Dermatologists should consider using the diuretic drug spironolactone to treat acne in women instead of antibiotics, researchers report. 

Spironolactone as effective as antibiotics

Study of 144 female students shows that stress may increase acne severity.

Psychological stress as acne cause

Pennsylvania Dermatology Partners tells its story of technological support and success.

Technology:  A private practice’s best friend

Discordance between increase in billed procedures vs increase in number of patients.

Lack of standardization?

It is only recently that continued research has led to significant advances in numerous immune-based drugs that can successfully be used in patients with advanced melanoma (stage III and IV).

Update:  Immunotherapy for melanoma

Until the approval of Eskata (hydrogen peroxide) for the treatment of raised seborrheic keratosis back in December, there was no FDA-approved treatment for this condition. Learn the latest in this article.

A new treatment for seborrheic keratosis examined

Researchers writing in JAMA Dermatology report that patients diagnosed with hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) are at a higher risk for having or developing Crohn’s disease (CD).

Hidradenitis suppurativa and Crohn’s disease link

Topical rapamycin significantly improves facial angiofibromas secondary to tuberous sclerosis complex, according to data from a 6-month randomized placebo-controlled study.

Topical rapamycin improves facial skin lesions in tuberous sclerosis complex

Physicians throughout the country are recruiting patients for two phase three clinical trials of cantharidin for the treatment of molluscum contagiousum. a viral skin condition.

 Clinical trials recruiting:  Molluscum contagiousum

Ortho Dermatologics announced in August that it resubmitted a new drug application to the FDA for DUOBRIITM1, a lotion for the treatment of plaque psoriasis.

Psoriasis lotion seeks FDA approval

PharmaTimes reported in August that the Spanish company Almirall acquired Allergan’s U.S. dermatology portfolio for $650 million.

Almirall strengthens its place in U.S. market

In October, the Food and Drug Administratin is expected to decide on the approval of omadacycline (Paratek Pharmaceuticals) for the treatment of acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections, and community-acquired bacterial pneumonia.

FDA to consider omadacycline

The best and worst states for healthcare

In this month's Cosmetic Conundrums column, Dr. Draelos addresses “tight skin,” the use of menthol in skin care products and over-the-counter itch relieving products.

Is tight skin post shower a good thing?

WE medical trip to India ends in eye-opening lessons learned.

The journey begins when the trip ends

Helping a dermatopathologist diagnose neoplasms and infections of the foot requires not only taking adequate samples, but in many cases, sending clinical photographs with them.

Mastering the nail biopsy

The new Thermage FLX adds speed and ease of use to the only monopolar radiofrequency (RF) device FDA-cleared for use on body and facial locations, including the eyelids, with a single treatment.

Thermage FLX:  Single-session standout

One hurdle in treating patients, particularly children and teens, is ensuring compliance with treatment protocols. It can feel like an uphill battle, but there are things you can do to improve your patients’ adherence level.

7 ways to keep patients compliant

The September 2018 issue of Dermatology Times includes a special supplment on treating acne scarring. It highlights some of the latest advances in treating patients who suffer from this condition.

Special Dermatology Times supplement:  Acne scarring

A new Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services plan for payment for evaluation and management services (E/M) has been proposed and CMS is currently accepting comments through 5 p.m., Sept. 10. The new rules would apply to all E/M services delivered after Jan. 1, 2019.

CMS proposes new reimbursement guidelines:  Are they kidding?

While claims don’t always lead to court cases, they can lead to stress, says Stephen E. Wolverton, M.D., a dermatologist with Indiana University Health in Bloomington, Ind. Learn more about managing the stress associated with malpractice claims.

Put the risk of a malpractice lawsuit into perspective

False eyelashes and hair extensions could become a problem if it becomes representative of the “ideal” woman.

The ideal woman?

Introducing a new column called "Innovation" from the co-founders of Advancing Innovation in Dermatology Accelerator Fund. In the first installment of this series, Drs. Steve Xu and William Ju address the importance of innovation in dermatology.

Innovation matters in dermatology

As dermatologists become increasingly aware of comorbidities associated with psoriasis, questions of associated malignancy risk remain. Dr. Megan Noe emphasizes the need for skin cancer checks.

Skin cancer checks in psoriasis

“As dermatologists, we are trained in managing acne. We can provide early and effective treatment that improves the physical and psychological effects. It is up to us to bridge the gap between those suffering from acne and their access to medical treatment." 

Are you equipped to identify depression in your acne patient?

Researchers writing in the Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology outline 10 treatments for acne scarring, plus possible future treatments.

10 Treatments for acne scarring

Mapping the human genome for chronic itch holds the potential to develop targeted therapy for atopic dermatitis and psoriasis itch, a study shows.

Genetic factors unique to itch

Study shows that blocking IL-13 improves atopic dermatitis ― a promising finding for IL-13 atopic dermatitis drugs in development.

Clinical trials report: Tralokinumab for atopic dermatitis

Solid organ transplant recipients experience an average of two cutaneous squamous cell carcinomas following their transplant.

Skin cancer occurrence after solid organ transplant

Two to three months of neoadjuvant topical imiquimod, 5%, cream prior to conservatively staged excisions for lentigo maligna (LM) is associated with a low rate of recurrence.

Dermatology Times, September 2018 (Vol. 39, No. 9)