All
Treating vitiligo: Clobetasol propionate, tacrolimus are safe, effective
February 1st 2009Topical immunomodulators are effective in managing pediatric vitiligo over six months, with no serious adverse events observed, one study has found. More extended treatment will provide a better sense of efficacy with these therapies in the longer term.
Going green: Eco-friendly measures reduce costs, attract new patients
February 1st 2009If your practice hasn't jumped on the eco-friendly bus already, maybe it's time to catch a ride. 'Going green' can make good business sense. Savvy dermatology practices recognize that consumers gravitate to businesses they perceive as socially conscious. In addition to attracting patients and helping the environment, being environmentally friendly may also help you reduce costs.
High-energy leader: Founder of Skin Cancer Foundation devotes life to teaching, helping others
February 1st 2009The morning of his interview with Dermatology Times, Perry Robins, M.D., had just flown in from a domestic dermatology meeting, lectured two weeks prior at a major dermatology meeting in Florida, and flown overseas a month before to lecture at a meeting in Paris.
Silence, please! Turn off your 'toys' when you are in a meeting
February 1st 2009With increasing frequency, I have noticed that many audience members at medical meetings are dividing their attention between the speakers and their Blackberries and laptops. Some audience members keep both their Blackberries and laptops running throughout the meeting, and are not engaged at all in the meeting - but I am sure they will claim CME credit for "being there."
Expanding scope of practice : Address cosmetic needs of current medical, Medicare patients
February 1st 2009The full-body skin exam is the perfect opportunity to talk with patients about all their skin concerns, including cosmetic. One expert explains how dermatologists can turn medical and Medicare patients into cosmetic patients.
Radiation therapy: Outcomes, logistics assist dermatologists in decisions for NMSC treatment
February 1st 2009A review of the literature, including published guidelines, and site visits to radiation oncology suites was undertaken to provide clinicians with background on indications, outcomes and practical considerations for selecting radiation therapy for the treatment of nonmelanoma skin cancers.
Post-transplant disorder a risk: Lymphoproliferative condition can be life-threatening
February 1st 2009Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder is lymphocyte proliferation in patients following post-transplant immunosuppression and is the most common neoplasm in pediatric organ transplant recipients. Due to the increased frequency of organ transplantation, dermatologists should be aware of the cutaneous presentation, as a timely diagnosis and treatment is crucial for a favorable prognosis.
Agressive carcinogenisis: Case studies link extraocular sebaceous carcinoma, immunosuppression
February 1st 2009Organ transplant recipients (OTRs) have an increased risk of carcinogenesis most likely due to the immunosuppressive medication they need to take. Sebaceous carcinoma is a rare occurrence, however, as witnessed in two recent case studies, this highly aggressive malignant tumor can occur in immunosuppressed OTRs, making the thorough screening programs a high priority in these patients.
Fat reduction: Carboxitherapy complements liposuction to get rid of fatty tissues
February 1st 2009Carboxitherapy involves the administration of gaseous carbon dioxide to penetrate the skin and reach subcutaneous tissues, thereby, reducing localized deposits of fat. It can be used as an adjunct to proceduressuch as liposuction.
A new look: Fat injections used to enhance buttocks shape, projection
February 1st 2009Autologous fat harvested from sites of the body can be injected into the buttocks to reshape them. Clinicians can use epidural anesthesia to make the procedure relatively painless. Forceful massage is necessary to distribute the fat and to optimize vascularization through increased contact with the muscles in the buttocks.
Lasers and melasma: Devices play role in treating chronic condition
February 1st 2009Melasma is an acquired condition characterized by hyperpigmented patches, traditionally located on the face. What the classic definition fails to mention is its chronic relapsing nature and its associated therapeutic dilemma.
Topical antibiotics: Routine use can boost risk of allergic contact dermatitis
February 1st 2009Dermatologists have been trained to squeeze topical antibiotics on the simplest of cuts and excisions. Because of allergic reactions and considering the efficacy of an alternative - plain petroleum jelly - dermatologists must revamp their thinking.
Sinusitis connection: Chronic UAI, AD improve with surgery
February 1st 2009Results of a recent study suggest that while upper airway infections, such as rhinosinusitis and adenotonsillitis, may exacerbate atopic dermatitis in children, surgical treatment for those infections may improve the severity of AD.
Nickel allergy: Contact dermatitis, sensitization occur with exposure
February 1st 2009Sensitivity to nickel has been increasing over the past two decades. Contact dermatitis occurs with exposure to nickel, which is found in common items such as zippers, cell phones and shoelaces. Individuals with nickel sensitivity should avoid repeat exposure, as the response increases each time. A movement is under way to request a reduction in the allowable amount of nickel that manufacturers use in products in the United States.
Actinic keratoses: Experimental topical gel offers effective short treatment regime
February 1st 2009Ingenol mebutate is a novel approach for the treatment of actinic keratoses. This new topical approach successfully treats AKs in only two or three days, - a much shorter therapeutic regimen compared to the current readily used topical approaches, such as solaraze, 5-FU and imiquimod, and, therefore, also increases patient compliance.
Anti-acne peel: Innovative topical therapy effective in patients with mild-to-moderate lesions
February 1st 2009A novel peel is proving to be very effective in the treatment of comedonic as well as mild-to-moderate acne lesions. This approach could spare acne patients from repeated antibiotic therapies for considerably benign cosmetic lesions.
Granting a future: Women's derm society awards reach high mark in 2008
February 1st 2009San Francisco - The Women's Dermatologic Society (WDS), now the third largest organized association of dermatologists in the United States, reached a milestone in 2008, awarding the highest number of grants since its founding in 1973, the society reports.
Joint session: ASCDAS, ASDS pair up; weak economy encourages collaboration, leaders say
February 1st 2009National report - The American Society of Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Surgery (ASCDAS) and the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS) will host a combined meeting Oct. 1-4, 2009, in Phoenix, the organizations announced in December.
Facing forward: Cleveland Clinic performs first U.S. transplant; ethical concerns remain
February 1st 2009Cleveland - Plastic surgeons are welcoming the news of the world's first near-total face transplant - and the first such operation in the United States - performed in late 2008 at the Cleveland Clinic.
Opinions: Changing times: Doctors face unexpected, severe economic challenges
February 1st 2009The final quarter of 2008 offered some unexpected and severe challenges to the United States - a collapse on Wall Street, rising unemployment, threatened bankruptcy of at least two of the big three automakers, rising healthcare coverage issues and rising levels of violence in the Mideast. At the same time, the United States elected its first black president and a highly Democratic–weighted Congress. 2009 is likely to be a year of change and readjustment.