Skin side effects from anticancer treatments can be a special burden for patients already suffering the extreme pressures of a cancer diagnosis. Treatments must be customized for patients based on the type of cancer and treatment, as well as the patient’s personal goals. Close and active relationships with patients are vital to assure the best possible outcome.
Extracorporeal photopheresis is underused for early-stage mycosis fungoides. ECP is capable of correcting the cytokine imbalance seen in patients with MF and results in an increase of Th1 cytokines. Clinicians should consider more frequent use in select patients
The terms ultra-hydrating and therapeutic, as they pertain to moisturizer formulation, are pure marketing gibberish, however they have tremendous consumer appeal.
Sensates are substances that induce a certain sensation when applied to the skin.
Skin hydration is an interesting term that has great consumer and scientific meaning.
Laser for melanoma in situ (MIS) should generally be reserved for nonsurgical, usually elderly patients. When indicated, MIS may be treated with CO2 laser or with combined Q-switched Nd:YAG and imiquimod. Any atypical-appearing lesion should be biopsied prior to the start of a laser treatment.
A recent study looked at the inpatient burden on patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) in the United States and found a significant financial burden due to the high hospitalization rates.
Hidradenitis suppurativa can impact children and teens physically and emotionally. A dermatologist explains potential differences between pediatric and adult HS.
Dr. Derm recently performed a fairly simple excision, discussed blood thinners, but failed to ask his patient about “natural” herbal intake. The patient did not take any prescription blood thinners, but did take high daily dosages of garlic and ginkgo. A lawsuit was brought against Dr. Derm. Can he really have liability for all the things people ingest these days?
Surgical and nonsurgical options provide effective treatment for the growing number of women seeking vaginal rejuvenation, experts say.
Whether you’re writing a newsletter for your patients or a memo for your staff, being able to write well is a profoundly useful talent. Here are a few simple ways to become a better writer.
In this month's Clinical Considerations, we look at handling the difficult patient, how to improve our diagnostic skills and the latest psoriasis drug approval.
Seven tips to help dermatology residents have a successful career.
All surgical management of melanoma is defined by Breslow thickness. For melanoma less than 1 mm in thickness, typically a SLNB is not required. Future imaging devices may better delineate the extent and depth of the tumor in vivo.
Genetic profiling is valuable in both diagnosis and prognosis of skin cancer. Hedgehog inhibitors and (superficial radiation therapy) SRT are strong contenders for treating nonmelanoma skin cancer. Advances in targeted therapies and biologics are part of the new wave of melanoma treatments.
Patient education can be a powerful tool that complements your expertise and boosts patient engagement.
Limited provider networks are cutting more than costs; these narrow networks are cutting dermatologists. One expert shares insight on what derms need to know.
Consolidation is occurring throughout healthcare. An expert talks about what it means to practicing dermatologists.
Hormonal therapies are an effective strategy to improve acne in women but some of these treatments, including birth control pills, are not commonly prescribed.
Norman Levine, M.D., notes that being a physician is not easy. A large part of the difficulty centers on the patient-doctor relationship and how one maximizes the benefits that the patient accrues by the care he receives.
As part of its updated guidelines for the treatment of acne published early last year, the American Academy of Dermatology included new recommendations for the use of oral isotretinoin.
Expert dermatologist describes how to create the virtual multispecialty clinic to address the complex needs of hidradenitis suppurativa.
Nonablative lasers, which are essentially modified hair removal lasers, offer treatment benefits for HS patients with stage 1 or stage 2 disease, according to dermatologist.
Instructional handouts help caregivers stick to complicated treatment plans for pediatric AD patients. Historically effective AD treatments are being augmented with new phosphodiesterase inhibitors and biologics. Gentler approaches such as massage, light therapy, and melatonin may also be of value for children with AD.
Drugs to treat atopic dermatitis are at the top of the FDA’s dermatology list. Biologics and PDE4 inhibitors show promise in the treatment of AD. Approval is still needed for the use of biologics to treat AD in pediatric patients.
With a long history in dermatology and rheumatology, TNF inhibitors can not only improve psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis, but they also may reduce comorbid cardiovascular risks and work better combined with methotrexate. Low doses of cyclosporine may be effective at treating the psoriasis reaction when topicals have proven ineffective. Aggressively managing TNF-induced reactions can help patients stay on drugs that are working for other challenging diseases.
Dermatologists should be versed and informed about the specific attitudes and lifestyle habits that could be fueling rising skin cancer risk in the Hispanic population, according to dermatologist Maritza I. Perez, M.D.
Cyclosporine and PUVA clearly increase the risk of squamous cell carcinomas, and there is evidence that TNF blockers and methotrexate may do so to a lesser degree. UVB phototherapy has not been shown to cause skin cancer. Acitretin offers protection against the development of basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas.
Patients who carry a high-penetrance melanoma predisposition gene can often benefit from screening for other cancers. Patients who receive a positive genetic test result are more likely to embrace prevention and detection measures. A new “Rules of Three” proposes a point-based guideline to help determine who should be referred for genetic counseling and testing.
Today’s SRT technology embodies very small, stable machines. Radiation leaks are not longer a concern. The SRT-100 System serves both an important medical and cosmetic role.
