News

Washington - 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.

Contraceptive failure, nonuse cited as primary causes. Meticulous follow-up and documentation is necessary monitoring by prescribing physician

Washington - 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.

Miami - 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.

Miami - 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.

Florida legislation takes first jab in what could be on-going legal battle among specialties across country

Washington - A glycoprotein vaccine has induced significant protection against genital herpes disease in women with no evidence of either herpes simplex virus 1 or HSV 2 infection, said Stephen K. Tyring, M.D., Ph.D., at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Washington - The new 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 0.5 percent topical cream (Carac) indicated for the treatment of actinic keratoses offers more targeted drug delivery along with the potential for a more favorable safety profile than a previously available formulation containing a 10-fold higher concentration of active ingredient, according to results from comparative studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Could partaking of sugar, caffeine, and wine make one more attractive? Cosmetics companies think so - if they go on skin, not in the mouth. The latest skin care products are chock-full of these goodies that promise real benefits. Here's the news.

Washington - A resurgence of interest in the use of fillers as a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery technique has been accompanied by dramatic growth in the number of products available for soft tissue augmentation, Arnold W. Klein, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

New York - Combining biological vaccines with chemotherapy after surgery may increase life expectancies for patients in the most critical stages of melanoma, according to Steven O' Day, M.D., John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, Calif.

Washington - As methotrexate reaches the 50th anniversary of its first use as an antipsoriatic agent, it remains the gold standard for patients whose disease requires systemic treatment, Gerald D. Weinstein, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Dapsone, hydroxychloroquine, other agents help stem complications such as bone loss, cataracts, infections

Maui, Hawaii - Rosacea patients and the dermatologists who treat them should be especially mindful of the ingredients found in topical products because they may be a source of significant cutaneous reactions, S. Manjula Jegasothy, M.D., said at the 25th annual Hawaii Dermatology Seminar.

Lubbock, Texas - Results of a retrospective study evaluating recurrence rates following successful griseofulvin treatment for tinea capitis confirm what most dermatologists knew from their clinical experience - that the dose of griseofulvin used to treat this fungal infection should be at least 20 mg/kg/day.

Washington - In patients with severe toenail onychomycosis, combination topical and systemic antifungal therapy - consisting of locally applied amorolfine 5 percent nail lacquer plus oral terbinafine or itraconazole - improves response rates and is more cost-effective compared with oral treatment alone, according to research presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Dear Editor: I am writing to express my concerns and disappointment about Dr. Norman Levine's editorial comments published in the March issue of Dermatology Times ("The elephant in our living room: What is happening to dermatology?"). As co-chairman of the section on communications for the American Academy of Dermatology, no one is more acutely aware of the changing trends in dermatology than I am. Each time we consider implementing a new communications program for the academy, we must consider the interest of the entire membership. This, of course, has become increasingly difficult over the years due to the fact that our specialty now encompasses medically, surgically, and cosmetically oriented dermatologists.

Dear Editor: I am writing in response to the front-page article in your February 2001 issue ("AAD upholds decision to invalidate election"), which reports on the decision of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) board of directors to set aside the results of the election for the position of president-elect for 2001.

Washington - Efforts to regulate office-based surgery and require surgeons who perform cosmetic surgery to have additional credentials will require dermatologists across the country to carefully monitor state legislatures and medical boards, several speakers said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Miami - Officials of the American Academy of Dermatology, underoath here in a U.S. District Court, shed light into the mindset of the boardthat voted to invalidate the president-elect victory of Sorrel S. Resnik,M.D., in November.

Genomic information key to vaccines, novel drugs

Dallas - Acting quickly to help patients in need of advanced cardiaclife support is of the most importance, stressed Marc E. Boddicker, M.D.,during the annual joint meeting of the American Society for DermatologicSurgery and the American College of Mohs Micrographic Surgery and CutaneousOncology.

San Francisco - The Women's Dermatologic Society (WDS) is teaming up with Al Roker to educate and inform the public with a television program called "America’s Ethnic Skin: An Al Roker Special". The program airs on NBC May 24, PRNewswire reports.

San Francisco - Inexpensive earrings, those less than $50, are more likely to contain nickel, a common cause of dermatitis, according to a report published online in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Las Vegas - Skinvisible, a research and development company focused on dermatology products, has signed a licensing agreement with Embil Pharmaceutical Co. for the right to develop and market two acne products, Earthtimes.org reports.

Miami - Outside workers, who face the greatest risk of developing skin cancer from sun exposure, are the least likely to get skin exams, according to a report.

Berkeley, Calif. - Vivicare, a direct-to-patient education company, is teaming up with Graceway Pharmaceuticals to provide product marketing services for Aldara (Imiquimod), PharmaLive reports.

Dermatologists helped to launch and volunteer at Camp Wonder, an annual week-long camp for children with severe skin disease.

Coral Gables, Fla. - Stiefel Laboratories announces the acquisition of ABR Invent and ABR Development, developers of the dermal filler Atlean, PRNewswire reports.

Skillman, N.J. - The Skin Cancer Foundation’s "Road to Healthy Skin Tour", sponsored by Aveeno and Rite Aid, will offer free full-body skin cancer screenings across the United States, according to a press release.