Combining a popular topical retinoid with a widely used antibiotic - and applying them at the same time as if they were one drug - clearly outperforms using either agent separately in treating acne. The key is adding to them a novel aqueous hydrogel which solubilizes the two old stand-by drugs and stabilizes them to provide a particularly effective once-daily treatment.
There has been a boon in advances for the treatment of psoriasis, spanning an arsenal of new biologic therapies. As a group, biologics are already the most prescribed systemic medications for the treatment of psoriasis, according to Mark Lebwohl, M.D., Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York City, who discussed many on the market.
Pharmaceutical Specialties is demonstrating its Vanicream Sunscreens at the 63rd Annual Meeting here.
Pfizer is launching a new addition to its Rogaine line of products, a scented formula for both women and men that is non-irritating and designed to enhance compliance.
Subcision with autologous fat transfer is an effective technique for managing patients who have developed surface irregularities after undergoing a radiofrequency tissue tightening procedure, said Rhoda Narins, M.D. at a symposium yesterday.
Dermatology residents paying for their own training could offer benefits for academic dermatologists, according to Noah S. Scheinfeld, M.D., St. Luke's Roosevelt Hospital and Columbia University.
Facial reconstruction doesn't have to be as complicated a procedure as it might sound, according to Ken K. Lee, M.D., Oregon Health and Science University.
NeoStrata is now offering a new treatment option to enhance the results of its Glycolic Acid Peels. The Citriate Peel Boosters come in three formulations for specific problem areas.
PharmaDerm is launching two new marketing campaigns toward dermatologists at the 63rd Annual Meeting.
According to a research study presented yesterday, infliximab (Remicade) was found effective in treating psoriatic arthritis.
Lidocaine toxicity associated with use of topical anesthetic creams in patients undergoing laser procedures is a major concern that dermatologic surgeons need to be aware of, said Roy G. Geronemus, M.D., speaking in a surgical symposium on "When Bad Things Happen to Good Surgeons."
Because patient medical records must be stored for years and in some cases indefinitely, dermatologists should consider computer storage and scanning hardware and software, now less costly than paper storage.
Creative solutions can be searched for, and, where possible, augmented by a Web-based application that finds unexpected links between disparate but related topics.
Many dermatologists do not feel comfortable doing nail surgery. Those who know the ins and outs of basic nail surgery, however, often find that the procedures are easily done in the office and result in high patient satisfaction, according to Elizabeth M. Billingsley, M.D., Penn State Hershey Medical Center.
Psoriasis is a chronic skin disorder that affects approximately 2 percent of the U.S. and European population.
Botulinum toxin (BTX-A) is a powerful tool for beautifying patients and smoothing wrinkles, but to achieve the best results takes a strategic approach.
Dermatologists should become familiar with both methotrexate and TNF-inhibiting biologic agents to treat the skin and joints because they are often able to diagnose psoriatic arthritis before rheumatologists, Bruce E. Strober, M.D., Ph.D., said yesterday in his presentation on "Psoriatic Arthritis: Diagnosis and Management."
Results from a 36-month, open label study demonstrate the efficacy and safety of continuous treatment with efalizumab (Raptiva, Genentech) in adults with moderate-to-severe chronic plaque psoriasis, reports Craig L. Leonardi, M.D.
When it's time for dermatologic therapy, having an array of treatments from which to choose is vital, according to Stephen P. Stone, M.D., Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Some of his pearls include the following suggestions:
Recent studies reveal encouraging news about biologic drugs' ability to battle psoriasis. An overview of the agents includes: Enbrel (etanercept, Immunex) remains the only biologic drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating psoriatic arthritis.
As a dermatologist for 27 years, Norman Levine, M.D., professor of dermatology, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Tucson, and editorial advisor to Dermatology Times, has gathered new insights from clinical experience, reference books, professional meetings and reviews of treatment modalities.
Rio de Janeiro, Brazil — Members of the Pigmentary Disorders Academy (PDA) convened here last November for their second annual meeting. While still in its infancy and relatively small in size, the group has already made significant progress as they pursue their mission to optimize care of patients affected by pigmentary disorders.
Kissimmee, Fla. — The time it takes for the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approval of a new dermatology drug or treatment depends on many factors, including how closely pharmaceutical companies cooperate with the agency.
Kissimmee, Fla. — In developing a successful aesthetic/cosmetic office practice, whether an existing, disease-based practice or a newly launched one, the goal should always be this: Work smarter, not harder.
If physicians want to give their patients the best possible care and make their practices successful, they must provide leadership. The idea may seem simplistic, but James G. Marks, Jr., M.D., chair of dermatology, Penn State University's Hershey Medical Center, says a doctor can have the best intentions in the world, but if those plans aren't implemented, a lack of leadership will keep the practice from being all it can be.
Kissimmee, Fla. — For dermatologists contemplating whether to incorporate lasers into their practices, the answer given by James M. Spencer, M.D., M.S., is an enthusiastic "Yes."
London — With all of the advances in the treatment of skin cancers that have been developed in the past few decades, the most important way to deal with skin cancer today is still to prevent it.
Clinical examination alone rarely suffices to diagnose RDD, of which less than 60 cutaneous-only cases have been reported in medical literature. Virtually all RDD cases require histologic analysis.
Zurich — Actinic keratosis (AK) is a relatively common adverse effect of the immunosuppressive agents delivered to patients after organ transplantation.
Newport Beach, Calif. — When it comes to potential topical treatments for actinic keratoses (AKs) and non-melanoma skin cancers, T4N5 liposome lotion (Dimericine, Applied Genetics Inc. Dermatics) leads the pack. The product is composed of the protein T4 endonuclease V in a liposome vehicle.
