News

A patient with psoriasis asks dermatologists to put themselves in their patients' shoes and look at the condition from that perspective.

Richard D. Granstein, M.D., chairman of dermatology, Weill Cornell Medical College, New York, has conducted research on how the nervous system and, perhaps, stress can make psoriasis worse or control the phenotypic expression of psoriasis.

The psychiatric comorbidities associated with psoriasis deserve more attention from physicians around the globe, experts say.

The results of two large phase 3 clinical trials suggest that the drug secukinumab (Novartis) is a remarkably effective treatment for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

Content related to dermatology and dermatologic conditions is widely available on YouTube, but identifying sources for some of the content remains a challenge, according to results of a recent study.

Advanced basal cell carcinoma is a term whose frequency of usage has increased recently, in part, due to the introduction of the Hedgehog pathway inhibitor, vismodegib. Advanced basal cell carcinoma (aBCC) is comprised of two subtypes of BCC associated with significant morbidity and mortality, locally advanced BCC (laBCC) and metastatic BCC (metBCC).

Many psoriasis patients develop psoriatic arthritis. Dermatologists should be on the lookout for arthritis symptoms and refer patients to rheumatologists when appropriate.

Many doctors, including dermatologists, would rather not address patients’ feelings about psoriasis. It’s part of how dermatologists protect themselves from bearing the burdens of patients’ woes, according to Richard Fried, M.D., Ph.D., a dermatologist and clinical psychologist in Yardley, Pennsylvania.

Telemedicine is a term that covers any use of electronic communication technology to convey medical information. It can be as basic as seeking a consultation or as advanced as robotic surgery. Teledermatology can be practiced in the role of a consultant or as a seeker of consultation. However, this practice is fraught with liability issues.

Laser and light device treatments are infiltrating cosmetic and medical dermatology, causing many in the specialty to consider starting or growing laser practices. While the decision to go into the laser side of dermatology works out well for many, it can be a costly mistake for those who don’t do their homework, experts warn.

Injectable fillers are used in a variety of ways to improve the appearance of the aging face. However, because not all fillers are alike, it is important for dermatologic surgeons to understand the features and benefits of each product in order to optimize its clinical use, says W. Philip Werschler, M.D.

There are no valid reasons, in my opinion, that everyone should not have access to high quality healthcare. Sadly, due to corrupt governments, geographic isolation, religious and ethnic conflicts, poor economies, inadequate education, ineffective leadership or a simple lack of will, much of the world’s population - especially those in Third World countries - has little or no access to healthcare. This is a gigantic problem with global implications that has no simple solution.

The Food and Drug Administration has granted orphan drug designation to Galderma’s trifarotene molecule for the treatment of congenital ichthyosis.

Polymethylmethacrylate (PMMA) microspheres in collagen are effective for treating atrophic acne scars, results of a recent study suggest.

A novel delivery system of an old drug designed to treat herpes labialis resulted in fewer recurrences of next herpes episodes, shorter durations of episodes, and increased incidence of blocked episodes.

Successfully managing cutaneous drug reactions requires including drug reactions in the differential diagnosis of most cutaneous eruptions, and recognizing severe reactions where treatment may improve outcomes, an expert says.

Electronic surface brachytherapy allows dermatologists to offer patients another safe, effective option for nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), many experts say. And if the specialty doesn’t seize the opportunity, they add, it might lose some skin cancer treatments to radiation oncologists.

Hawaii has passed legislation that prohibits minors under the age of 18 from indoor tanning, according to a news release. The bill is effective immediately.

The Food and Drug Administration has issued a warning that some common over-the-counter acne treatments can cause severe irritation or even life-threatening allergic reactions.

Merz has entered a definitive merger agreement to acquire energy device maker Ulthera in a deal that could be valued at more than $600 million.

Physicians are prescribing antibiotics for acne for shorter durations, but almost one-fifth of antibiotic therapies for acne still exceed six months, according to results of a recent study.

A Yale University dermatologist says the rheumatoid arthritis drug tofacitinib citrate allowed a patient with alopecia universalis to grow a full head of hair.

Lymphoseek is now approved by the Food and Drug Administration to help clinicians determine whether squamous cell carcinoma has spread to a patient’s head and neck region.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved Sivextro (tedizolid phosphate, Cubist Pharmaceuticals) for the treatment of acute skin infections.

Leg ulcers are a common and difficult management problem for all dermatologists. Robert Kirsner, M.D., professor and vice chairman, dermatology, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, director of the University of Miami Hospital Wound Center, elucidates the diagnosis and management of these challenging skin problems.

Loss of volume is a significant cause of the appearance of facial aging, Jill Hessler, M.D., Palo Alto, Calif., said during her presentation at Vegas Cosmetic Surgery 2014. The resulting pseudoptosis can often be fixed using fillers to replace lost fat pad volume and restore natural contours to bony areas.

“Can we improve acne with Ultherapy?” It’s a question Michael Gold, M.D., Nashville, Tenn., asked during his presentation, “Micro-focused Ultrasound and RF for Skin Tightening: New Clinical Concepts,” at Vegas Cosmetic Surgery 2014 recently.

Fat is a valuable tool in the plastic surgeon’s armamentarium. However, use it cautiously, says Val Lambros, M.D., Newport Beach, Calif. Take the time to build experience and get comfortable with fat behavior and the various complications that potentially come with this natural filler.

Is it ethical to name or trademark a surgical procedure? It depends, of course, but an expert explains that it's less about the trademark and more about placing value on the surgeon-patient bond.

Creating your own in-house training can benefit your staff and your practice in many ways, according to Jody Comstock, M.D., an aesthetic dermatologist in private practice in Tucson, Ariz. She walked attendees of the 2014 Vegas Cosmetic Surgery conference through the development of her staff bootcamp.