There is no doubt cosmetic dermatology has grown as a proportion of dermatology practices, but it has not taken over the specialty completely. On Call talked to a number of dermatologists around the country who consider themselves general dermatologists. They work as solo practitioners, in groups and in large hospital settings. They have been in practice for 20 years or four years.
Portland, Ore. - The topical immunomodulator pimecrolimus cream 1 percent (ASM 981, Elidel) significantly reduces flares without systemic adverse events in children with atopic dermatitis, according to researchers.
Opposition claims legislation will subject physicians to a new sourceof legal action
Do you depend on T-shirts to protect you from the sun's damaging rays? They may not block as much ultraviolet light as you think.
Q. Every time I shave my legs, they get extremely irritated. AnythingI can do?
Q. I breathe oxygen for free - should I pay for a treatment?
Had a skin rash recently? Your computer may be to blame, said researchersat Stockholm University in Sweden.
Q. I'm African-American and I have beige spots all over my body (except my face). My doctor said they are vitiligo, but I disagree. According to a book I have, they resemble something called epidermodysplasia verruciformis, which can lead to carcinoma. Is there a natural cure for these ailments?
Q. Whenever I shave, I get angry red bumps on my neck (but noton my face). Why does this happen, and are there any natural ways to preventit?
Q. Do I need moisturizer? I have oily skin.
For physicians faced with decision of which contracts to sign, help is available thanks to survey sent to managed care firms
Remaining nodes in basin require removal when patients present with tumors
Development shows promise in postsurgical milieu by allowing more timely therapeutic intervention
Palm Beach, Fla. - Paraphenylenediamine, or PPD, the main chemical used in permanent hair dye colors, is the third most common cosmetic allergen, preceded by preservatives (No. 1) and fragrances (No. 2), James S. Taylor, M.D., said at annual meeting of the Noah Worcester Dermatological Society.
Hershey, Pa. - There is potential for growing problems from the use of triglycidyl isocyanurate, which is used as a hardener in thermosetting polyester powder coatings in products ranging from patio furniture to auto parts, said Bruce A. Brod, M.D., in an address at the American Contact Dermatitis Society gathering that highlighted state-of-the-art issues.
Specific occupations may lend workers to exposure of drugs and chemicals that lead to photodamage hazards
Expansive list of dermatological conditions responsive to treatment continues to grow
Treatment using irradiation devices allows high light dose exposure, leaves unanswered questions about long-term risks
Vancouver, British Columbia - In his 20 years of working with HIV/AIDS patients, Alastair McLeod, M.D., has seen a dramatic change in the incidence and severity of several skin conditions common to the disease. The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy has eliminated some conditions and greatly improved others, yet other conditions have not shown marked improvement with the drugs.
New guidelines suggest limiting time on therapy reduces toxicity
Study shows switching treatment from calcipotriene/corticosteroid can improve disease status, patient satisfaction
Study results of new formulation feature once-daily application, greater consistency
Contraceptive failure, nonuse cited as primary causes. Meticulous follow-up and documentation is necessary monitoring by prescribing physician
Florida legislation takes first jab in what could be on-going legal battle among specialties across country
Washington - Two topics - metal allergies and their effect on restenosis in stents, and the debate as to whether flu shots should be denied to those with thimerosal allergies - top a list of contact dermatitis concerns, according to an expert on the condition.
