Diagnosing challenging melanocytic lesions typically requires combining immunostains-such as S100 and P16-with the dermatopathologist's subjective judgment, says an expert. Adjunctive genetic tests and morphologic analysis can provide further clues, though neither method is infallible.
EMRs provide a rich source of data points on human health, but interconnectivity remains a hurdle to harnessing the power.
Relationships between pediatric psoriasis and streptococcal infection, obesity, and genetics are discussed for their relevance to patient care.
Mark Lebwohl, M.D., reviews evidence pertaining to malignancy risks with biologics and the rationale for avoiding “drug holidays”.
The economies of scale leading to superior pay are only realized in huge ACOs that cover large numbers of patients who are healthy or face entry barriers to the medical system. While treating dermatologic conditions improves patient quality of life perceptions, it does not lead to decreased healthcare utilization. The best approach for dermatology issues is to tell the patient their psoriasis is really very minor, not worth treating, and it is unnecessary to see a dermatologist.
As tropical diseases piggyback to the U.S. with travelers, the armamentarium for treating them expands.
A 75-year-old man went to the doctor complaining of many blanching patches that had developed over the last several days as the weather turned cold again. The lesions formed a symmetric reticular pattern across his legs and feet. He had been diagnosed with Parkinson’s three years earlier, and a prescription of amantadine helped him manage his symptoms.
We utilize numerous medications in dermatology where potentially severe side effects can occur and can be detected by laboratory analysis. However, many commonly prescribed drugs rarely cause problems but have acquired the reputation of potentially toxic agents, which require close laboratory monitoring. Although many would disagree me, these are the medications that dermatologists over test.
Liability of physicians depends on whether the trainee physician is an agent of the supervising physician
A dermatologist describes how she uses fillers and, or botulinum toxin-A to restore disfiguring facial imbalances that result from Bell’s palsy.
Physicians often express a feeling of loss of control over their businesses even though they bear all the responsibility of a physician-owned practice. Many dermatologists have found a solution in adopting alternative practice models.
Dermatologist-developed technology complements other preventive and skin cancer monitoring approaches, may lead to earlier detection and fewer unnecessary biopsies.
Dermatologists attending the annual meeting for the Florida Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, in Naples, took a break from meeting sessions and presentations to hike a three-mile stretch of the beach wearing sun protective clothes and sunscreen, and talking with beachgoers about skin cancer recognition and prevention.
While many are in early phase studies, most of the new topical options are targeting sebum reduction, a novel pathway to controlling acne, and the data are exciting, one expert says.
New findings support dietary and supplementation practices that can influence acne. One expert discusses modifications in context of protocols for managing the condition.
Ginseng, an ancient Asian remedy, has long been believed to have therapeutic value for energy and memory as well as having anti-oxidative, anti-aging and anti-cancer properties. Studies are starting to provide backup for conventional wisdom, and are showing that ginseng can also benefit melasma, atopic dermatitis and hair loss
Study finds 13 of 29 UV filters disrupt sperm cell function; 8 of the 13 UV filters are approved for use in the United States and are found in other OTC products. Dermatology expert adds context.
Early study results indicate the potential for a new class of inhibitory compounds to enhance the effect of anti-tumor drugs in melanoma treatment. What the future may hold.
Researchers analyzed messages in an online forum to understand the most vexing issues facing rosacea patients. They found tremendous confusion around available therapeutics.
While a cause-and-effect link is elusive, it’s possible that environmental and lifestyle factors could explain why rosacea patients appear to suffer more from various conditions. But recent genetic research has hinted at inherited links between rosacea and autoimmune disorders. Recent findings provide more evidence.
While much progress has been made since interleukin-2 was used to treat melanoma, physicians are still weighing the advantages and disadvantages of monotherapy versus combination therapies.
Patients with psoriasis who have medical co-morbidities or difficult-to-treat phenotypes may require special consideration for treatment selection.
Options for topical treatment of psoriasis continue to expand with the development of products featuring novel vehicles or new molecules. Active research addresses this need.
Advances in the diagnosis and treatment of vascular lesions are decreasing the morbidity and cosmetic disfigurement in some affected patients. Dermatologists should note that education and reassurance help parents understand the severity or non-severity of certain lesions and treatment protocols. Learn more
Expert offers patient-pass-along tips on prolonging the life of multi-bladed razors, reducing skin irritation, and reasons why body wash is not an alternative to shave cream.
A 52-year-old woman who spent much of her spare time gardening went to the doctor after noticing a mottled blanching patch on the sides and front of her neck and superior chest. She had noticed the rash months earlier, but it had slowly gotten worse and she wanted to know if there was a treatment.
Social media is dynamic and fickle. Dermatologists should pick and choose the sites they participate in with great deliberation and be prepared to shift sites as the individual sites’ popularity or demographics change.
Whether you’re writing a 100-character teaser on Twitter, a compelling blog, an attention-grabbing post or a short video script, content is what drives social media interaction, says social media expert Patricia Redsicker.
The FDA approved Taltz (ixekizumab, Eli Lilly and Company) injection 80 mg/mL March 22 for treatment of moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adult patients who are candidates for systemic therapy or phototherapy. Learn more
Tattoo removal isn’t a simple, painless, or inexpensive process. Dig deep and learn how technology has changed the process.