News

Firing a patient or terminating the physician-patient relationship (PPR)... requires following a certain protocol in order to be accomplished successfully, without risk of litigation from the patient and/or the family.

Dermatologists and other healthcare providers are soon expected to have a formal mechanism for reporting medical errors and near misses without having to worry that the information will be used against them in a lawsuit.

International report - Some soldiers serving in Iraq say military policies that restrict the wearing of hats during physical training are leaving them unprotected from potentially deadly sun exposure.

New York - Melanoma-derived peptide vaccines are currently an exciting area of melanoma immuno-therapy research, according to Douglas J. Schwartzentruber, M.D., medical director and director of the Center for Cancer Care at Goshen Health System, Goshen, Ind., speaking at the Society of Surgical Oncology annual meeting.

New York - Looking for unusual manifestations of common infections and treating them aggressively are keys to managing infections in immunocompromised patients.

New York-An easy-to-use, self-warming patch containing lidocaine and tetracaine provides effective local anesthesia for minor dermatological procedures in adult patients, said Brian Berman, M.D., Ph.D, at the American Academy of Dermatology's Academy '04 meeting here.

Eilat, Israel - For the last 50 years, hydroquinone has been the reference of treatment in hyperpigmentations, and more recently, combination formulas, peelings and adjuvant therapies including sunscreens containing the drug, show promise. However, topical agents have yet to prove a constant and uncontested efficiency, said Daphne Thioly-Bensoussan M.D., during the 28th Annual Meeting of the Israeli Conference of Dermatology and Venerology.

Clinicians should be aware that unrecognized oral candidiasis is a common underlying cause for recalcitrant vulvar disease.

Kona, Hawaii - Tacrolimus ointment is superior to pimecrolimus cream in treating atopic dermatitis, according to recent trial data reported by Alan Fleischer, M.D., during the 28th Annual Hawaii Dermatology Seminar here. Both calcineurin inhibitors have identical modes of action and identical metabolism, and bind to the same FKBP receptor. "But pimecrolimus has one-third the binding affinity of tacrolimus," he says.

New York - You wouldn't perform a medical procedure without preparation. Nor should you participate in a print or broadcast-media interview without making sure you're ready.

Finally - and perhaps most crucial, says Dr. Goode - there is this question: Is there anything like the new device available? Because if there isn't, the new device could draw the attention of manufacturing or distributing companies.

New York - Meticulous attention to technique is probably the most important rule for avoiding complications when treating patients with botulinum toxin for cosmetic indications, says Neil S. Sadick, M.D.

Alan Shalita, M.D., Ph.D., a leader in acne research, has studied the condition for more than 30 years.

Albert Kligman, M.D., Ph.D., explores pigmentary disorders and develops enduring treatments

David M. Pariser, M.D., offers pearls pulled from more than three decades of experience

Albert Kligman, M.D., Ph.D., is a pioneer who continues to break new ground in dermatology.

Stanford, Calif. - To be truly successful in a cosmetic surgery dermatology practice, it is important to think beyond garnering surgical ability. While such ability is essential, it is not the only aspect of a practice that surgeons should think about, says David R. Harris, M.D., a clinical professor at Stanford University School of Medicine.

Training expenses can be tax deductions for practice, tax-free for recipients

The Vonage Softphone is a piece of software that uses your laptop or desktop computer to do what was previously done by Vonage hardware and a telephone handset.

The medical record is the primary source of evidence for the plaintiff's case.

Just as patients suffering from body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) are out of touch with reality, doctors' assumptions regarding this disease often miss the mark, say some dermatologists.

Safe, cost-effective filler ideal for correcting large defects

Tool offers shorter recovery time, fewer risks, less cost

Patients report smoother skin after single application

Orlando, Fla. - Pain has several components - both sensory and emotional - and it is an experience that varies by individual. The ability to control pain effectively is crucial to a good dermatology practice. That was the message Christopher B. Zachary, F.R.C.P. presented recently at the Skin Disease Education Foundation Cosmetic Dermatology Symposium here.

Q. Can a permanent wave decrease hair growth?

Stanford, Calif. - Radiance FN (BioForm) is an excellent injectable material for augmentation of minor defects, particularly in the midface, although accumulating experience might point to additional roles for this relatively new addition to the filler armamentarium, says Hayes B. Gladstone, M.D.

Uses explode across medical specialties

The road to finding the perfect filler substance has been bumpy. Experts say researchers are getting close to that ultimate filler, but are not yet there.

Victoria, British Columbia - Sometimes what we accept as fact isn't actually reality. The truth in pediatric dermatology is turning out to be a bit different in some conditions than was taken for granted just a few years ago.