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There is increasing evidence demonstrating that photodynamic therapy is effective in the treatment of actinic keratosis, Bowen's Disease (squamous cell carcinoma in situ), as well as superficial and nodular basal cell carcinoma.

For Mohs surgical practices, the Health Information Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) requires special attention to dry-erase boards used to track cases and to the possibility of patients overhearing discussions about slides and specimens, an expert says.

Tips for botulinum toxin injections include using the smallest effective dose, clearly marking injection sites before treatment , and considering male versus female aesthetic standards, an expert says.

A wide variety of athletic pursuits can result in various skin problems, ranging from fungal conditions to inflammatory issues. Some can easily be mistaken for other skin conditions, and physicians should make themselves aware of what to look for.

Physicians who work with teens, athletes or even musicians are likely to encounter acne mechanica. Characterized by small red bumps, acne mechanica typically occurs when nonporous material, such as a strap or helmet, is in regular contact with the skin.

Atopic dermatitis and photosensitivity can cause enough problems for victims of these conditions, but when the sufferers are also active in sports, the conditions can become even more aggravating, and there's not much that can be done other than treating and coping with the ailments.

Environmental elements can increase risks for sun damage, particularly for athletes who spend extended periods outdoors. Athletes should protect themselves by wearing waterproof sunscreens with a very high sun protection factor number, such as SFP 50 and above. Wearing protective clothing is another precautionary measure that athletes can take.

There is no way to avoid getting athlete's foot, which can be transmitted to produce "jock itch" in men. The key to treatment is to give medication enough time to work, and to knock out the fungus in the feet and toes so it doesn't recur in the groin area.

Sweating increases athletes' risks for bacterial skin infections, from impetigo to pitted keratolysis. Sweating combined with contact sports increases those risks.

Athletes who participate in team sports are at an elevated risk of developing certain skin conditions, such as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus. Team physicians should be checking for contagions, such as fungi on the body, and ensure athletes shower after practice and wear clean, dry clothing.

Ian H. Frazer, M.D., in collaboration with Jian Zhou, Ph.D., developed the virus-like particle technology that led to the design of effective vaccines for preventing infection with HPV types causing anogenital warts and certain cancers, particularly cervical cancer.

A retrospective analysis was conducted to examine relapse rates in patients treated with various regimens for moderate-to-severe pemphigus vulgaris. Cyclophosphamide as an adjuvant to prednisone demonstrated positive outcomes and an acceptable safety profile.

Recognizing pediatric hemangiomas that require close follow-up and aggressive treatment is critical to patient care, an expert says.

Topical treatment with a 0.05 percent solution of oxymetazoline in a small series of patients with erythematotelangiectatic rosacea has been associated with encouraging efficacy for reducing erythema and preventing erythematous flares. Aspect Pharmaceuticals is planning a clinical trial of a formula optimized for dermatologic use.

Returning from Iraq, a military dermatologist discusses the challenges of being a "jack of all trades" on the front line.

With constraints on healthcare human resources in some geographic areas in Canada, teledermatology offers advantages, such as increasing access to dermatological expertise. The use of store-and-forward technology avoids the logistical challenges associated with real-time teledermatology.

A proof-of-concept study has shown, for the first time, that it is possible to control and perhaps eradicate advanced melanoma using only a patient's cloned CD4 T cells.

Dr. Gift has practiced dermatology for 15 years and has enjoyed a long-term relationship with many of his pharmaceutical representatives. For years, he has enjoyed lavish dinners and sporting events; his staff has enjoyed wonderful lunches and dinners. At all such events, both he and his staff learned something.

Both sides of the aisle are talking about making healthcare a campaign issue in the upcoming national elections.

Another Medicare paycut - this one, an average 5.4 percent - is looming for 2009, as well as rule changes affecting the ability of dermatologists to provide diagnostic tests for patients without running afoul of federal physician self-referral and anti-markup prohibitions.

When I enrolled in medical school - what seems like a lifetime ago - I wanted to be akin to the sage and compassionate Marcus Welby, M.D. I wanted to be a pediatrician who takes care of and cures sick children.

The following list details common skin conditions and suggested natural treatments, based on information provided by Helen M. Torok, M.D.

As consumers' demand for environmentally responsible medicines and medical practices has grown, so has their desire for "green" cosmetics, cosmeceuticals and skincare products.

At Nova Medical, the largest primary care practice in Loudoun County, Va., "The process of going green is ongoing," says Jennifer Stokols, M.S., a registered dietitian who heads Nova Medical's green team.

Allergan's proposed new product for stimulating natural growth in eyelashes may unleash a vibrant new cosmetic drug niche market.

As consumers' environmental awareness grows, dermatologists must at least keep pace, experts say. Put more bluntly, adopting environmentally responsible practices can help dermatologists protect both the planet and their bottom lines, they explain.

Chicago - Obagi Medical Products announces in vitro data showing that Obagi-C Rx Serum provided more than 10 times the absorption of vitamin C than the leading competitive product, Skinceuticals, according to Marketwatch.com.

Chicago - Alma Lasers announces Food and Drug Administration (FDA) clearance and availability of the Pixel CO2 OMNIFIT handpiece for skin resurfacing, Marketwatch.com reports.

New York - MacroChem Corporation announces results of a phase 2 clinical trial of EcoNail,a topical antifungal for the treatment of onychomychosis, according to Earthtimes.org.

Emeryville, Calif. - NovaBay Parmaceuticals announces it has successfully developed several formulations of Agonocide compounds for use in dermatology.