News

Permanent fillers ... remain a tough sell as doctors increasingly consider the ever-changing structure of the face as it ages.

National report — Dermatologists in private practice face growing challenges in managing their finances, a recent survey says.

I'm not a big fan of New Year's resolutions. Before the first month of the new year rolls to a close, most will already be little more than hazy memories. Still, the beginning of a new year is a good time to reflect on the year just past, and take stock of your personal financial goals for the future — where you're heading, how you'll get there.

The ever-changing United States tax law is the most complex set of rules ever created by one society. The lengthy and confusing Internal Revenue Code is only the beginning.

Vancouver, British Columbia — The vertical growth phase of melanoma presents as a tumor nodule or tumor-infiltrating lesion.

Atlanta — Mesotherapy, a method of delivering drugs or mixtures subcutaneously, has been used in Europe for more than 50 years and in the United States for about five. According to one physician, there are reasons that mesotherapy has gained less-than-rave reviews domestically.

Baltimore — While there is general agreement that certain features define female facial beauty, it is often some idiosyncrasy that distinguishes exquisite beauty from ordinary attractiveness, according to Murad Alam, M.D., speaking at the East Coast Dermatology Seminar, here.

Even seasoned dermatopathologists may be uneasy with the diagnosis of exotic worms and fungi like this.

If fingernails are abnormal but toenails are normal, the diagnosis is not likely to be onychomycosis. An exception to this rule, however, is in cases of Candida onycholysis, which are more common in women and among those with Raynaud's syndrome.

National report — Misdiagnoses and misconceptions can hinder treatment when pediatric dermatology emergencies occur, an expert says.

Lyon, France - A partial face transplant recently performedin France raises both technical and ethical concerns, doctors andethicists tell Dermatology Times.

Dr. Joe recently acquired a new laser. Because he has always tried to treat patients in a most conscientious manner, he had a clause placed in his laser purchase contract that provided that Dr. Doe, a laser expert, would come to Dr. Joe' s office to help him with his first day of treatments.

Princeton, N.J.--Barrier Therapeutics Inc., a pharmaceutical company that specializes in dermatologic products, is now marketing and selling Vaniqa Cream (SkinMedica) in Canada.

Washington--The Food and Drug Administration (FDA), the European Commission (EU) and the European Medicines Agency (EMA) have agreed to a five-year extension of their confidentiality arrangements regarding medicines for human and veterinary use.

San Diego--IDM Pharma, based here, has begun phase 2 clinical trials in Europe for its melanoma vaccine Uvidem, which IDM is developing in collaboration with Paris-based pharmaceutical firm Sanofi-Aventis.

Exton, Pa.--Antares Pharma and a firm specializing in treatments for dermatological conditions have signed a feasibility development agreement to develop and apply Antares' transdermal delivery ATD? gel platform to formulate an active compound contained in a topical skin product.

Denver--Responding to research indicating that certain anti-cholesterol drugs also have anti-cancer properties, a recently published review of studies says there is no clear evidence to support that proposition.

Counterfeit prescription drugs pose a "potentially serious health threat" in the United States — one that can result in serious or deadly consequences for patients because of unscrupulous acts of profiteers who take advantage of a lack of uniform regulation and enforcement.

Certainly, CICs can be ideal tools, if established and maintained properly, and if suited to the individual doctor's or group's economic need.

Cleveland - With 20 years' experience in working withcomposite tissue allograft transplants, Maria Siemionow, M.D.,Ph.D., tells Dermatology Times she has laid the groundwork for whatlikely will be the world's first human face transplant.

Counterfeit prescription drugs pose a "potentially serious health threat" in the United States — one that can result in serious or deadly consequences for patients because of unscrupulous acts of profiteers who take advantage of a lack of uniform regulation and enforcement.

I am certain that most of you have heard the following comments made by a well-meaning patient: "I first saw a dermatologist for my problem. I then went to a doctor for further evaluation."

Certainly, CICs can be ideal tools, if established and maintained properly, and if suited to the individual doctor's or group's economic need.

Las Vegas — As dermatologists continue to incorporate biologics into their treatment approaches, Alan Menter, M.D., of Baylor University Medical Center, Dallas, and president of the International Psoriasis Council, discusses the efficacy and safety of five currently available biologic agents and the importance of transitioning patients onto these drugs without flare.

With three dermatologists in his office and about 15 patients on Accutane, Dr. Rusonis says it is going to be a lot of additional time and work for the office staff.

Atlanta — The ultimate approach to treating a skin cancer is to remove it in its entirety without leaving a scar, and while every therapy strives for this goal, none yet reach it.

The best facial rejuvenation techniques can be diminished if the face appears to grow younger while the neck on down continues to look older.

Q. Why can't I find a shampoo that combines salicylic acid with tar for my seborrheic dermatitis patients?

National report — From griseofulvin to terbinafine, oral medications to rid patients of fungal disease have evolved to treat a broader spectrum of disease, with fewer side effects. Topical medications have improved, as well, but still are not nearly as effective as oral prescriptions.

National report — It's important that physicians be aware of potential drug interactions with commonly prescribed therapies used to treat onychomycosis, a leading clinician tells Dermatology Times.