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A single intracellular molecule, activator protein-1 (AP-1), appears to initiate the signaling cascade for vascular remodeling that results in varicose veins. Assuming that these findings on the mechanisms of the disease in a mouse model translate into humans, they offer new targets for therapeutic intervention that go beyond current surgical options, a researcher says.

Lauding his years of service and contributions, the National Psoriasis Foundation awarded its inaugural Lifetime Achievement Award to Mark G. Lebwohl, M.D., professor and chairman of dermatology, Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York.

Researchers in India report they have developed a radiation spot treatment for basal cell carcinoma (BCC) that destroys facial tumors without surgery or major radiation therapy in 80 percent of patients in a small study.

Sun Exposure : Despite increased warnings, people continue to tan at an alarming rate. Why aren’t they receiving the message? Lessons in Lyme disease : Researchers plan clinical trial to investigate treatment for post-infection chronic inflammation Clinical Dermatology : Newly approved microwave device zaps hyperhidrosis Cosmetic Dermatology : Tips and tricks to manage hair growth Cutaneous Oncology : SLNB is appropriate for some thin melanomas Practice Management : Stop embezzlement in your practice before it starts Special Report : Psychodermatology

The medical world is changing; this is fact. Exactly how these changes will translate into practice and affect dermatology is unclear. So unclear, in fact, that many are scrambling to address issues that may or may not be relevant as the model for healthcare delivery is debated on national, state and local levels. This leaves dermatology at the apex of a trisection between science, art and policy that warrants further inquiry.

Healthcare issues are heating up. Take, for example, recovery audit contractors (RACs), Z-Picks (bounty hunters for the commercial carriers), Obamacare being challenged in the U.S. Supreme Court, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) "hit list" targeting providers for overpayments, fraud and abuse allegations, and 5010 playing havoc with our claims processing system. What else can go wrong?

"A new microwave-based device is achieving long-lasting results in treating hyperhidrosis, said Suzanne L. Kilmer, M.D., at this year's MauiDerm: Advances in Cosmetic and Medical Dermatology. Approved for primary axillary hyperhidrosis in January 2011, the miraDry System (Miramar Labs) essentially kills targeted sweat glands with microwave energy."

Interferon and the recently Food and Drug Administration-approved pegylated interferon remain relevant adjuvant therapies for patients with lymph node-positive melanoma, even in light of advances with CTLA4 blockade and BRAF-targeted therapies for late-stage disease, says Vernon K. Sondak, M.D., chairman, department of cutaneous oncology, Moffitt Cancer Center, Tampa, Fla.