News

The MauiDerm 2014 meeting kicked off Sunday with a Hawaiian blessing led by the conference's organizer, George Martin, M.D., Dermatology and Laser Center of Maui, Kihei, Hawaii.

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.

Valeant Pharmaceuticals has partnered with a beauty company to create aesthetic products, beginning with a technology that reshapes the appearance of the skin.

Dermoscopy can be a useful and reliable tool to differentiate between superficial basal cell carcinoma and other basal cell carcinoma subtypes, according to a recent study.

There are more tanning facilities than McDonald’s restaurants in the state of Florida, according to recent research.

A Massachusetts dermatology practice has agreed to pay a $150,000 settlement to the federal government, the result of an unencrypted thumb drive containing patient data being stolen from a staff member’s car.

An analysis of 60 papers related to skin ulcer treatment suggests that the research presented in the majority of the papers is flawed, leading to unreliable results.

Common gastrointestinal side effects to methotrexate may include anticipatory, associative and behavioral symptoms, aside from post-treatment nausea and vomiting, according to a new report.

The implementation of next generation technologies coupled with the acquisition of a more in-depth knowledge of dermatologic diseases and conditions are proving to be very helpful in better treating and managing patients.

While government funds for research in dermatology and other medical specialties seems to be dwindling, there are forces at work that could help to pick up at least part of the slack.

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.

Alone or in combination with other lasers, the picosecond laser can treat a variety of cosmetic concerns including tattoos, scars and striae, an expert says.

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.

Antiperspirants and not deodorants are the culprit in skin irritation. The antiperspirant decreases sweating while the deodorant simply provides a pleasant scent to the armpit.

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.

The Orlando Dermatology Aesthetic and Clinical Conference, held Jan. 17-20 in Orlando, Fla., has several changes in store for 2014.

A study shows data to suggest there is evidence of subtype progression in rosacea, and that flushing is not a universal characteristic of patients with subtype 1 rosacea.

As 2013 came to a close, Dermatology Times asked some of its editorial advisory board members what they considered to be some of the most clinically relevant advances in the past year.

New research indicates that outer skin cells are able to unite to form a bridge during wound healing. The finding may lead to advances in tissue engineering, artificial skin design and improved wound treatment.

Researchers may have found a new technique for identifying suspicious-looking moles: crowdsourcing.

Sandoz has begun a phase 3 trial of a biosimilar version of adalimumab (Humira, AbbVie) for moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

What does the future look like for cosmetic medicine and aesthetic treatments? Jwala Karnik, M.D., chief medical officer, Suneva Medical, weighs in on three trends that are expected to impact cosmetic dermatology.

Results of a Johns Hopkins study suggest that cancer triggers the autoimmune disease scleroderma.

The Food and Drug Administration has proposed a rule that would require manufacturers of antibacterial hand soaps to demonstrate that their products are safe and effective.