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Bridging the gap: Connection, communication can ease clashes between generations of derms
November 1st 2008National report - With four generations of dermatologists rubbing elbows in medical schools and residency programs, and three generations working side by side in practice and other settings, it's no wonder that doctors of all ages are feeling frustrated.
Protecting your assets: All plans are not created equal
November 1st 2008Too many physicians over the last decade have sought cookie-cutter asset protection plans to give them some "peace of mind" that if they ever endure an outrageous malpractice case, they won't lose everything. While we admire these doctors' commitment to pro-actively managing their risk, we have to remind doctors that all "asset protection plans" are not created equal. In fact, many will not even "work" if they ever are relied on.
Finance: Trend setting: In a volatile economy, experts speculate what 2009 will bring
November 1st 2008As we near the end of 2008 - one of the most economically volatile years in my memory-it seems natural to wonder what the coming year will bring. Even in the most stable of economic times, predicting future developments is an unwise indulgence at best. In times like these, it's pure madness.
Physician's profile: Making connections: 'Happenstance' opens path for New Orleans dermatologist
November 1st 2008Erin Boh, M.D., Ph.D., professor and chairman of dermatology at Tulane University Health Sciences Center, New Orleans, says her life has been a series of seamless connections - or, as she puts it, happenstance.
Verrucous carcinoma: Case shows verrucous carcinoma, ILVEN have striking histologic similarities
November 1st 2008Because verrucous carcinoma and ILVEN can have striking histologic similarities, one expert recommends considering verrucous carcinoma in the differential diagnosis of ILVEN. Initial biopsies can be misleading, evidence from this case demonstrates.
Treating BCC: Imiquimod therapy sustains clearance for five years
November 1st 2008Several therapies are available for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma (BCC), including excision, PDT, 5-fluorouracil and imiquimod; however, not all of them have the same safety and efficacy profile. A recent study proves that imiquimod is safe and effective for the treatment of superficial BCC and assures sustained clearance over at least five years.
Striking gold for AKs?: Trials show ingenol mebutate is a safe, effective, extremely rapid treatment
November 1st 2008Ingenol mebutate is taking the dermatology world by storm as it time and again proves its high efficacy and excellent safety profile in the treatment of AKs. Many dermatologists are eagerly awaiting FDA approval of this novel topical therapy in the United States.
Treating melasma: Copper bromide laser effectively targets vasculature
November 1st 2008Targeting the melanocytes in the hypermelanosis seen in melasma is a common and effective therapy. Many therapies exist, including topical approaches, lasers and light therapy. A new approach targeting the vasculature, not the melanocytes, using a copper bromide dual 578 nm yellow laser has proven very effective in the treatment of melasma, a recent study shows.
Postoperative complications: Academic audit identifies surgical standards, risk factors
November 1st 2008An audit conducted at a university dermatology department suggests that certain factors appear to increase patients' risk of postoperative complications, one of the audit's authors says. However, antibiotic use may reduce such complications, he adds.
Help for homebodies: New laser, light technologies allow patients to treat themselves
November 1st 2008As new laser technology continues to be introduced to the market, patients keep searching for the newest, latest and greatest device. The current trend seems to be centered on what patients can do themselves, minimizing the amount of time needed in the office.
Afro-textured hair: Styling, chemical use increase risks for breakage, loss
November 1st 2008Women with afro-textured hair are at increased risk of hair breakage and hair loss due to endogenous and exogenous factors. Conditions such as central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, discoid lupus erythematosus and androgenetic alopecia affect women with afro- textured hair.
Nonsurgical skin tightening: Field remains open for significant improvement
November 1st 2008Nonsurgical skin-tightening procedures based on deep-tissue energy delivery have many attractive features for consumers and physicians. The number of devices available is expanding, but despite the growth in this industry, results remain variable and modest.
Q & A: Cause and effect?: Derms question reported connection between moisturizers and skin cancer
November 1st 2008An article published Aug. 14, 2008, in the online version of the Journal of Investigative Dermatology created quite a stir among the media. This paper, titled "Tumorigenic Effect of Some Commonly Used Moisturizing Creams when Applied Topically to UVB-Pretreated High-Risk Mice" (Yao-Ping Lu et al), drew some dubious conclusions regarding the relationship between moisturizers and skin cancer.
Lower-face Botox: 'Universal Angle of Beauty' aids aesthetic assessment
November 1st 2008A concept called the "Universal Angle of Beauty," which measures the slope from the cheekbones to the chin, can help physicians and patients assess botulinum toxin treatments of the lower face, the concept's creator says.
Delving deeper: Rosacea peptide research focuses on cathelicidins
November 1st 2008Cathelicidins appear to have dual roles in the skin, working not just as antimicrobials that act as natural antibiotics but also as proponents of healing. Researchers are looking into the underlying workings of antimicrobial cathelicidins with the hope of better understanding their role in osacea. Factors such as toll-like receptors and vitamin D3 appear to be part of the equation.
Natural niche: Cosmeceuticals play role in rosacea treatment
November 1st 2008Cosmeceuticals such as Kinerase (Valeant), niacinamide and a combination of methylsulfonylmethane and silymarin can have a place in treating rosacea, particularly when there is a reason why pharmacological therapies can be used. However, as the number of treatments claiming to help with skin redness grows, physicians shouldwarn patients that just because something can treat redness, that doesn't necessarily mean it can treat rosacea.
Skin of color: Studies lacking on rosacea in ethnic patients
November 1st 2008Although there is a lot of ongoing research into rosacea and a number of FDA-approved medications, very little of either have to do with skin of color. Research protocols have not included ethnic skin, and medications were approved before the FDA required the inclusion of ethnic subjects.
Infliximab efficacy expands: TNF-alpha inhibitors effective in managing PG, HS
November 1st 2008Some research has demonstrated efficacy with the off-label use of tumor necrosis factor-alpha in treating inflammatory skin conditions such as pyoderma gangrenosum and hidradenitis suppurativa. The use of infliximab, in particular, has resulted in disease quiescence in patients who had either condition, and its use has demonstrated a steroid-sparing effect in patients with pyoderma gangrenosum.
Relief for itching: Dihydroavenanthramide D eases pruritus
November 1st 2008Several ingredients found in topical preparations help treat dry skin and the subsequent symptom of pruritus. The results of a recent study with dihydroavenanthramide D demonstrate the agent is very effective in the treatment of pruritus, and according to one expert, should be considered an option when trying to treat and subdue pruritic symptoms.