News

A new genetic test can identify patients with nonmetastatic melanoma who are at high risk of recurrence, according to validation data presented at the 2013 summer meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Tattoos may make pigmented lesions and skin cancers particularly difficult to detect, according to recent research.

A novel ultrasound applicator significantly accelerated tissue healing in patients with venous ulcers, according to findings from a small clinical study.

Dr. Laser has been doing laser procedures for more than a decade. He has a great reputation and thousands of happy patients. Two years ago he performed a laser procedure on a patient who unfortunately scarred afterward. The procedure was undertaken in the same manner as hundreds of other similar procedures performed by Dr. Laser. He also obtained a signed consent form from his patient warning her about the risk of scarring.

Various approaches are being initiated to treat wild-type, BRAF mutated melanoma, according to the director of the Melanoma Program and co-leader of the Signal Transduction Program at Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center in Nashville, Tenn.

As we approach the fourth quarter of the year, most of our physician clients now have a fairly good idea of what their taxable income will be for 2013. If you are like these clients, you may be wondering “is there anything I can do now to save taxes on April 15?” The answer is very likely “yes.”

The term “cosmeceutical” was coined in 1984 by Albert Kligman, M.D., Ph.D., to describe an emerging category of skincare products. Dr. Kligman, known for his work on topical retinoids, used this term to describe skincare products that provided therapeutic benefits to the skin above and beyond what would be seen with simple cosmetics.

Many of those differences between men and women come into play in how men behave and are treated in dermatologists’ offices.

Even though bacteria such as Propionibacterium acnes share the same genus and species, says an expert, recent research suggests that different P. acnes strains may behave differently, which could have profound implications for acne treatment.

The systemic treatments of psoriasis are rapidly evolving as pharmaceutical companies continue their research to discover safer and more tolerable systemic medications for psoriasis patients.

Researchers have recently identified gamma delta T cells as having an important role in the pathogenesis of psoriasis. This considerable breakthrough in the pathogenesis of the disease could potentially have far-reaching implications in terms of more targeted therapies for psoriasis.

For dermatologists, battling the growing problem of drug counterfeiting requires wariness and common sense, says a Food and Drug Administration expert who spoke at Cosmetic Boot Camp, held here.

Efforts to prevent and chemoprevent melanoma are ongoing, and though much still needs to be done, one expert says some inroads are being made that may impact mortality, morbidity and quality of life.

Eight experts discussed their views on the counterfeit market at the recent Vegas Cosmetic Surgery and Aesthetic Dermatology meeting in Las Vegas. Susan Weinkle, M.D., Bradenton, Fla., who moderated the panel, summed up the group’s consensus by stating, “Patient safety needs to be first and foremost. We need to use products that have been evaluated, that companies have put their research dollars behind to have data to support using them safely in our patients.”

Merz Pharma Group has entered into an agreement with Neocutis to acquire its cosmetic, prescription and over-the-counter skincare products.

More frequent debridement leads to better wound healing outcomes, according to recent study results.

A topical analgesic of lidocaine-epinephrine-tetracaine decreased pain in up to 50 percent of pediatric patients undergoing wound repair with tissue adhesive, results of a new study indicate.

Patients who have undergone soft-tissue filler procedures are overwhelmingly satisfied with the outcomes, according to survey results from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

The adoption of electronic health records by physicians and hospitals is not only benefiting the patient, but the healthcare provider, too, according to new data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS).

Patients with skin cancer have better odds of survival if they have more than one primary tumor, according to results of a recent study.

Many pediatric patients with melanoma do not demonstrate symptoms falling within the ABCDE detection criteria, researchers say.

Scientists have identified mutations in the AQP5 gene, which encodes a water channel protein known as aquaporin 5, as the underlying cause of diffuse non-epidermolytic palmoplantar keratoderma (NEPPK).

A vaccine being tested for its effectiveness in treating melanoma demonstrated success in triggering an immune response against the disease, according to results of a recent study.

One in seven survivors of basal cell carcinoma returns to indoor tanning beds despite their history of skin cancer, results of a new study indicate.

Curbside consultation is an efficient and effective way to provide care without the administrative encumbrances that often dominate daily clinical practice. It supports the primary care physician and avoids overburdening staff and generating patient dissatisfaction with unpredictable wait times.

The Food and Drug Administration has given 510(k) clearance to Solta Medical for its Fraxel DUAL 1550/1927 laser system for the treatment of pigmented lesions such as lentigos and ephelides.

A small group of congressional leaders have teamed with dermatology groups to form a bipartisan caucus focused on addressing the epidemic of skin cancer in the United States.

Melanoma recurs in about one in 20 patients about 10 years after their initial treatment, according to a recent study.

Using sunscreen daily can slow the signs of skin aging in middle-aged adults, recent research suggests.

A medical practice owner should spend some of his/her time working on the practice, not just in the practice. We know this because we have our own practice ourselves. Even if the owner works “on” the practice, however, if they ignore one fundamental legal contract, all of his/her work may be in jeopardy - as a single bad event could wipe out everything they have worked so hard to build.