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Tried and true: Properly used, chemical peels provide dependable results
October 1st 2009Sewickley, Pa. - Chemical peels can be used safely and effectively for a broad range of indications and in patients of all skin types, but achieving success depends on proper skin preparation and matching the peel depth to the indication, says Suzan Obagi, M.D., director of the UPMC Cosmetic Surgery & Skin Health Center, Sewickley, Pa., and assistant professor of dermatology, University of Pittsburgh, Pittsburgh.
’Beacon of hope’: Study finds melanocytes are target in alopecia areata
September 15th 2009Portland, Ore. - A recent study confirms that the numbers of follicular melanocytes are significantly decreased in patients suffering from alopecia areata.This new insight into the often severe and psychologically burdensome disease serves as a beacon of hope for patients, as researchers begin to home in on a more precise etiology that may open the door for more targeted treatments. Past research has implicated follicular melanocytes to be the target structure in at least a proportion of patients suffering from alopecia areata.
Allergic contact dermatitis: Pediatric patch tests mirror those of adults
September 15th 2009National Report - Children with allergic contact dermatitis frequently react to the same allergens as adults with this condition do, according to a recent multi-center study conducted at the University of Miami and the University of Pennsylvania that calls for increased patch testing in children, especially those with chronic dermatitis.
Weight-based dosing: Extended-release minocycline efficient, predictable
September 11th 2009Las Vegas - Weight-based dosing with extended-release (ER) minocycline tablets allows patients with acne to achieve efficacy equivalent to that of 2 mg/kg or 3 mg/kg of body weight daily with just 1 mg/kg daily, says James Q. Del Rosso, D.O., dermatology residency director, Valley Hospital Medical Center, Las Vegas.
Skin protection: New barrier cream protects without irritating
September 11th 2009Las Vegas - A skin barrier protection cream (Tetrix, Coria Laboratories) appears to reduce exposure to skin allergens and irritants and decrease symptoms of eczematous dermatitis, according to James Q. Del Rosso, D.O., dermatology residency director, Valley Hospital Medical Center, Las Vegas.
Cosmeceuticals: Scrutinize ingredients, pick and choose best products
September 9th 2009New York - Cosmetic patients today have a multitude of cosmeceuticals from which to choose, and each product claims to raise the bar in its effectiveness in skin rejuvenation. Many of these products do have some degree of effectiveness, and yet others may be the cause of hardship in terms of eliciting an irritant or allergic contact dermatitis in the unfortunate user. According to one expert, physicians need to scrutinize the ingredients of these cosmeceuticals and carefully pick and choose among the vast array of products for the benefit of their patients.
Pathogenesis of vitiligo: Immunomodulating therapies favored course of action
September 9th 2009Edmonton, Alberta - Although several different theories exist with regard to the pathogenesis of vitiligo, an immune basis appears to be the most favored mechanism, with cytokines and other chemical mediators playing a center role in disease development and progression. As a result, immunomodulating therapies such as tacrolimus (Protopic, Astellas) are employed.
Seborrheic dermatitis: Ketoconazole foam most effective against Malassezia
September 2nd 2009Houston - Recent research makes clear that the yeast genus Malassezia plays a role in the etiology of seborrheic dermatitis and several other common cutaneous disorders - and that ketoconazole is the most effective treatment for Malassezia overgrowth, an expert says.
’Crystel’ clear: Study shows etanercept improves depression, anxiety in psoriasis patients
September 2nd 2009International report - Etanercept therapy helps to improve symptoms of depression and anxiety long-term in patients suffering from moderate-to severe psoriasis, according to the results of the Crystel study.
Climbing the Hill: Derms face off with nation's leaders on healthcare reform
September 1st 2009At press time, lawmakers were still inching toward meeting a Sept. 15 deadline set by the Senate Finance Committee to reach a bipartisan compromise on healthcare reform. Dermatologists from across the country were expecting to be on Capitol Hill that day to let lawmakers know face-to-face their concerns about this sweeping legislative initiative.
Formulations 101: Exploring the science behind cosmetic products
September 1st 2009Dapsone has been an important antibiotic in dermatology, especially historically, in the treatment of leprosy. It has been used for both antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory purposes orally, but no topical preparation was ever available. This is because dapsone is neither water- nor oil-soluble, presenting a formulation challenge.
Getting the red out: A focused, strategic approach will keep you 'in the black'
September 1st 2009Neither being on the brink of major health reform nor living through the tumultuous economy will give you any relief from the challenges to your dermatology practice's bottom line. As employers continue to push more financial responsibility to employees, the ranks of the uninsured surge daily,
Preventive medicine: Avoid common physician estate-planning mistakes
September 1st 2009Like many successful people, physicians are often so busy dealing with their practices and personal lives that they never take the time to deal with the important challenge of creating a tax-wise estate plan for their families. In fact, in our practices, we have found that fewer than 5 percent of doctors had a proper estate plan in place when we met.
'Online filing cabinet': Google service centralizes medical records, does not violate HIPAA
September 1st 2009Dr. Skin has a large, skin cancer-based practice in a large metropolitan area. Many of his patients are highly successful businessmen who travel extensively to many parts of the world for long periods of time.