All
Greater UVA protection equates to improved immune protection
May 1st 2002New Orleans - The level of UVA protection afforded by a broad-spectrum sunscreen determines its ability to protect against UV-induced immune suppression, according to a study presented by Dominique Moyal, Ph.D., at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
One percent PTZ shampoo increases hair density
May 1st 2002New Orleans - Regular use of a commercially available antidandruff shampoo containing 1 percent pyrithione zinc (PTZ) does not adversely affect hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia and may in fact slow its progression or result in improvement, according to the results of a prospective, randomized, controlled investigation.
Intralesional plus steroid offers eyebrow regrowth
May 1st 2002New Orleans - Combined intralesional and topical corticosteroid treatment can be effective for reversing eyebrow hair loss in patients with alopecia totalis and alopecia universalis, Jordana S. Gilman, M.D., reported at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Ambulatory phlebectomy easily handled
April 1st 2002New Orleans - Ambulatory phlebectomy is a safe and effective outpatient procedure for treating varicose and reticular veins that offers a host of advantages compared with alternative techniques, Mitchel P. Goldman, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
The right stuff: a primer in closing of wounds
April 1st 2002New Orleans - Suture materials and needle choices for clinicians can seem to be limitless, according to Margaret Terhune, M.D. Dr. Terhune presented a thorough review of the materials and methods surgeons can select for wound closure here at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Lesion size, location dictate decision on pediatric surgery
April 1st 2002New Orleans - Timing is key for a successful outcome when performing dermatologic surgery in pediatric patients, and lesion size and location are the two most important variables factoring into the equation, Annette M. Wagner, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Systemic CD often an elusive diagnosis
April 1st 2002New Orleans - Systemic contact dermatitis may present with a variety of eczematous and noneczematous cutaneous reaction patterns and may be an overlooked diagnosis unless clinicians maintain an index of suspicion that systemic exposure to a contact allergen is driving the skin eruption, Donald V. Belsito, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Skin manifestations signal hepatitis C virus infection
April 1st 2002New Orleans - Dermatologists need to be aware that hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection may present with cutaneous manifestations because early diagnosis and treatment are critical for reducing morbidity and mortality from progression of the underlying infectious disease, Julia R. Nunley, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
MF remains diagnosis, treatment challenge
April 1st 2002New Orleans - Even with fairly recent advances in the testing and treatment of mycosis fungoides, difficulties still remain with the diagnosis of the rare, slowly progressing cutaneous lymphoma, David P. Fivenson, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Multiple strategies improve patient comfort during 5-ALA PDT
April 1st 2002New Orleans - Simple measures can help alleviate any burning and stinging experienced by patients undergoing 5-ALA photodynamic therapy for treatment of actinic keratoses, Joseph Fowler, Jr., M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
BCC risk in rhinophyma patients should be taken into account
April 1st 2002New Orleans - Rhinophyma resection needs to be performed in a way that allows for postoperative histopathologic study, according to Luis A. Lopardo, MD, speaking here at the 60th annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Infliximab finds utility in management of pyoderma gangrenosum
April 1st 2002New Orleans - The experiences of an expanding series of patients indicate infliximab (Remicade) is a valuable therapy for the management of pyoderma gangrenosum (PG), Marketa Limova, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Lengthy remission rates uphold alefacept quality of life benefits
April 1st 2002Maui, Hawaii - Alefacept (Amevive) for treating patients with chronic plaque psoriasis provides clinical benefits that may be long-term and are associated with significant improvement in quality of life, Mark Lebwohl, M.D., said at the 26th annual Hawaii Dermatology Seminar.
How not to get involved in an Internet "flame" war
April 1st 2002As Internet authority Steve Litt has noted: Never get personal. Never say "you're an idiot" or "you're a hypocrite," and try to avoid saying "you're wrong." No matter how true the statement, it's almost guaranteed to generate a heavy-handed response that will just draw you into a potentially dangerous and unprofitable conflict.
Post-Sept. 11 attitudes reflected on dermatologists
April 1st 2002If money grew on trees, if Sept. 11 and the recession hadn't happened, and if the federal budget wasn't in deficit once again, dermatologists and other physicians might see last year's 5.4 percent Medicare payment cut rescinded by a generally sympathetic Congress
Cosmetic Conundrum with Zoe Diana Draelos, MD
April 1st 2002Q. What is the benefit of the new facial cleansing cloths?A. The newest way to clean the face is use of a disposable single-use cleansing cloth impregnated with a cleanser. These cloths are made in two varieties for normal to oily skin and normal to dry skin, with designs particular to each ailment.
Cosmetic Conundrums with Zoe Diana Draelos, M.D.
March 2nd 2002Q. What factors determine the SPF performance of a given sunscreen?A. The SPF is the sun protection factor afforded by a given sunscreen. It is determined by dividing the lower back of untanned individuals is into small test sites which are exposed to UVB light until a minimum amount of erythema develops, known as the MED. Lightproof barriers are placed around the test sites to prevent light contamination from one test site to another. Once the MED for the test subject has been determined, the subject is invited to return to the test site the next day for application of sunscreen. The sunscreen is placed on the test sites and allowed to dry. The skin is then exposed to UVB light at the expected SPF of the sunscreen product. The expected SPF is roughly determined by spectrophotometric absorption. The amount of UVB light required to obtain the same degree of erythema as the preceding day is determined and the SPF calculated.
Alefacept valuable against psoriatic arthritis
March 2nd 2002New Orleans - Results from a single-center pilot study indicatethat I.V. alefacept (Amevive), the human LFA3-IgG1 fusion protein, may safelyand effectively improve the skin and joint manifestations of psoriatic arthritis,researchers from the Academic Medical Center, University of Amsterdam, TheNetherlands, reported at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.