Jane Schwanke

Although the expression "I was so stressed I broke out in hives" is quite common, it can be a challenge for dermatologists to identify the psychosocial precipitants of chronic urticaria, according to Josie Howard, M.D., a psychiatrist in private practice, and clinical instructor departments of psychiatry and dermatology, University of California, San Francisco. But that is beginning to change, she says.

Many factors guide decisions on choice of appropriate closure

All patients should receive equal treatment for skin cancer, but there are important considerations when treating the elderly.

The surge in waterless hand sanitizers is creating an increase in brittle nails. An expert discusses some tried-and-true treatments that can help.

While most skin problems that may occur during pregnancy are harmless, some can pose risks for the mother and fetus.

One expert says dermatologists need no longer use drugs with significant side effects when treating atopic dermatitis - he has invented a new technology to repair the skin barrier.

National report - An over-the-counter compound with essential oils is not only superior in completely killing community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus organisms, it also acts faster than two other OTC products for the prevention of skin and soft-tissue infections, researchers say.

Reconstruction of the nose using a pedicled flap from the forehead is the top-of-the-line procedure when it comes to restoring contour, form and function to the nose following extensive skin cancer removal. While few dermatologists are well trained to perform it, many patients need and deserve this face-saving surgery. Here's what you should know.

A study evaluating the safety and effectiveness of the VelaSmoothâ„¢ laser system has shown that a combination of radiofrequency energy, infrared light and mechanical manipulation can provide positive results in the treatment of cellulite.

National report - People are more often choosing herbal remedies to treat their chronic rosacea.

San Francisco - While formal studies have yet to be conducted, an emerging injection technique for facial-fat grafting seems to add volume to the aging face with long-lasting if not permanent results and without fear of allergic reactions. The technique, called fat autograft muscle injection (FAMI), appears loaded with potential benefits for physicians and patients, according to unpublished data compiled by Stephen H. Mandy, M.D. clinical professor of dermatology, University of Miami School of Medicine.

Barcelona -- Hair grows at an average rate of one-half inch a month. Unfortunately, technological developments in the field of hair growth and hair loss have not increased much faster. The major reason for delays in this field, according to Dominique J.J. Van Neste, M.D., Ph.D., managing director of Skinterface in Tournai, Belgium, could be an apathetic attitude about technology for detecting hair problems.

Barcelona - Until now, scientists have known that estrogens significantly affect the hair cycle in rodents, although disparities have lingered as to the hormone's impact on human hair.

Barcelona ?? The next time one of your female patients worries that her thinning hair will lead to baldness, you can reassure her that, most likely, it does not mean she is going bald. The same goes for women who are experiencing recession near her temples, a less common variety of hair loss.

The grief cast by SARS - Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome - is written all over the face of Hong Kong dermatologist Henry H. Chan, F.R.C.P.