News

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Dermatologists at the Dalhousie Medical School have discovered a receptor-blocking medication eases pain a caused by Familial Cold Autoinflammatory Syndrome (FCAS).

San Francisco - Suzanne M. Connolly, M.D., the new 2008-2009 president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS), took office in February at the recent WDS luncheon during the American Academy of Dermatology meeting.

National Report - Dust mites and roach allergens damage the protective layer of the skin, preventing already damaged skin from healing, according to new research.

Anecdotal evidence supporting the Indian spice turmeric as a healing agent for psoriasis is being questioned by a recent study.

Biotechnology company DermTech announced the addition of Allan C. Halpern, M.D., chief of dermatology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, to its melanoma advisory board, according to The Earth Times.

Chevy Chase, Md. - Researchers here have discovered a protein that appears to halt the growth of melanoma, according to a report from CBC News.

New Haven - Results of a Yale University study suggest that computerized presentations and printed handouts are equally effective in improving teens’ knowledge about acne.

Bordeaux, France - Researchers at Bordeaux Children’s Hospital here say children diagnosed with cutaneous rosacea may also be suffering from ocular rosacea and should be examined by an ophthalmologist, HealthDay News reports.

Boston - A study conducted by researchers at Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute suggests that combining periodic infusions of antibodies with a commonly used cancer vaccine is more effective and less harsh for cancer patients, including those with melanoma, than using either treatment alone, HealthDay News reports.

Cambridge, Mass. - Researchers from Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a waterproof bandage inspired by the sticky surface found on the feet of the gecko, Reuters reports.

Newcastle upon Tyne, England - Researchers at Newcastle University’s Institute of Human Genetics have identified a gene linked to hair loss that could lead to new pharmaceutical treatments for baldness, Reuters reports.

New York - According to a post-hoc analysis of the European Infliximab for Psoriasis (Remicade) Efficacy and Safety Study, infliximab is highly effective for treatment of psoriatic nail disease, Reuters Health reports.

New York - Researchers at Rockefeller University here say that Th17, a recently discovered immune cell, may play a key role in psoriasis - and that it occurs in psoriasis patients in significantly higher concentrations than it does in healthy people, news source PhysOrg.com reports.

Dr. Schlessinger and Dr. Niamtu answer questions about cosmetic procedures

Laser hair removal for men is an effective and popular treatment for men to rid their bodies of unwanted hair.

Finding the right doctor for your procedure or surgery is the first step in the process.

Chemical peels come in a variety of strengths and can correct a number of problems. Learn more about the right chemical peel for you.

Early research suggests that nonsteroidal barrier repair creams might be worthwhile adjuncts in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Early clinical research shows that fractional deep dermal ablation is safe and effective for severe photodamage including rhytids, skin laxity and pigmentation problems, says a researcher involved with pivotal FDA trials.

Key developments in facial rejuvenation techniques that promote new collagen induction include the introduction of fractional ablative lasers, as well as the advent of adjunctive treatments including LEDs, fillers and topical agents, an expert says.

Today more dermatologists are using herbal topicals to treat dermatitis as well as other dermatological conditions. However, herbs are graded by the term "herbal actions" and there are 47 different types of herbal actions, and it can get complicated, according to Helen M. Torok, M.D., Medical Director, of Trillium Creek Dermatology & Surgery, Medina, Ohio.

For many of the conditions, available treatments control rather than cure the problem. But before deciding on treatment, the most important step for the dermatologist is to determine the cause of the condition.

The overwhelming majority of pediatric cases that present in dermatology are not urgent. However, doctors must be able to identify those that are, such as Kawasaki disease.

Recent research into contact dermatitis is providing new information about the causes of the disease-and new hope for more effective treatment. The ever-increasing amount of synthetics being developed, however, makes such research a daunting task indeed.

Ongoing research, in particular case-controlled studies, supports the safety of using topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs), particular as long-term intermittent therapy for either mild to moderate or moderate to severe atopic dermatitis.

Dr. Stress has lost three medical malpractice cases in 10 years. All have resulted in hundreds of thousands of dollars in payments, mandatory reporting of his losses to the National Practitioner's Data Bank, increases in his insurance premiums, and significant loss of time away from his family and patients while trying to defend these cases.

Probiotics will likely play a role in woundcare one day. Modulation of immunity via the gut following oral ingestion of probiotics could reduce the risk of wound infection. They may also aid wounds in the presence of biofilms, which are very difficult to eradicate. Since antibiotics are designed to kill single organisms and not clumps, they do not have great efficacy in eradicating biofilms. Dr. Reid has shown that some probiotic organisms can penetrate these biofilms and potentially pave the way for easier eradication.

First study in humans finds that the innate immune response is systemic, not localized. It bolsters hopes for stimulating this response to better protect against infection.

A population and genotypic study of the USA300 strain of community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) among gay men strongly suggests that the bacteria can be transmitted through skin-to-skin contact during sexual activity.