News

The most common cause of primary septal panniculitis is erythema nodosum. The clinical and microscopic features causing this disease are well known to the experienced dermatologist. The most common etiologic agents in erythema nodosum include infections (e.g. group A beta hemolytic strep, deep fungal and viral), drugs (e.g. oral contraceptives and sulfonamides), inflammatory bowel disease, sarcoidosis, pregnancy and malignancy.Dr. Robinson-Bostom says that, "We have found new associations concerning the etiologies in erythema nodosum. These include hepatitis C and HIV infections, all trans retinoic acid, echinacea herbal therapy, celiac disease, as well as carcinoid syndrome."

Patients falling prey to the diverse mycoses present in our environment is a common occurrence and high up on the list of why patients visit their dermatologist for help.

While biologic drugs may not provide a first-line treatment for psoriasis, dermatologists are reaching for them somewhat more readily, an expert says.

San Diego, the host city of this year's AAD summer meeting, July 26-30,offers attendees an ideal climate for enjoying the great outdoors. Take some time to explore the surroundings with a run on the beach, a bike ride on a scenic trail, or for the more adventurous spirit, rock climbing in the backcountry.

The following links feature products and services from manufacturers who are exhibiting at the 2006 Summer AAD meeting in San Diego. Exhibit Hall booth numbers have been included so that you can find items and exhibits of particular interest to you.

National report - Over recent years, the combining of various laser and other light-based therapies with existing topical treatments and systemics has become a trend in dermatologic practices - and one that's likely to continue.

Scottsdale, Ariz. - Although it remains the gold standard for skin rejuvenation, CO2 laser resurfacing is paradoxically losing favor due to drawbacks ranging from the risk of complications to increasing patient reluctance over downtime and concerns about the complications.

New York - Dermatologists are finding a variety of ways of combining topical therapies with new technologies to get better results in the treatment of numerous skin conditions, such as wrinkles and other sun damage.

San Francisco - Coleman Jacobson, M.D., received the American Academy of Dermatology's highest award, the Gold Medal Award, at the Academy's 64th Annual Meeting here in March.

National report - With demand for dermatologists' services outstripping supply in many areas of the country, sources say universities and other healthcare organizations are adding residency slots and pursuing innovative ideas to address patient access problems.

New York - Running a successful cosmetic practice demands that physicians pay keen attention to everything from performance evaluation to branding, marketing and interpersonal interactions, an expert says.

Like fire, credit can be a valuable friend or a dreadful foe. Used sensibly, credit can be a major asset in your business and personal life. Use it carelessly and it can become your worst enemy.

National report - Although the pharmaceutical industry and medical professional organizations have guidelines regarding physician relationships with industry, it is incumbent on individual professionals to apply those guidelines in such a way that they will maintain public trust and continue to serve their patients' best interests, says Stephen B. Webster, M.D., department of dermatology, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Center, La Crosse, Wis.

National report - Findings from a decade's worth of research focusing on the melanocortin 1 receptor (MC1R) gene show that it is a complicated gene.

New Haven, Conn. - Epidermal Langerhans cells (LCs), long thought to play a role in the initiation of contact hypersensitivity (CHS), appear to actually have quite the opposite function in the development of CHS responses, according to a report recently published in Immunity.

National report - Kinase inhibitors are the latest weapons in the cancer war, according to Mario Lacouture, M.D.

Paris - Several methods are available to the practicing physician for the treatment of open wounds as well as cosmetically disturbing wrinkles and keloids.

Boston - Among the most important developments in safety standards that impact dermatology practices are changes involving laser use in non-hospital settings and development of international standards for intense pulsed light (IPL) devices, according to Penny J. Smalley, R.N., a Chicago-based safety consultant.

National report - Results of two parallel, prospective, open-label, North American studies demonstrate that treatment with the injectable filler consisting of microspheres of calcium hydroxylapatite (CaHA) in a carboxymethylcellulose gel carrier (Radiesse, BioForm Medical) provides safe, immediate and relatively durable restoration of facial volume in patients with HIV-associated lipoatrophy.

Dr. Crotty places dental rolls under the patient's upper lip in order to stretch out the skin, and, using an extra-coarse fraise, makes a superficial abrasion by gently rubbing the fraise back and forth.

Scottsdale, Ariz. - Every Mohs surgeon is aware of the dangers of a surgical intervention, as infection of the surgical site is one of the possible adverse events following a procedure.

National report - When it comes to the issue of perioperative management of existing anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy in patients undergoing cutaneous procedures, results of a mail survey indicate most British dermatologists are continuing those medications and without untoward consequences, reports Claudia V. DeGiovanni, M.D.

National report - Present concerns about the spread of avian flu are a reminder that two years ago in the Midwest, another animal-carried virus - monkeypox - at least momentarily threatened to spread to more areas and infect more victims.

National report - A novel product formulating 40 percent urea in an essential fatty acid (EFA) vehicle (Umecta, JSJ Pharmaceuticals) appears to be a good choice for treating skin conditions associated with hyperkeratosis, scaling and compromised barrier function, according to Peter M. Elias, M.D., professor of dermatology, University of California, San Francisco, and a staff physician at the Veterans Administration Medical Center, San Francisco.

National report - Focal hyperhidrosis (or primary or idiopathic hyperhidrosis) is a common problem that affects about 3 percent of the population and has significant psychosocial implications.

National report - Results of a multicenter, phase 2 randomized clinical trial are providing new perspectives on use of blue light therapy (BLU-U, DUSA Pharmaceuticals) for the treatment of moderate and severe acne vulgaris.

National report - As the prevalence of body art is increasing, it behooves dermatologists to be aware of the social and medical implications of tattooing and body piercing, says Anne E. Laumann, M.D.

National report - According to a recent survey, high levels of depression, anxiety and workplace dissatisfaction among academic physicians threaten patient care and bode ill for the long-term health of academic programs themselves.

London - German researchers found that rats exposed to the sunscreen chemical 4MBC had raised levels of thyroid stimulating hormones and heavier thyroid glands.

Nearly one in three people in the United States - or about 85 million residents - are people of color, and that number is growing, according to the most recent U.S. Census.