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Decoding ACD: Keratinocytes play role in all phases of allergic contact dermatitis
November 1st 2008Allergic contact dermatitis is a cell-mediated condition in which natural killer T cells act both locally in the skin and systemically. Researchers have identified a novel transcription factor that regulates the molecule that natural killer T cells recognize when they migrate into the skin. The finding points to a new pharmacological target in the treatment of allergic contact dermatitis.
The obesity factor: Researchers study psoriasis, co-morbidities
November 1st 2008Etanercept is effective in treating psoriasis in the pediatric population, a study has found. The research also found that patients in the study had increased levels of C-reactive protein, an inflammatory marker that may be elevated as a result of abdominal obesity.
Atopic Dermatitis & Occlusion: Positive patch tests don't necessarily indicate true allergy
November 1st 2008Occlusion in patients with atopic dermatitis causes increased transepidermal water loss (TEWL) and increased regulation of specific inflammatory cytokines, according to one study. The findings suggest positive patch tests in atopic dermatitis patients may not necessarily indicate true allergy.
Treating vitiligo: Expanding list of options advances therapy for wide range of patients
November 1st 2008Vitiligo in patients with skin of color can have devastating psychosocial consequences. A variety of newer therapeutic options are improving management for patients with disease manifestation ranging across the spectrum, from localized to general.
Better barrier: Tetrix cream protects against irritants, allergens, studies show
November 1st 2008Several studies show that a new barrier cream provides effective protection against irritants and allergens, its manufacturer says. The cream also withstands gentle hand washing better than a comparator product, a researcher adds.
Special considerations: Exacerbating factors mandate acne treatments for ethnic skin
November 1st 2008Topical retinoid treatment is the mainstay of acne management in ethnic skin, as it is in fairer individuals. However, additional considerations are needed to address the unique postinflammatory sequelæ in dark skin and precipitating factors for acne eruptions.
Acne pathogenesis: Researchers focus on elucidating role of TNF-alpha in inflammatory pathways
November 1st 2008Tissue necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a pivotal cytokine in inflammatory pathways, but its role in acne has not been characterized. Studies under way at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine aim to elucidate more information with the ultimate goal of identifying potential new therapeutic targets for acne.
Photopneumatic therapy: Vacuum-assisted pulsed light device delivers safe, efficient acne treatment
November 1st 2008Patients with acne that is unresponsive to traditional therapies were enrolled in a multicenter study evaluating photopneumatic therapy with a vacuum-assisted pulsed light device (Isolaz, æsthera). The treatment was easy to deliver and well-tolerated.
3-D technology: State-of-the-art imaging system increases photographic accuracy
November 1st 2008The state-of-the-art 3-D imaging system known as Lifeviz raises the bar in the management of acne and rosacea lesions by allowing the clinician to visualize much more accurately lesion images and, therefore, better follow the treatment progress of patients.
Photodynamic therapy: MAL-PDT improves inflammatory acne; limitations persist
November 1st 2008Photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate cream and red light is associated with marked and relatively durable reductions in inflammatory lesion counts in patients with moderate inflammatory acne, an expert says.
Legislative: Capitol ideas: Derms lobby Congress, discuss concerns, priorities with legislators
November 1st 2008Early in September, a group of dermatologists descended on Capitol Hill, where they met with members of Congress to discuss their concerns and priorities and sought to increase awareness among lawmakers of the importance of dermatology to their constituents.
Legal: Firing your diabetic employee: Can you be sued under the Americans with Disabilities Act?
November 1st 2008Dr. Job is a hard-working dermatologist practicing in a city hard hit by the downturn in the economy. Overhead is up, and revenues are down. He is left with no choice but to start terminating some employees.
Editorial: Looking to the future: Unselfishness, volunteerism define dermatology's next generation
November 1st 2008It seems that over the past several decades, there has been an apparent increased level of concern about the lack of work ethic and selfish motivation of next generation, and whether or not the world will survive the laid-back, "me first" attitude that seem all too prevalent in the younger generation today.
Guarding with Gardasil: CDC says HPV vaccine is safe
November 1st 2008National report - Gardasil presents no significant safety concerns. That was the consensus of a Center for Disease Control (CDC) advisory committee following a review of safety studies of the human papillomavirus quadrivalent vaccine, manufactured by Merck, two years post-approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
Female alopecia: Diagnosis and treatment
October 20th 2008Las Vegas - A meticulous history and scalp examination are key in diagnosing and managing hair loss in women, says Jerry Shapiro, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., department of dermatology, New York University, New York, and department of dermatology and skin science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, in a presentation at the Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference here.