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Instructional handouts help caregivers stick to complicated treatment plans for pediatric AD patients. Historically effective AD treatments are being augmented with new phosphodiesterase inhibitors and biologics. Gentler approaches such as massage, light therapy, and melatonin may also be of value for children with AD.

Drugs to treat atopic dermatitis are at the top of the FDA’s dermatology list. Biologics and PDE4 inhibitors show promise in the treatment of AD. Approval is still needed for the use of biologics to treat AD in pediatric patients.

With a long history in dermatology and rheumatology, TNF inhibitors can not only improve psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, but they also may reduce comorbid cardiovascular risks and work better combined with methotrexate. Low doses of cyclosporine may be effective at treating the psoriasis reaction when topicals have proven ineffective. Aggressively managing TNF-induced reactions can help patients stay on drugs that are working for other challenging diseases.

Dermatologists should be versed and informed about the specific attitudes and lifestyle habits that could be fueling rising skin cancer risk in the Hispanic population, according to dermatologist Maritza I. Perez, M.D.

Cyclosporine and PUVA clearly increase the risk of squamous cell carcinomas, and there is evidence that TNF blockers and methotrexate may do so to a lesser degree. UVB phototherapy has not been shown to cause skin cancer. Acitretin offers protection against the development of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.

Patients who carry a high-penetrance melanoma predisposition gene can often benefit from screening for other cancers. Patients who receive a positive genetic test result are more likely to embrace prevention and detection measures. A new “Rules of Three” proposes a point-based guideline to help determine who should be referred for genetic counseling and testing.

Today’s SRT technology embodies very small, stable machines. Radiation leaks are not longer a concern. The SRT-100 System serves both an important medical and cosmetic role.

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th Edition Melanoma Staging System includes important changes pertaining to T1 melanomas. The role of sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) continues to evolve, particularly for thin melanomas. A contemporary international dataset is being applied to develop sophisticated and accurate personalized prognostic tools.

Squamous cell carcinoma often associated with HPV. Surgical excision for four types of tumors is largely successful. Imaging of glomus tumors recommended prior to intervention.

The April Table of the Month discusses diagnostic and therapeutic tips for AD patients.

The American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) 8th Edition Melanoma Staging System includes important changes .

About one third of the more than 118,000 people who received free skin cancer screenings from the AAD’s SPOTme program in 2009 and 2010 indicated they had recently seen a change in the size, shape or color of a mole.

If cleared, dermatologists might find the technology useful when excising lesions in patients on blood thinners and more.

Dermatologists should turn to oral antibiotics for treating acne when topical medications have failed or are too irritating.

When it comes to choosing topical agents for treating acne, separating fact from fiction can be challenging for dermatologists.

Studies suggest that a more aggressive approach to neck tightening procedures yields better results. Patients can experience significant pain and edema from these procedures that may require prescription medications to treat. The procedures cost thousands of dollars, raising questions about whether they're worth the cost for patients.

Many different types of peels are available to successfully treat a wide variety of skin conditions. Instances of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation (PIH) that develop after healing of peel or laser treatments may require additional management. Attendance at workshops and use of prepackaged kits can help derms gain confidence in providing peel treatments to patients.

Emerging treatments are expected to help fill the need for safer and more effective therapies for atopic dermatitis (AD). Both systemic and topical treatments are needed to provide full and complete treatment for patients with AD. Targeting the specific axis or axes that control AD may contribute to developing personalized approaches to treatment

TNF inhibitors adalimumab and infliximab have evidence-based efficacy for the treatment of hidradentitis suppurativa (HS). Anti-interleukin inhibitors ustekinumab and anakinra also being evaluated in small studies for treatment of HS. Antibiotics, hormones, retinoids, steroids and laser therapies directly targeting the lesions round out an effective treatment plan for HS patients.

Biosimilars have the potential to lower the high costs of biologic treatments for patients suffering from chronic skin diseases. Although biosimilars have received FDA approval derms still have many questions about what they are and when they may be used appropriately. Patent wars and a lack of rules and regulations at the state level add to the confusion about using biosimilars.

Laser and light source treatments target many of the most common skin conditions that dermatologists encounter. The recent expansion in laser dermatology is both promising and exciting as the treatments available to derms and their patients continue to grow. New technologies are taking laser and light source treatments in new directions of skin structure imaging, epidermal harvesting, tissue rejuvenation, and new types of photodynamic therapies.

This month we’re looking at some allergy guideline recommendations, discuss whether or not ‘natural’ soap is milder and novel immunomodulaters.

Alexander Miller, MD, a dermatologist in Yorba Linda, Calif., has a simple message for colleagues grappling with the new ICD-10 codes: Don't panic!

If you’re a new dermatologist building a solo practice, a few easy steps can help give your business the best chance for success.

A panel of veteran dermatologists tackled the topic of difficult patients at the 2016 CalDerm Symposium and offered some tips for successfully dealing with these patients.

After a sudden urge to tidy up his office, Dr. Ronald G. Wheeland developed another urge to figure out what to do with his old dermatology books and journals.

It is important to note that where there are two or more recognized methods of diagnosing or treating the same condition, a physician does not fall below the standard of care by using any of the acceptable methods even if one method turns out to be less effective than another method.

Dr. Mark Lebwohl talks about the FDA’s approval of the anti-interleukin-17 receptor monoclonal antibody brodalumab (Siliq, Valeant Pharmaceuticals) for treatment of adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

There has been recent concern about the safety of parabens as they are the most frequently used preservative in skin care products today

Providing safe products that consumers can use with confidence requires preservatives. However, the concept of preservation is not unique to skin care products.