Dermatology Times back issues from November 2005:
Isotretinoin registry goes into effect
Nov 01, 2005; ... National report - This month begins the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-mandated iPLEDGE system for patients, physicians and providers of isotretinoin. The computerized registry is designed to prevent fetal exposure to isotretinoin, known to have teratogenic effects. The FDA ...
ALA-PDT fast, effective
Nov 01, 2005; ... Should be considered as an alternative mode of treatment for some patients Chicago - Laser and light sources have become important new additions to the dermatologist's tool chest of acne treatments. Even more recently, however, dermatologists have begun to use topical ...
Fractional laser helps alleviate acne scarring
Nov 01, 2005; ... Atlanta-A new laser appears effective in treating acne scars even in darker-skinned patients, says Edgar F. Fincher, M.D., clinical instructor of dermatology at the University of California, Los Angeles, David Geffen School of Medicine and lead author of the unpublished study. In the ...
Accutane may counter, not cause, depressive symptoms
Nov 01, 2005; ... Study shows link between acne tx with isotretinoin improved depression scores St. Louis-A recent study shows that isotretinoin has the potential to improve depressed mood among adolescent users much more often than to cause it, as the package insert warns. According to a study ...
Can benzoyl peroxide be made more effective?
Nov 01, 2005; ... Toledo dermatologist says 'yes' by adding stimulant, accelerator, modifying vehicle Toledo - Benzoyl peroxide has been used for acne since the 1960s in various over-the-counter and prescription creams, lotions and washes. It remains the most cost-effective acne regimen by some accounts ...
Nutritional supplement effective, safe for acne
Nov 01, 2005; ... Mixture of vitamins, minerals, herbs helped non-cystic acne in small trial Celebration, Ra. - A new proprietary supplement consisting of vitamins, minerals and an herb recently achieved an approximately 50 percent reduction in non-cystic acne lesions in a small trial. In the ...
Extended antibiotic use may open door for URTI
Nov 01, 2005; ... Acne patients seem more susceptible to other infections Philadelphia - Long-term use of antibiotics to treat acne can leave the patient more vulnerable to upper respiratory tract infections, according to a paper authored by David Margolis, M.D., Ph.D., and published in the September ...
Acne strikes various people in various forms
Nov 01, 2005; ... Not just a kids' woe, disease presents problems for adults, too National report-Contrary to the belief of the general public, acne sufferers aren't necessarily teenagers. There is a significant variation in the age of sufferers, just as there are various forms of acne. In a ...
Novel compound shows early promise for treatment of acne
Nov 01, 2005; ... Retinoic acid metabolism-blocking agent appears to offer benefits of retinoids with better safety The retinoic acid metabolism-blocking agent (RAMBA) Rambazole (Barrier Therapeutics) has demonstrated promising efficacy and safety as a novel oral treatment for acne in early clinical ...
New erbium laser eases acne treatment
Nov 01, 2005; ... Less pain, less time for doctor and patient Atlanta - The first U.S. study of a new 1,540 nm erbium: glass laser (Aramis), focusing on facial acne indicates that it is an effective and relatively painless therapy, according to Melissa Bogle, M.D. The Aramis, a flashlamp-pumped ...
Patient instruction essential to effective acne medication application
Nov 01, 2005; ... 'Fingertip' method allows for even, all-over facial coverage National report-Counseling patients on technique for application of topical acne medication is important because it assures proper usage, enables estimation of quantity to dispense, and minimizes treatment cost, James Q. Del ...
Advances in IPL tx boost acne results
Nov 01, 2005; ... Accutane registry spurs search for efficacious alternatives Atlanta-According to Michael H. Gold, M.D., medical director of the Tennessee Clinical Research Center in Nashville, the Food and Drug Administration registration requirement for Accutane (Roche) users - in combination with side ...
