Pediatric Dermatology

Boston — What distinguishes chronic urticaria — both autoimmune and chronic idiopathic?

Singapore — Although pulsed-dye lasers remain the most commonly used laser for treating vascular and pigmented birthmarks, they're by no means a perfect or one-size-fits-all solution.

Fortunately, dermatologists contacted by Dermatology Times report that the majority of their interactions with sales reps are positive and professional.

Chicago — Dermatology Times has received a Gold Triangle Award from the American Academy of Dermatology for its September, 2004 supplement, "The medical, emotional and financial impact of psoriasis."

The current focus on cosmetic dermatology has spurred interest among dermatology residents and practicing dermatologists about how to master this growing subspecialty.

National report -- A survey released last month says that 78 percent of teenage girls feel acne makes them feel embarrassed, unhappy, less attractive and wanting to hide their appearance.

National report --- According to a recent nationwide poll, nearly 90 percent of Americans say they guess a person's age in forming a first impression.

For such reasons, atopic dermatitis remains the only FDA-approved indication for the macrolactams.

The mouse is the first animal model that recapitulates both the histologic and immunologic characteristics of human psoriasis.

National report — With the hope of presenting practical advice that can be applied clinically to female patients by dermatologists across the country, five experts brought forward issues that regularly require attention — including one therapy that may forever change leg vein therapy by an invasive approach once thought not possible in the office setting.

One of the new things that researchers have uncovered is that the allergic response is actually a triple-phase reaction.

Buenos Aires, Argentina — Recent advances in the understanding of the skin immune system are represented in four major areas of research: Langerhans cell trafficking, innate immunity, complex genetic diseases with an immunologic basis and psoriasis, according to Stephen I. Katz, M.D., Ph.D., director, National Institute of Arthritis and Musculoskeletal and Skin Diseases, Bethesda, Md. Dr. Katz says, in each of these areas, there are potential therapeutic interventions.

The tongue is often the site for choristomas, a condition where normal tissue is in an abnormal place.

Charles M. Balch, M.D., used to see a pediatric melanoma case every one to two years. In recent years, the professor of surgery and oncology at Johns Hopkins Medical Institution, Baltimore, Md., says he sees a child or teenager with melanoma every one to two months.

Not all suicides can be prevented, says Richard G. Fried, M.D. But experts advise watching for the following warning signs

Schaumburg, Ill. — Many men, women and teenagers still believe that a tan looks healthy, according to several American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) surveys that polled Americans to determine their opinions of tanning and health. The polls also found that regardless of health risk, many people don't guard against sun exposure.

Surgical procedures are an integral part of the dermatology practice.

Annette M. Wagner, M.D., says doctors aren't always sure whether they should be removing lesions, at what age they should remove them or if other treatments are appropriate.

National report — The first-ever study attempting to assess the total burden of skin disease indicates that the toll exacted from Americans has been underestimated.

New Orleans — Mycosis fungoides (MF), the most common form of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, has been most commonly treated in its early stages with skin-directed therapies such as topical corticosteroids, nitrogen mustard, UVB, PUVA and total skin electron beam irradiation. More recently, dermatologists have begun using narrow-band UVB with a spectrum peak of 311 nm as an alternative treatment for early-stage MF.

New Orleans — As laser treatments continue to undergo refinement, many procedures once thought advisable only for Caucasian patients now can benefit ethnic patients as well.

Antipityrosporal 1 percent ciclopirox shampoo can be used weekly or once every two weeks to treat seborrheic dermatitis and prophylactically to prevent its recurrence, according to a study published in the Archives of Dermatology in January.

Allergic contact dermatitis can be a nightmare for those with serious cases, yet many dermatologists fail to use any form of patch test with their patients — a procedure that could lead to faster, more effective and definitive treatment, according to Bryan E. Anderson, M.D., assistant professor in the department of dermatology at Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pa.

Vancouver, British Columbia — Atopic dermatitis (AD) is on the rise around the world and affects 10 percent to 20 percent of children. The disease may continue into adulthood and may be the first step in an "atopic marathon" that leads to asthma and allergic rhinitis.

National report — The benefits of topical therapy for atopic dermatitis can be boosted with massage, according to a study in children. Massage not only improved patients' symptoms and quality of life but also helped to relieve their parents' anxiety.