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Dermatologists see similar medical conditions
July 1st 2001There is no doubt cosmetic dermatology has grown as a proportion of dermatology practices, but it has not taken over the specialty completely. On Call talked to a number of dermatologists around the country who consider themselves general dermatologists. They work as solo practitioners, in groups and in large hospital settings. They have been in practice for 20 years or four years.
Senate swing favors patient bill of rights
July 1st 2001The return of the U.S. Senate to Democratic control appears to improvethe chances for passage of a Patients' Bill of Rights, but it could reducechances for real Medicare reform as key Democratic leaders focus on prescriptiondrug legislation instead.
Selection of e-mail programs is wide
June 1st 2001In ancient times, relay systems and runners delivered official mail over many miles. In the United States, as the population and geographic size expanded and literacy became the norm, there was a need for a mail delivery system. The establishment of the Post Office and development of a delivery mechanism formalized and greatly expanded the scope and speed of mail delivery. The most recent quantum leap in mail delivery has occurred because of the Internet, which has revolutionized the ways we communicate. E-mail allows us to send and receive information, documents, and images often in a matter of seconds. Our time management is more efficient since we can answer queries and receive responses in a prompt, yet convenient manner.
AAD posters illustrate various treatment options
June 1st 2001Washington - The array of effective treatments for actinic keratoses is expanding, and the new and investigational therapeutic modalities were the focus of a number of posters presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Bexarotene safe treatment for early-stage CTCL
June 1st 2001Washington - Bexarotene gel appears to be an effective and well-tolerated monotherapy when used as first-line treatment for early-stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, Madeleine Duvic, M.D., reported at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Permanent hair dyes cause contact urticaria, anaphylaxis
June 1st 2001Palm Beach, Fla. - Paraphenylenediamine, or PPD, the main chemical used in permanent hair dye colors, is the third most common cosmetic allergen, preceded by preservatives (No. 1) and fragrances (No. 2), James S. Taylor, M.D., said at annual meeting of the Noah Worcester Dermatological Society.
Fat redistribution treatments remain controversial
June 1st 2001Washington - Among the most hotly debated topics facing dermatologists today is how to address the redistribution of adipose tissue that often occurs in patients with HIV infection. The syndrome, Donald Rudikoff, M.D., told the American Academy of Dermatology audience, is characterized by increased waist-to-hip ratio and central adiposity in 62 percent of patients (Dr. Rudikoff's findings are based on a review of previously published studies). Other manifestations include the appearance of dorsocervical fat pads and loss of fat in areas such as the face, hips, and buttocks, with men being more likely to report fat losses than women.
Understanding pathogenesis and treatment of melasma
June 1st 2001Geneva - To help dermatologists better understand how to manage melasma, Andreas D. Katsambas, M.D., presented information on the pathogenesis and treatment of the condition at the annual meeting of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.
Humanized antibody produces marked improvement in plaque psoriasis
June 1st 2001Washington - The humanized monoclonal antibody efalizumab, given once weekly subcutaneously, produces profound clinical improvement in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, reported Craig Leonardi, M.D., at the American Academy of Dermatology's 59th annual meeting.
Studies confirm low-dose oral contraceptive treats acne effectively
June 1st 2001Washington - The results of Phase III clinical trials demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a low-dose oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol 20 mcg and levonorgestrel 100 mcg (Alesse) for the treatment of moderate acne, reported Diane M. Thiboutot, M.D., at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.
Drug shortage complaints falling on deaf ears at FDA
June 1st 2001Washington - Although physicians, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and hospital officials have met with the FDA to discuss shortages of several anesthetics and other drugs, the federal agency has no plans to have a public hearing on the situation, according to an FDA spokesperson.
FDA mandates new labels for anti-fungals
June 1st 2001Miami - The FDA last month issued a health warning concerning two popular anti-fungal drugs used to treat onychomycosis, requiring that labels for Sporanox (Janssen Pharmaceuticals) and Lamisil (Novartis) carry stronger warnings about potential liver damage. Sporanox also must warn against potential heart disease, the administration said.
President-elect stalls in court
June 1st 2001Miami - At press time, a federal court here was waiting for briefs on closing arguments from lawyers representing the board of directors of the American Academy of Dermatology regarding its invalidation of the election of Sorrel S. Resnik, M.D., to the position of president-elect 2001.