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.
Orlando, Fla. — Poorly controlled atopic dermatitis (AD) may remain elusive to treatment, particularly if its pathogenesis is not understood. While it is known that the altered barrier of atopic skin provides a portal of entry for various pathogens, it is the skin inflammation in AD that reduces the ability of patients with atopy to fight infection, according to Donald Y. M. Leung, M.D., Ph.D., head of pediatric allergy-immunology at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver.
After fragrance, the next most common source of contact dermatitis, as a class, is preservatives, and the most common preservative is paraben.
Mild reactions to latex may involve skin redness, rash, hives or itching; more severe reactions can include wheezing and difficulty in breathing.
San Diego — The lipid enhanced, emollient cream formulation of hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1 percent (Locoid, Ferndale) effectively treats moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in children and does so with excellent systemic safety, at least when used over a period of up to four weeks, said Lawrence F. Eichenfield, M.D., at the Pediatric Dermatology for the Practitioner Meeting here.
Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Photo-Pneumatic Technology Therapy? (PPx), manufactured by Aesthera Corp., is showing promise as an innovative new approach for enhancing the safety and efficacy of hair removal and nonablative skin rejuvenation procedures, according to Vic A. Narurkar, M.D, who spoke at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.
The study was set up to have one unblinded observer, the patient and a blinded observer studying the patient’s skin at every visit.
Laser technology, according to Dr. Zachary, is better left in the hands of physicians and not in unregulated, under-supervised cosmetic spa environments.
Botulinum toxin is a complex protein produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum toxin type A injections can be used to treat various focal muscle spastic disorders and excessive muscle contractions such as dystonias and spasms.
New Orleans — Rather than simply plumping up the back of the hand, fat injections given there perform a host of rejuvenation functions that researchers are just beginning to understand.
A new study suggests that childhood melanoma presents with peculiar features, which might make it trickier to diagnose than adult cutaneous melanoma.
