News

Mohs surgery of the scalp requires careful excision, tissue processing and closures, keeping in mind the intricacies of scalp anatomy, an expert says.

A clinical trial evaluating neck rejuvenation using an ablative fractional CO2 laser showed all patients (n = 13) achieved at least 25 percent improvement in rhytids, crepe-like skin, neck tightness, and pigmentation. There were no problems with scarring or pigmentary changes.

Las Vegas - Although some recent animal research and human case reports have spurred concerns regarding the safety of Botox Cosmetic (botulinum toxin A, Allergan), one of the product's pioneers says that Botox remains safe when used as directed for cosmetic indications.

Botulinum toxin type A (Botox Allergan) is the gold standard to treat axillary hyperhidrosis, but it also can be administered to treat palmar hyperhidrosis or plantar hyperhidrosis. In very rare instances, it can be used to treat the mid-face. There is not a standard dosing schedule in using botulinum toxin type A to treat hyperhidrosis.

Mohs surgery of the scalp requires careful excision, tissue processing and closures, keeping in mind the intricacies of scalp anatomy, an expert says.

For treating difficult pigmentary disorders, an expert recommends combining the best of standard treatments with promising newer agents and modalities.

Increased mobility and, therefore, availability of protons are one of the cornerstone mechanisms that increase the effectiveness of the Enerpeel peeling systems.

Augusta, Ga. - A new technique for soft-tissue suture lifting in the face is an alternative to the minimally invasive facelift. The technique uses clear, modified polypropylene with bio-absorbable cones and multiple point fixations, says Gloria Mabel Gamboa, M.D., F.A.C.S., associate professor at the Medical College of Georgia in Augusta, Ga.

Washington - Over the next five years, fractionated lasers and combined-wavelength treatments will continue to lead growth in the dermatologic laser surgery segment, according to a leading dermatologic laser surgeon.

New Haven, Conn. - The shortage of dermatologists in the United States is getting progressively worse, and patients and practicing dermatologists are being affected.

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Intradermal injection of onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox, Allergan) is a safe, effective and well-tolerated treatment for primary axillary hyperhidrosis in adolescent patients, according to the findings of a prospective, multicenter Phase 4 study.

The complexities of facial and neck anatomy demand that dermatologic surgeons identify pertinent features in these areas preoperatively instead of after the fact, an expert says.

As market forces work for and against the use of chemical peels in skin rejuvenation, the tried and true procedure will retain a place in dermatologists? armamentariums.

Boston - Patients and dermatologists have new options in the management of pigmentary disorders resulting from decades of sun exposure, according to Ranella A. Hirsch, M.D., clinical assistant professor of dermatology, Boston University Medical Center.

Surgical margins for standard excision should include 9 mm of normal-appearing skin for melanoma in situs, according to a recent study.

To address the U.S. healthcare crisis, some dermatologists suggest everything from overhauling the FDA to abandoning it - and Medicare as it's currently configured. However, not all dermatologists agree with these proposals.

Tips for an efficient, harmonious office range from staying on top of patients' deductibles to taking regular four-day weekends, an expert says.

Physicians have received yet another extension in the deadline for complying with the "Red Flags" rule requiring programs to guard against identity theft. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the agency which developed the rule and is responsible for implementing it, announced in late July that it was moving the deadline for compliance from August 1 to November 1.

Nevi of special site can be seen not only in children and adolescents, but in adults up to age 35 as well, according to a recent study. A conservative approach to treating these nevi is justified given they do not appear to have the potential for malignancy.

Washington - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) says an increased risk of lymphoma and other cancers is associated with the use of drugs like Remicade (Centocor) and Humira (Abbott) in children and adolescents, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Washington - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a new warning on Allergan's Botox and a similar product about the possibility of life-threatening breathing and swallowing problems, following up on an earlier announcement about tougher warnings.

Bristol, Tenn.- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is reviewing a new drug application from Graceway Pharmaceuticals for imiquimod 3.75 percent using a two-week cycle regimen for treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs).

The first documented case of cutaneous polyarteritis nodosum following HPV vaccine injection suggests dermatologists should consider it as a possible vaccine-related complication, says a pathologist who worked on this case.

Making an accurate diagnosis of a given dermatosis can be easy when the clinical symptoms and the patient population are textbook presentations; however, exceptions make the rule.

In a recent case study, a patient receiving infliximab for the treatment of ulcerative colitis paradoxically developed widespread pyoderma gangrenosum lesions, a disease which normally responds well to this biologic therapy.

A recent study ushers in the era of molecular surgery as laser-assisted "nanosuturing" proves to be superior to traditional suture closing techniques not only in terms of cosmesis but also in the tensile strength and quality of wound closure. According to Dr. Sandy Tsao, who spearheaded the first human clinical trial, this novel technique is set to change the way physicians approach and manage surgical wounds in the future.

A new transforming powder dressing (Altrazeal, ULURU) is an easy-to-apply woundcare product that creates optimal conditions for healing. It has been used with excellent outcomes in a variety of acute and chronic wounds, including skin graft donor sites, pressure ulcers, venous ulcers, and diabetic foot ulcers.

Adult stem cells may have a greater role in wound healing in the future, an expert says. Researchers are conducting tissue-engineering research with bovine models to assess the feasibility of stem cells to heal wounds in bones, cartilage and tendons.

Both topical and systemic therapies are used in patients with cutaneous lupus erythematosus. According to one expert, the antimalarials are still the safest and often effective treatment approach. However, newer therapies may offer some hope in those especially challenging to treat recalcitrant cases of CLE.