Antifungal octopirox effective, safe globally
Nov 01, 2005; ... National report - Because of an increasing resistance of the P. acnes bacterial strains to existing antibiotics, researchers are working to develop new treatments that can effectively control inflammatory acne. La Roche-Posay Pharmaceuticals of France exhibited the results of a study of ...
Topical retinoids
Nov 01, 2005; ... Tx may be viable as maintenance monotherapy in some acne conditions Philadelphia - Combination therapy with a topical retinoid and oral or systemic antibiotic represents first-line treatment for patients with inflammatory acne, but once adequate clearing is achieved, maintenance therapy ...
Scar type influences treatment selection
Nov 01, 2005; ... Multiple, individualized modalities produce superior results Palm Desert, Calif. - Acne scar treatment using multiple surgical modalities applied in a sequential manner and individualized to the acne scar yields results superior to those achieved with just one technique. This ...
TO STAY or NOT TO STAY?
Nov 01, 2005; ... Katrina forces life-altering decisions for derms Elizabeth McBurney, M.D., a dermatologist in private practice in Slidell, La., and a clinical professor at Louisiana State University and Tulane University, New Orleans, is trying to start over. Her home and the homes of her ...
Psychological problems complicate dermatologic conditions
Nov 01, 2005; ... Connection between type A behavior, dermatology studied Rome-A new study underscores the prevalence of psychological disorders in patients who present with skin disease, and suggests more thorough screening mechanisms might benefit these patients. Researchers analyzed 545 ...
Advocacy update from AAD
Nov 01, 2005; ... Medicare reimbursement, the use of non-dermatologist and non-physician providers to perform cosmetic procedures, maintenance of certification changes and government funding of dermatologic research are just some of the burning issues that the American Academy of Dermatology President-elect ...
Patient's estate sues after ignoring M.D.'s advice
Nov 01, 2005; ... Where does the physician's responsibility end? Dr. Dave saw a patient with a biopsy-proven atypical nevus that required further excision. The patient was very anxious and refused to undergo the procedure without undergoing sedation. According to the patient, she always ...
Committee: Separate entity could handle procedure credentialing
Nov 01, 2005; ... National report-The most feasible road to procedure credentialing would likely involve setting up a separate entity comprised of dermatologic-associated societies and administering a credentialing system similar to the process of hospital privileging, according to the initial findings of a joint ...
Generics vs. brand: Efficacy, risk called into question
Nov 01, 2005; ... Many physicians prefer brands, but will prescribe generics Dermatologists use a variety of medications to treat common ailments. Topical steroids, antibiotics and antifungals are among the most common categories. But are the medications doing the job doctors - and patients - ...
Pigmentation disorders require varied treatment modalities
Nov 01, 2005; ... National report - Treatment of dermal pigmentation disorders requires patience, according to Youwen Zhou, M.D., Ph.D., F.R.C.P.C., assistant professor in the division of dermatology at the Vancouver General Hospital and the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada. "Epidermal ...
Mastering the 'arts' of medicine and appearance
Nov 01, 2005; ... Shaping human flesh an art in its own right I recently had the opportunity to attend the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (EADV) in Florence, Italy. It was a long trip across the wide Atlantic and I received a speaking assignment at 2 a.m. EDT, which is not my best hour ...
Athletes and sunscreen
Nov 01, 2005; ... Survey shows disappointing, alarming lack of sunscreen use Dermatologist Brian B. Adams, M.D., M.P.H., remembers avoiding sunscreen as a college athlete. He says that he and other athletes did not use sunscreen, despite spending long hours at peak times exposed to ultraviolet ...
Study shows ointments appear worthless for wound healing
Nov 01, 2005; ... Atlanta - According to a recent study, placing ointment on surgical wounds before applying occlusive dressings provides no observable benefits; moreover, applying mupirocin ointment to clean surgical wounds is contraindicated given the potential for creating antibiotic ...
