News

To successfully treat lentigo maligna melanoma and its precursor, lentigo maligna, Mohs micrographic surgery using MART-1 immunostains is a technique touted by experts, according to David Brodland, M.D., who practices in Pittsburgh.

Mid-level caregivers are taking on an ever-larger role in dermatologic care. According to professional organizations, about 11,500 board-certified dermatologists practice in the United States. In addition, there are about 3,000 dermatology physician assistants and 1,650 nurse practitioners working in dermatology offices - or the equivalent of about one mid-level dermatologic caregiver for every 2.5 dermatologists.

Clinical observations from the use of immune modulators and histone deacetylase (HDAC) inhibitors are providing researchers with clues into the mechanism of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), an expert says.

Nonablative fractional resurfacing with a 1,927 nm thulium laser (Fraxel re:store Dual System, Solta Medical) is showing promise for offering a well-tolerated, safe and effective treatment for multiple facial actinic keratoses (AKs), according to the results of a study presented by Roy G. Geronemus, M.D., at Laser 2010, the 30th annual American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery conference.

The excimer laser is proving to be the most effective treatment for vitiligo, at least for dark-skinned patients who are afflicted with the disease on their faces. According to one expert, the condition greatly affects the self-esteem of patients, especially when it's on the face.

Because the pharmacokinetics of three popular botulinum toxin products differ, there's no shortcut to determining equivalent therapeutic doses, according to one expert.

While surgical and medical oncologists do not think twice about combining treatments such as surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy, in the treatment of cancer patients, dermatologists rarely use adjuvant therapies once they have excised skin cancers, according to one dermatologist.

If congenital nevi are small, there is insufficient evidence to suggest they should be removed, for they are not likely to transform into melanoma, according to the chief dermatologist at Phoenix Children's Hospital, Phoenix. However, giant nevi present a much higher risk, says Ron Hansen, M.D., F.A.A.D., a board-certified dermatologist and board-certified pediatrician.

Both chemical peels and lasers represent safe and effective methods for treating signs of photoaging. Each technique has its pros and con, and whether the balance weighs in favor of chemical peeling or a laser procedure can be argued either way.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) announced at press time that it is scuttling a proposal to adopt British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) guidelines for management of actinic keratoses (AKs). The move follows a June public comment period during which academy members expressed "significant concerns" about the proposal, sources say.

Dermatologists should be able to diagnose and treat disorders of the oral and vaginal mucous membranes with the same authority they bring to skin problems, experts say.

A study shows for the first time prospectively that chronic ultraviolet (UV) light exposure raises the risk of lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM), a study co-author says.

Implementation of the Red Flags Rule by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which would require doctors and other businesses to take specific steps to minimize identity theft, has been delayed until a federal appeals court rules on a lawsuit by the American Bar Association (ABA).

Experts say a few clear rules will help physicians effectively engage patients via social media. They advise making a plan and writing a policy that delineates privacy and other requirements. Avoid postings that sound like sales pitches, and don't "friend" your patients.

The newest theory of wrinkle formation is that wrinkles are related to a defective clone of cells that reproduce over a lifetime to produce a skin fold. DNA damage is at the center of the wrinkle.

Two years ago, Dr. Reputation noticed a slowdown in his practice, which he attributed to the poor national economy. Recently, however, other dermatologists have reported an upturn in their schedules. One day, a loyal patient tells Dr. Reputation that a popular physician grade website gives Dr. Reputation a failing grade. Can Dr. Reputation sue to find out the methods used by the website?

Many different approaches are used to manage pain in medicine, and most therapies are pharmacologically based. Acupuncture is one therapeutic modality that can be used as a viable treatment option for painful diseases and conditions (including those seen in dermatology) without the occurrence of the adverse events that can take place with topical, oral or intravenous drug therapies.

Findings from an analysis of the long-term safety data from patients receiving repeat administrations of abobotulinumtoxinA (Dysport, Medicis) for the treatment of glabellar lines are consistent with the adverse event profile appearing in the package insert, says Ira D. Lawrence, M.D., chief medical officer and senior vice-president of research and development, Medicis, Scottsdale, Ariz.

Clinicians can opt to switch patients to another therapy if they develop drug-induced pigmentation, can consider opting to prescribe a therapy that won't produce dermatological toxicity from the outset, or they can maintain patients on the therapy if the hyperpigmentation is tolerable.

Dermatologists may be able to breathe a sigh of relief over the final rules for the government's electronic health record (EHR) incentive program released July 13 - but only a small sigh. Although the rules are hardly light reading, understanding them and putting them into operation is essential to successful participation in the government's bonus payment program for EHRs.

One of the most difficult lessons that I have had to learn since entering private practice four years ago is that patients want to have their say. In fact, sometimes this is the main reason for the office visit. If we do not understand the full motivation of the person seeking our care, we may fail that patient in a very profound way.

Some skin warts should be treated more aggressively, while others need not be, according to research presented at a poster session at the 26th International Papillomavirus Conference.

Although setting up a cosmetic practice requires commitment and creativity, such practices can help insulate dermatologists against the impact of a sluggish economy, an expert says.

Exercise, sun, a nice meal and a little wine sounds like the perfect prescription for a good and healthy life, and it might be - unless this is a patient who suffers from rosacea. But how should a physician approach the treatment of a condition when contributing factors consist of daily living?

To address a lack of guidance for physicians' and medical students' use of social media, the Council on Ethical and Judicial Affairs for the American Medical Association (AMA) is studying the subject for a report this fall. Experts applaud the move.

After more than 50 years as a dermatologist, Denny Tuffanelli, M.D., considers it an honor and a privilege to care for patients. He spends five-and-a-half days a week at a group dermatology practice in San Francisco, where he practices with his daughter, general dermatologist Lucia Tuffanelli, M.D. The patriarch, clinical professor emeritus at the University of California, San Francisco, continues to see consults at four hospitals.

Although many dermatologists have not yet embraced social media - such as the wildly popular Facebook - for their practices, others are finding that these tools can provide a targeted, cost-efficient and increasingly useful channel for connecting with patients, experts say.

Durham, N.C. - Stiefel, based here, has received approval from the Food and Drug Administration for Veltin gel for topical treatment of acne vulgaris in patients at least 12 years old, the online Pharmaceutical Business Review reports.

Chicago - The Certification Commission for Health Information Technology (CCHIT) has launched new CCHIT-certified programs for electronic health records (EHRs) in behavioral health, dermatology, and long-term and post-acute care.

New York - La Roche-Posay has issued a call for submission of abstracts for the La Roche-Posay North American Foundation’s 2011 Research Awards.