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Dr. Wright thinks business should be more important during training than a seminar offered sporadically.

Rochester, Minn. - Results of a Mayo Clinic study show that treating a facial wound in the early healing phase with botulinum toxin improves the appearance of a scar later.

Chapel Hill, N.C. - University of North Carolina School of Medicine researchers say they may have found a safer, more effective way to treat the autoimmune skin disease pemphigus vulgaris (PV) without turning off the immune system.

Results from a clinical study investigating the in situ mechanism of action of etanercept (Enbrel, Amgen) in the treatment of psoriasis indicate this agent, which binds both tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and lymphotoxin, breaks the cycle of dendritic cell activation and maturation and thereby decreases T-cell activation and the production of a cascade of inflammatory mediators by multiple cell types, Alice B. Gottlieb, M.D., Ph.D., says.

Interim results from an open-label controlled clinical study indicate that occlusion with a specially designed hydrogel patch safely and significantly enhances the efficacy of a variety of topical medications that are used in the treatment of psoriasis, reported researchers from the University of California at the American Academy of Dermatology's Summer Academy '06.

Since the mid-1980s, mounting evidence has shown that psoriasis is an immune disorder - specifically, that abnormal T-cell activity is a critical component of the disease.

In cases of psoriasis affecting the nails but not the skin, nail biopsy and histopathology can potentially help patients avoid unnecessary treatments, according to a recent study (Grover C et al. Br J Dermatol. 2005 Dec;153(6):1153-1158).

The highly purified liquid injectable form of silicone received approval in 1997 specifically for intraocular injection for tamponade of retinal detachment, but can be used off label.

Inattention to details about how employees accrue leave time, who can take it when, and other questions can lead to unnecessary angst and frustration.

National report - Dermatologists are changing the way they treat and manage hemangiomas.

Piscataway, N.J. - Modern medical acupuncture can help patients, particularly those with chronic skin diseases, improve their overall health and avoid risks associated with systemic treatments, says an expert who has experience with acupuncture both personally and professionally.

These strains differ from hospital-acquired strains in that they are more manageable and may respond to treatments to which they would appear to be resistant, according to their sensitivity cultures.

National report - Americans will finally have direct market access to products offering long-lasting and complete broad-spectrum UV protection following the long-awaited federal approval of the sun filter Mexoryl, dermatologists say.

National report - Dermatologists are faring better - and often dramatically better - than the average doctor, whose net income fell 7 percent between 1995 and 2003, while the workweek shrank and the proportion of time spent on patient care rose, according to a new report.

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Results from one year of follow-up in a phase 3 trial investigating infliximab (Remicade, Centocor) for the treatment of moderate-to-severe psoriasis demonstrate that the dramatic responses, achieved rapidly after induction therapy, are sustained with maintenance therapy in the majority of patients and without the emergence of new safety concerns, reported Alan Menter, M.D., at the American Academy of Dermatology's Academy '06.

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

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) is a unique form of inflammatory arthritis that occurs in patients with psoriasis, usually manifesting itself well after the skin lesions of psoriasis appear.

As research and clinical experience continue to clarify biologic drugs' roles, the key to successful treatment remains educating and involving patients in treatment decisions, experts say.

Anti-T-cell therapeutic agents treat psoriasis by interfering with the immune responses involved in the generation of psoriasis.

The combination regimen was associated with about a 50 percent improvement in symptoms of depression evaluated using the Beck Depression Inventory.

Results of a phase 4, open-label, multicenter study indicate that low-dose acitretin (Soriatane, Connetics) in moderate to severe psoriasis patients provides efficacy as monotherapy by 24 weeks, but requires patience, said Gerald G. Krueger, M.D., at the American Academy of Dermatology's Academy '06.

The National Psoriasis Foundation used its national conference Aug. 4-6 as a platform to introduce the public phase of its $5 million Finding a Cure campaign.

The key components that will determine a physician's success with injectables are education about what is out there, choosing the right product line and then perfecting the injection techniques.

Every fund has to pay its managers and cover normal operating expenses. That's where the annual management fee comes in. Whatever the rate of return generated by the fund, it will be reduced by the amount of the annual fee.

Documentation is invaluable in assisting an employer to paint the picture that the action he or she took was firm, fair and legitimate.

Combining botulinum toxin with filler in a deep groove, for example, will often give a better result (than either alone). Botulinum toxin will arrest the static lines and the filler will plump out the groove.

National report - Poly-L-lactic acid filler Sculptra (Dermik) can offer some excellent long-term results in adding volume when patients have facial lipoatrophy, and Cherie Ditre, M.D., offers some key tips to further enhance successful use of the filler.

San Diego - Preventing and treating hypertrophic scars and keloid formation has always been a difficult task for dermatologists and cosmetic surgeons.

DermaSmart is a new concept in the treatment of atopic dermatitis from Hill Pharmaceutical.