Vibrating system enhances treatment of AKs, acne
Nov 01, 2005; ... National report - A new dermabrasion and infusion system enhances drug absorption to improve results of treatments for conditions including actinic keratoses (AKs), psoriasis, acne and rosacea, according to dermatologists who have used the technology. The Vibraderm system uses handheld ...
OTC cryotherapies not so cold
Nov 01, 2005; ... Toledo - Cryosurgery is a frequently used procedure in dermatologists' offices, selectively necrosing various benign, premalignant and malignant lesions. With this method, the reduction in skin temperature causes the tissue alterations that are sought clinically. A tissue temperature of ...
PDL a mainstay in management of hypertrophic scars, keloids
Nov 01, 2005; ... Washington - Irradiation with the 585-nm flashlamp pulsed dye laser (PDL) has emerged as a treatment of choice for hypertrophie scars and keloids, but it is important to distinguish between those two types of lesions since the approach to their management differs, Elizabeth L. Tanzi, M.D ....
News: News Briefs
Nov 01, 2005; ... BOTOX HEADS TO JAPAN, CHINA Irvine. Calif. - Allergan has announced that it has granted exclusive rights to GlaxoSmithKline to develop and market Botox, Allergen's botulinum toxin type A product, in Japan and China. GlaxoSmithKline also will seek new indications for the product, ...
Tug-of-war continues in Medicare's SGR
Nov 01, 2005; ... Immediate action important, but concerns abound Legislation backed by the American Academy of Dermatology Association (AADA) to abolish the controversial sustainable growth rate (SGR) formula in the Medicare fee schedule contains provisions to implement a payment system based on "pay for ...
Human stem cells repair radiation-damaged skin
Nov 01, 2005; ... Scottsdale, Ariz.-A recent trial involving 20 patients with radiation side effects provides some of the first clinical proof that stem cells are capable of repairing damaged human skin. "This is one of the first real clinical works demonstrating effectiveness of stem cells in a clinical ...
Unexpected dermatological reactions to medications
Nov 01, 2005; ... Drugs can be the answer to many dermatological problems - but they can also be the cause of many skin problems. Sometimes a drug unexpectedly helps skin conditions, and sometimes a drug causes an unexpected adverse reaction. David R. Adams, M.D., Pharm.D., is both a dermatologist and a ...
Prevent, reverse structural degradation of skin
Nov 01, 2005; ... Topicals, vitamins remain primary tools against photoaging National report - Prevention of photoaging is the ultimate approach to a growing problem, yet a population persists in which more than 90 percent of actinic damage can be attributed to longterm sun exposure. The use of ...
Solar lentigines amenable to multiple treatment options
Nov 01, 2005; ... Base modality choice on individual patient circumstances Atlanta - There is a spectrum of modalities available for clearing solar lentigines, but management of those pigmented lesions should be individualized based on patient-related factors and be integrated into a general skincare ...
Surgeries on the rise
Nov 01, 2005; ... DT Extra Some 5 million skin surgeries will be performed in the United States during 2005, representing a 32 percent increase in four years, according to a survey by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASDS). The major reason for the sharp jump is the popularity of ...
Hyperbaric oxygen improves healing in stressed animals
Nov 01, 2005; ... Hyperbaric oxygen almost completely reverses the delay in wound healing caused by chronic stress and restores normal patterns of healing in mice, according to Phillip T. Marucha, D.M.D., Ph.D., a researcher at the University of Illinois at Chicago. The molecular biologist has contributed ...
Synthetic molecule preserves cells, tissues, organs
Nov 01, 2005; ... Researchers stabilize laboratory equivalent of 'natural antifreeze' Vancouver, British Columbia-A stable, synthetic form of a protein that allows animals, fish, plants and insects to survive in freezing temperatures may also allow low-temperature preservation of human cells, tissue and ...
