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Beware of fake toxins

Michael Gold, M.D., at the MauiDerm 2014 conference shared his insight into the world of fake botulinum toxins. There is a huge counterfeit market, and it behooves dermatologists to be aware, because the products are easily acquired over the Internet or purchased overseas and carried into the United States.

Neuromodulators not equal

Joel Cohen, M.D., explained to attendees at MauiDerm 2014 the differences among the three approved botulinum toxin products and how to use them successfully to take advantage of their unique properties. He recommended that doctors really think about these products as unique and begin to use them for their individual properties.

New drugs, data and guidelines on acne and rosacea treatment were among the takeaways from days two and three of MauiDerm 2014. Presenters also described evidence-based suggestions for managing pigmentary disorders and updated information on infectious diseases.

A multispectral digital skin lesion analysis device may be useful in helping clinicians to classify clinically ambiguous lesions, detect early melanomas in young adults, and identify outlier lesions that should be biopsied, according to a collection of posters presented at MauiDerm 2014.

Know your nutraceuticals

Nutraceuticals and the claims that these products make have become increasingly popular on a global basis, according to an expert who spoke at MauiDerm 2014.

In an effort to learn more about patients’ experiences with advanced basal cell carcinoma and basal cell carcinoma nevus syndrome, researchers have developed two new questionnaires to evaluate and assess the effects of the diseases.

The Food and Drug Administration has approved GlaxoSmithKline’s Mekinist (trametinib) for use in combination with Tafinlar (dabrafenib) as a possible treatment for patients suffering from inoperable melanoma and certain types of metastatic melanoma.

The landscape of dermatology is rapidly changing and every practicing dermatolo-gist will almost certainly be affected. Dermatology Times asked Dirk Elston, M.D., president of the American Academy of Dermatology, to address some of these issues so that we may all have a better idea of what lies ahead for our specialty.

The American Academy of Dermatology has joined the Choosing Wisely campaign, recently releasing its list of five specific tests or procedures that are commonly performed but are not always necessary and might even cause harm.

Over the decades, many highly useful treatment modalities have been developed which have greatly improved the lives of our patients. However, many additional therapies with questionable usefulness have also become part of our treatment armamentarium.

Recent head-to-head clinical trial results with secukinumab (Novartis) and etanercept (Enbrel, Amgen) show a significant superiority of secukinumab in the treatment and management of patients with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, perhaps heralding a new standard of care for this patient population.

A new tumor staging system for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) has recently been put forward that, according to one recent study, improves prognostic discrimination by more precisely defining the small subset of tumors with a high risk of metastatic and death.

Atypical fibroxanthoma (AFX) and undifferentiated pleomorphic sarcoma (UPS) share a similar histological picture. But unlike AFX, UPS can have an aggressive clinical course, underscoring the importance of initial accurate diagnosis of these tumors, and the implementation of appropriate therapy.

We are often asked to help doctors to protect assets against future lawsuits. From this experience, we often learn what misconceptions physicians have regarding how to protect their assets from potential lawsuits.

Do you have a Facebook marketing strategy for your dermatology practice? Without a strategy and definitive goals to market your practice, you won’t be able to reach the people that need skincare services.