News

In the span of a single lifetime, credit cards have evolved from their birth in the 1950s as a simple convenience for restaurant diners to one of the most potent forces within the American economy.

Tumescent local anesthesia is a safe and easy method of administering an effective anesthesia in surgical theaters and its popularity and indications are growing among surgeons.

In an era of costly lasers and high-tech cosmetic procedures, dermatologists shouldn't forget that the lowly disposable razor also can produce spectacular results, an expert says.

In the treatment of actinic keratoses, Peplin, a topical gel made from the sap of the Australian Euphorbia peplus, and cosmetic therapies show promise for preventing recurrences, but likely won't ever be front-line treatments. Meanwhile, the one treatment approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration treatment that also offers cosmetic benefits, ALA-PDT, comes with coding issues that some say make it difficult for doctors to obtain reasonable compensation.

Dermatology Times asks two leading dermatologists whether sun exposure triggers melanoma.

New research indicates that topical imiquimod has potential for treating conditions ranging from Bowen's disease to leishmaniasis. Problems with inflammation and recurrences of conditions such as actinic keratosis, however, are still being investigated.

Vapitadine (Barrier Therapeutics) is an investigational oral antihistamine that belongs to a new structural class of H1-selective, nonsedating agents. Results of a randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in adults with atopic dermatitis demonstrated its efficacy for relieving itch and added to an existing database showing vapitadine has an excellent safety profile.

Photodynamic therapy is a safe, effective treatment for nonmelanoma skin cancers, according to an expert. Though the therapy is not yet approved for the treatment of skin cancer in the U.S., It has been accepted, approved, and recommended as a potential first-line of therapy for superficial basal cell carcinomas, and some superficial squamous cell carcinomas outside the U.S.

Researchers in the past have tried many different approaches to treating burn wounds and leg ulcers, including topical insulin, achieving mixed success. A recent study showed that the use of the right topical insulin could significantly speed up the wound healing process and wound closure.

A small study shows that diclofenac sodium gel could provide an effective treatment for disseminated superficial actinic porokeratosis, although results so far suggest the drug may be better at preventing progression than clearing lesions, a study co-author says.

A recent study goes a long way toward validating two existing methods of calculating in vitro SPF protection, an expert who co-authored the study says.

Dermatologist Jean-Claude Bystryn, M.D., is used to seeing cases that most dermatologists consider rare, such as pemphigus, pemphigoid and superficial pemphigoid. But even Dr. Bystryn, professor of dermatology at New York University School of Medicine, was reminded recently that not everything is as it appears.

When faced with unusual skin lesions, consult with colleagues, stay open to the possibility that a skin condition you are seeing may not be common and be open to trying innovative treatments, says James Spencer, M.D., of St. Petersburg, Fla.

The source of your patient's MRSA infection may be at the end of a leash, or cuddled up in his or her lap. Pets can be a source of multiple diseases, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus areus.

Isotretinoin is a potent therapy for treating acne, but the associated side effects and regulatory hurdles leave dermatologists increasingly reluctant to use it.

Are physician attitudes toward a universal healthcare system changing? The results of a survey recently released by the University of Indiana (UI) and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine seem to indicate that may be the case.

Dr. Derm, in practice for 20 years, has a large number of skin cancer patients in his practice. He is recognized as being one of the best oncologic dermatologists in his state.

Efforts are underway in Washington to find a solution to the crisis that threatens to impose a 10.6 percent Medicare cut on physicians beginning July 1, and then 15.6 percent in 2009.

Among the many advantages of being in private practice without ties to any particular establishment is that I can say just about anything without any concern for public ridicule or chastisement (private ridicule continues unabated).

Botulinum toxin A injections produce a measurable loss of force in both targeted and nearby nontargeted muscles, according to a recent small study.

Manufacturers of isotretinoin are awaiting more information to determine whether iPLEDGE - the mandatory federal drug registry already in place - will meet the Food and Drug Administration's new safety plan requirements.

A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review of the safety of botulinum toxin injections hasn't significantly impacted sales of the neurotoxin to date, doctors and analysts say.

West Palm Beach, Fla. - The Cosmetic Bootcamp LLC has announced a record attendance for their summer meeting, along with the naming of a board of advisors, PR Newswire reports.

Some current therapies of psoriasis, though effective, are marred by their poor safety profile. A new experimental drug, similar in molecular structure to cyclosporine, has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis.

Irvine, Calif. - DermaNetwork.org, a Web-based cosmetic dermatology and laser treatment resource, announced the addition of Barry A.S. Lycka, M.D., F.R.C.P., to its medical board of advisers, PRWeb reports.

International report - An full-body skin exam, even when using dermoscopy, can be effectively completed in under three minutes, according to a study.

Chapel Hill, N.C. - According to a study, melanoma that occurs on the scalp and neck are most deadly, the washingtonpost.com reports.

Waterloo, Ontario, Canada - A phase 3 trial shows ISA247 to be safe and effective in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, Medical News Today reports.

Austin, Texas - Caliderma, an online retailer of physician-grade skincare products, has begun operating under the name Iderma, PRWeb reports.

Napa, Calif. - Senetek PLC announces Riley-Nacht LLC will direct their dermatological product marketing program, Pharmalive reports.