News

The human interleukin-12 and interleukin-23 (IL-12/IL-23) inhibitor ustekinumab (Stelara, Janssen) is effective and is well tolerated in patients who have active psoriatic arthritis.

Popular media coverage of purported links between isotretinoin and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) are largely overblown, as are patients’ concerns regarding the risks of oral contraceptive pills (OCPs) for acne, according to an expert.

Successful cosmetic treatment of men with skin of color requires dermatologists to recognize their unique differences in anatomy and skin aging.

An accurate assessment of the potential cause of chronic pruritus, coupled by a careful selection of current standard treatments as well as new and emerging therapies, can be instrumental in helping to quell the symptoms of this sometimes severely debilitating condition.

Melasma is one of the most challenging aesthetic conditions we face in our dermatology practices. Driven by both internal (hormonal) and external (sun exposure) factors, melasma can be improved with sunscreen, topical bleaching agents, chemical peels, and laser and light sources, but long-term remission has proven elusive.

The field of alternative medicine is increasing in popularity among dermatologists in the United States, particularly among their patients. Though conventional treatment approaches can be effective in quelling the symptoms associated with atopic dermatitis and other cutaneous diseases and conditions, “natural” remedies can also be of significant value in carefully selected patients.

Results of a retrospective chart review revealed patients with melanoma who present with bulky axillary disease develop distant metastases very quickly, prompting the plan for a prospective study to examine the preoperative impact of shrinking tumors through the use of systemic therapy.

Dermatological side effects can occur with treatments for non-dermatological conditions, and consultation with a dermatologist may be a wise step in such cases.

Take a look at these new products available for dermatologists.

Treating existing scars can help dermatologists and other core aesthetic specialists build lasting relationships with patients, says an expert who spoke at Cosmetic Boot Camp.

Scientists have found that blocking the molecule TRPV4 can help to prevent the pain caused by sunburns.

Informed consent is a critical element of a strong physician-patient relationship. It is both a legal requirement and an ethical obligation that supports the physician in the face of litigation and protects the patient's autonomy in the decision-making process. An expert panel discusses what specific items are on their consent forms and how often they have patients re-consent when returning for aesthetic fillers or neuromodulators.

Up to 30 percent of patients with psoriasis do not seek medical care for their skin condition, patient surveys show.

Nurse practitioners (NPs) and physician assistants (PAs) are increasingly going to subspecialties to work, rather than in primary care, which may suggest that these healthcare providers won’t be a solution to the impending shortage of primary care physicians.

Figure 1, a free social medical photo-sharing app available for iOS in the iTunes store, has been gaining attention since it debuted early this summer.

Children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) may be more likely to have skin infections, impetigo and atopic diseases, a recent study shows.

Dermatologists should consider nuances of men's skin when developing treatment plans. For example, men's skin is thicker and may require additional laser passes in some areas.

Patients with psoriasis have increasingly higher chances of having at least one other major comorbidity when compared to patients who do not have psoriasis, study results indicate.

Photographs of skin cancers caused patients to be more likely to conduct skin self-examinations, according to results of a recent study.

A recent study confirms the presence of certain antibodies in patients with morphea, but only in linear morphea is the presence associated with clinical indicators of severity.

A topical application of tofacitinib may offer a future therapeutic option for patients with plaque psoriasis, according to a recent study.

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.