Pediatric Dermatology

The training's tough, hours can be long, and the pay ... not usually as high as what other dermatologic subspecialists make; still, pediatric dermatologists contend that the career offers doctors challenging options in dermatology and the chance to impact children's quality of life.

The overwhelming majority of pediatric cases that present in dermatology are not urgent. However, doctors must be able to identify those that are, such as Kawasaki disease.

EAST POINT, Georgia – According to the literature, new treatments for keloids and hypertrophic scars include intralesional interferon, 5-FU, doxorubicin, bleomycin, verapamil, retinoic acid, imiquimod 5 percent cream, tacrolimus, tamoxifen, botulinum toxin, TGF-beta3 and rhIL-10. Unfortunately, none of these treatments have been proven to be safe in the pediatric population. A growing body of evidence suggests, however, that imiquimod 5 percent cream is an effective and appropriate treatment for hypertrophic scars and keloids after surgery or trauma in pediatric patients.

Patient age, hemangioma location and related complications are factors to consider when treating infantile meningiomas, an expert says.

Systemic corticosteroids ormedical intervention is indicated for hemangiomas of infancy. Recenliterature reports describe favorable experience with off-label use of imiquimod cream 5 percent (Aldara, Graceway), becaplermin gel 0.01percent (Regranex, Ortho-McNeil) and vincristine.

Melbourne, Australia - An Australian study suggests that nurses may be more effective in reducing the severity of atopic eczema in infants, children and adolescents than those treated by a dermatologist, ReutersHealth reports.

A retrospective, longitudinal cohort study was undertaken to analyze the effects of the FDA advisory on off-label topical calcineurin inhibitor (TCI) treatment practice patterns for infants with atopic dermatitis (<2 years of age). The results show a reduction in overall utilization of AD-related medications and reduced utilization of TCIs coupled with early introduction of topical corticosteroid treatment after the advisory compared to the period preceding the advisory.

Vascular laser surgery for port wine stains has led the way in pediatric dermatology surgery and can significantly improve the condition. The period from six to 18 months offers a good window for treatment.

The standard treatment for uncomplicated infantile hemangiomas continues to be active nonintervention, but researchers are making headway in offering faster options than the watch-and-wait approach.

Achieving good cosmetic surgical outcomes in children can be challenging, as issues of compliance play a pivotal role in maximizing outcomes. According to one specialist, success hinges on following some tricks of the pediatric trade.

Studies to date have revealed interesting findings in the structure aInd function of healthy infant skin and how those features change during infancy. This research may lead to the development of better infant skincare products.

Novel therapeutic options for warts or atopic dermatitis include immunotherapy for the former, and cyclosporine and recombinant interferon gamma for the latter.

Studies to date have revealed interesting findings in the structure aInd function of healthy infant skin and how those features change during infancy. This research may lead to the development of better infant skincare products.

Forty percent to 75 percent of cases of diaper dermatitis lasting three or more days are complicated by documented candidiasis.

Washington - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a new warning about omalizumab, an asthma drug marketed by Genentech as Xolair, and has requested that the manufacturer add “black box” warnings to the product’s label reflecting the risk of anaphylaxis.

Q: What cosmetics are best for the patient with recurrent facial MRSA?

Danville, Pa. - Effective office-based patch testing requires physicians to go beyond the limits of a popular commercially available test, when possible, and take second readings on every patient, an expert says.

Pittsburgh - New "activated" moisturizers help the skin retain moisture, and they also repair abnormalities with the skin at baseline in atopic dermatitis patients, according to Douglas W. Kress, M.D., of Children's Dermatology Services at Children's Hospital of Pittsburgh.

Coral Gables, Fla. - Stiefel Laboratories' recent purchase of Connetics blends Connetics' innovative vehicle technology with Stiefel's worldwide marketing reach, company officials say. For dermatologists and patients, the acquisition augurs a steady stream of new applications for vehicles including the popular, patient-friendly foam pioneered by Connetics.

International report - French surgeons have performed the world's third partial face transplant - with "already amazing" results - on a man suffering from the rare genetic disorder neurofibromatosis.

Many of the new treatments on the market are not distinctive in their key ingredients, but represent a new formulation or vehicle of an available agent.

Hanover, N.H. - A community-wide sun safety intervention targeting middle-school-aged children was effective in changing sun-protection behaviors and reducing skin cancer risks, WebMD reports.

National report - The Food and Drug Administration's role is a necessary one, dermatologists say, but regulatory red tape can slow the introduction of new drugs into the marketplace, and post-marketing restrictions can hamper efforts to deliver effective medications to patients.

Dr. Monheit also tapes the face to remind the patient to restrain from facial motion.

Q What is the mechanism of action of lip plumping cosmetics?

Omaha, Neb. - A patient presenting to a primary care physician with complaints of an arm rash may not be particularly unusual, but one unusual case illustrates the need for proactive cooperation between primary care physicians and specialists to best serve the patient's needs.

The severe hyperpigmentation began at 2 weeks of age and continued until 8 years of age, when the pigment began to disappear leaving behind a light-brown colored skin and numerous lentigines.

Because the condition is rare, there is no one standard medication that is administered.

Ambient humidity influenced the rate of skin barrier maturation in extremely preterm infants.

National report - Experienced dermatologists would agree that some dermatoses are easier to treat than others.