Pediatric Dermatology

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, said Zoe Draelos, M.D., lead investigator of a blind treatment trial that compared systemic exposure levels of the two topical drugs.

Washington - Pimecrolimus cream 1 percent showed better local tolerability than tacrolimus ointment 0.03 percent in pediatric patients with moderate atopic dermatitis, and the patients or their primary caregivers rated most of the formulation attributes of the pimecrolimus cream as being significantly better than those of the tacrolimus ointment, according to a recent Phase IV study presented at the American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting.

Washington - Clobetasol delivered in a foam vehicle is associated with significant improvement of hand dermatitis and appears to be preferred by patients over other vehicles, leading to a high rate of compliance, said J. Mark Jackson, M.D., assistant clinical professor of medicine and dermatology, division of dermatology, University of Louisville.

Dallas - Most community-acquired methicillin-resistant staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) skin and soft tissue abscesses smaller than 5 cm can be managed with standard incision and drainage, without the need for antibiotic therapy, according to a new study.

Orphan Drug Status

New Melanoma Model

Foot Cream for Diabetes

Maui, Hawaii - Are your patients depressed or simply miserable because of their skin problems? A simple, quick and practical communication technique may help lift that burden, according to Dr. Michael A. Greenberg, M.D.

Maui, Hawaii - While complaints of "sensitive skin" may be challenging to address, dermatologists can frequently help patients obtain relief, even if there are no overt clinical manifestations to treat, according to Patricia G. Engasser, M.D.

Musicians risk such afflictions as "guitar nipple" or "fiddler's neck" because of playing their instruments, a new dermatology study has reported.

Ear cartilage is more prone to a nasty infection than the earlobe during jewelry piercing. The infection can cause disfiguring

The Food and Drug Administration said consumers should stay away from Green Hornet, a liquid pitched as an herbal form of the illegal drug ecstasy. The agency has received reports of four teens taking Green Hornet and being hospitalized for seizures, excessive heart rates, severe body rashes, and high blood pressure. The FDA said the herbal liquid, sold on the Internet and in stores, is illegal because it contains active drugs not listed on the label and because Green Hornet claims to be an alternative to a street drug.

From skin cancer drug studies to foot exams, patient and physician awareness of melanoma is key to quick detection of dreaded disease

Periungual warts require accurate diagnosis; aggressive treatment

The geography of contact dermatitis

Doctor comes to correct conclusion using tests, not just visual assessment

Pimecrolimus cream, corticosteroidswork together safely for severe flares

Washington - Results from two multicenter, randomized, double-blind trials demonstrate that tacrolimus ointment 0.03 percent (Protopic) is a safe and effective treatment for mild to moderate atopic dermatitis in pediatric patients and adults.

In a continuing series from Dermatology Times , a panel of pediatric masters discusses treatment options for specific and unusual cases. This second case is that of a 13-year-old girl who presents a progressive area of alopecia over the frontal parietal scalp. There is an ivory scleratic plaque with an extension to the forehead. What do you do?

Source: www.biotechnologyhealthcare.com Austin, Texas ? Introgen Therapies announced initiation of a Phase II clinical trial of INGN 241 in patients with metastatic melanoma.

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.

American Medical Association President Donald J. Palmisano, M.D., J.D., issued the following statement supporting S. 2061.

Oregon Health & Science University School of Medicine researchers hope treating babies newly diagnosed with eczema using the study drug Elidel will not only control painful skin flare-ups, but also ultimately prevent the onset of childhood asthma.

Physicians may not need to prescribe antibiotics when treating a common skin infection in children, according to researchers at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

Researchers are testing a new cream that may prevent skin damage before it starts.

Connetics Corp. has agreed to acquire exclusive U.S. rights to Roche Holding AG's Soriatane (acitretin).

U.S. officials are considering again whether to tighten restrictions on the use of a prescription drug that is highly effective against severe acne but can cause birth defects.

Waikoloa, Hawaii - If eczema can be kept under better control during infancy and early childhood, it might be possible to reduce the atopic march and lessen the development of asthma and allergies in some children, said Adelaide A. Hebert, M.D. Topical immune modulators could play a role in keeping the skin barrier more intact and reducing a child's propensity to develop a high level of atopic diseases, added Dr. Hebert, professor and vice chairman, department of dermatology, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston.

San Diego -- A new web-based teaching module addresses the 80-hour-work-week regulations to improve the dermatology knowledge base of pediatric residents. It could have broader applications, said Eliot Mostow, M.D., MPH.

Miami, Fla. - Pediatric dermatologists and pediatricians often see children with purpura, which presents cutaneously but can be a sign of systemic abnormalities.