40 years of dermatology breakthroughs at a glance

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Dermatologists have likely felt the greatest impact among medical specialties from isotretinoin, given acne is one of the most common conditions they treat. Isotrentinoin has withstood challenge for its teratogenicity and is offered to patients that are not pregnant or breast feeding. 

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The discovery that tretinoin could be used in the treatment of wrinkles and anti-aging changed the cosmeceutical industry and topical skincare. 

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Selective injury of vascular targets in the skin has led to transformative treatments for a multitude of conditions. The pulsed-dye laser was an advancement for adults and children and has allowed for the treatment of children without the risk of scarring or pigmentary changes. 

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The invention of tumescent anesthesia had allowed patients to stay safely awake while liposuction and other dermatological procedures are being performed. 

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Neurotoxins hit the market for cosmetic use in 2002 and has since been used for aesthetic use and therapeutic indications. These therapeutic indications include migraines, and temporomandibular joint syndrome with concomitant bruxism.

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New biologic treatment as allowed for 95-100% clearence in the most severe full body psoriasis and revolutionized the treatment of many other diseases including cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoid, inflammatory bowel disease, along with others.

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The effects of propranolol was incidentally detected in 2008 when regression of facial hemangioma was noted in a child who was being treated for hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Since, propranolol hydrochlorideis is the current treatment of choice for this condition. 

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The access to insights through the use of the internet and online medical journals have expedited access to a wealth of knowledge in the dermatology specialty and its milestones.