almost two years, following the first successful use of gene therapy to cure cancer.

Bochum, Germany - Results of a study conducted by researchers at Ruhr University here suggest that an anti-inflammatory drug may help in treating intertriginous psoriasis.

Bochum, Germany - Results of a study conducted by researchers at Ruhr University here suggest that an anti-inflammatory drug may help in treating intertriginous psoriasis.

Bath, England - In the wake of claims that severe-acne treatment Roaccutane has caused depression and suicide in patients since its introduction in 1982, researchers at the University of Bath have tested the medication and found the claims may have merit.

National report - Many skin conditions are a manifestation of an insult to the skin barrier, so an awareness of that barrier, what affects it and how, is imperative for a physician to effectively manage his or her dermatologic patients.

Toronto - An expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) implant that offers two different pore sizes reduces problems with implant migration and shrinkage, an expert says.

Toronto - Listening to patients' desires in the lip area will help physicians choose the best products and injection techniques for each clinical situation, an expert says.

Q Is there such a condition as permanent postpartum telogen effluvium?