Pediatric Dermatology

New York - Recent data suggests that refinements in dosing techniques can improve clinical outcomes with alefacept (Amevive, Biogen).

Internationally recognized researcher, Alan Menter, M.D., considers the future of psoriasis treatment.

National report - In the treatment of vitiligo, the 308-nm excimer laser (PhotoMedex) achieves results as favorable as those of other phototherapy modalities in one-third the time, according to James M. Spencer, M.D.

There is alitany of genetic and acquired disorders that cause hyper- and hypopigmentation, and no one-size-fits-all treatment for either the loss of or an excess of pigment.

Barring cost issues, new systemic therapies could soon be on the forefront

Biologic therapy yields promising results in treatment of psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis

Physician describes switch of patients from oral systemics to biologic therapy

New York - While acitretin remains a common oral treatment for psoriasis, oral tazarotene (Allergan), fumaric acid esters (FAEs), and oral pimecrolimus can cut side effects ranging from alopecia to liver and kidney damage, according to a recent study.

Maintaining patient compliance is critical in effectiveness of this form of treatment

Efficacy, safety encourage use for psoriasis

Charleston, S.C. - Biologic agents for pediatric dermatology offer the promise of being safer and much easier to use than traditional drugs, according to Elaine C. Siegfried, M.D., associate clinical professor of pediatrics and dermatology at St. Louis University School of Medicine, Mo.

New York - When diagnosing a pediatric hair disorder, be sure to examine not only the scalp, but also the skin, nails and even the mouth.

As knowledge increases, physician urges derm advocacy in political, regulatory fields

When treating black patients for hair and scalp disorders, clinicians must also have an understanding of hair care practices.

National report - A large, prospective, six-year clinical trial is well under way to investigate whether early, aggressive treatment of atopic dermatitis in infants can alter the future course of their skin disorder and the development of other manifestations of atopy, particularly asthma.

In dermatology, there are myriad diseases that can be affected by emotional aspects and in which coping with the disease is important.

Charleston, S.C. - Skin diseases are common among pediatric solid organ transplant recipients, and so dermatologists play an important role in the management of these children, said Maria C. Garzon, M.D., at the 2004 annual meeting of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology here.

Better care of infants contributes to decline in diaper rash, cradle cap; psoriasis on the rise

Kona, Hawaii - Tacrolimus ointment is superior to pimecrolimus cream in treating atopic dermatitis, according to recent trial data reported by Alan Fleischer, M.D., during the 28th Annual Hawaii Dermatology Seminar here. Both calcineurin inhibitors have identical modes of action and identical metabolism, and bind to the same FKBP receptor. "But pimecrolimus has one-third the binding affinity of tacrolimus," he says.

The literature also contained three case series that included 13 patients.

Victoria, British Columbia - Antihistamines are effective adjunctive therapy in the treatment of atopic dermatitis (AD), according to research presented at the annual meeting of the Canadian Dermatology Association.

Topical vitamin B12 cream may offer some atopic dermatitis patients a natural alternative to corticosteroids and topical immunomodulators, according to a new study.

New York - The increased pigment in darker skin types helps protect women of color against photodamage, but poses other important cosmetic issues for this patient population, says Valerie D. Callender, M.D.

Internationally recognized researcher, Alan Menter, M.D., considers the future of psoriasis treatment.

Albert Kligman, M.D., Ph.D., is a pioneer who continues to break new ground in dermatology.