Group promotes understanding, management of pigmentary disorders
Nov 01, 2005; ... The Pigmentary Disorders Academy (PDA) was organized in 2003 to bring together an international group of experts that would be recognized as a global reference on these diseases. In the two-plus years since the initiative was launched, its 16 members have been working actively to ...
Hairline design in hair restoration surgery
Nov 01, 2005; ... Disordered lines, conservative approach contribute to successful outcomes When conducting hair transplants, critical hairline design techniques can make all the difference between a long-term, natural looking outcome and a head of hair that looks awkward and artificial. Patients ...
Unpinch the symptomatic pincer nail
Nov 01, 2005; ... Many a pincer nail can reside relatively unnoticed, curled in a nail bed and requiring no treatment, but when such nails become symptomatic, surgical treatment is necessary with a main goal of targeting the widened nail matrix, according to Nathaniel J. Jellinek, M.D., a dermatologist at Rhode ...
Hand fat transfer can complete rejuvenation
Nov 01, 2005; ... Atlanta - Facial rejuvenation has sparked interest in procedures that make other tell-tale signs of aging, such as wrinkled or bony hands, more youthful. Kimberly J. Butterwick, M.D., who has a cosmetic practice and is on the staff at Scripps Memorial Hospital, LaJolla, Calif, says that ...
New tx option for cellulite
Nov 01, 2005; ... A bipolar radiofrequency, infrared heat and pulsatile suction device is a non-surgical and minimally invasive cosmetic option that can improve body contouring, circumferential measurement reduction and smoothness associated with a bumpy and dimpling appearance of the skin, according to a new ...
Strategic treatment targets immune system function
Nov 01, 2005; ... Chicago - New skin treatments are becoming increasingly specialized to treat the immune system in specific ways, Neal Bhatia, M.D., tells Dermatology Times. Dermatologists should think of the mechanisms of the immune system and the mechanisms of available drugs and match them based on ...
Rash linked to mites
Nov 01, 2005; ... DT Extra Experts says some 300 residents of Pittsburg, Kan., who sought care for a pruritic rash likely were bitten by a microscopic itch mite, Pyemotes herfsi. The species is not native to the United States, and the outbreak may be the first reported domestically, ...
Phosphatidylcholine tx raises hopes, concerns
Nov 01, 2005; ... Atlanta - Mesotherapy includes a broad range of injections, including phosphatidylcholine and deoxycholate, the effects of which remain largely unknown, according to an expert. "I try to warn people that we don't have a lot of data regarding these types of treatments," says Glynis R ....
Maximizing margin's meaning for melanoma
Nov 01, 2005; ... Immunostains' sensitivity, specificity offer clear differentiation; fine tune-knowledge of extent of sun damage Atlanta - Recent developments in melanocyte-specific immunohistochemical stains are again proving that this technology, along with the proper technique, can enhance sensitivity ...
Silicone microinjections effective for HIV lipoatrophy
Nov 01, 2005; ... Atlanta - Injectable liquid silicone represents a safe, cost-effective and permanent treatment option for patients suffering from HIV lipoatrophy, according to an expert who has studied the material in this population for more than four years. Surgical treatments for patients with HIV ...
Consider surgery for metastatic melanoma
Nov 01, 2005; ... Surgical treatment approach may increase survivability Quick read Although not generally considered a treatment option, surgery for melanoma with metastases may be an effective treatment. If complete excision of the tumor is accomplished, improved median survival rates result, ...
Redheads, skin cancer: An electrochemical explanation
Nov 01, 2005; ... Quick read The electrochemical properties ofskin pigments explain for the first time why redheads are more likely to develop skin cancer from exposure to UV rays. It reinforces the special need for fair-haired people to use sunscreens and minimize exposure to UV rays. National ...
How to retain your best employees
Nov 01, 2005; ... Training, creative incentives two ways to keep your 'stars' happy With a growing shortage of qualified healthcare workers, there has never been a better time to consider the importance of how to retain the best and brightest talent over the long term. How one approaches employee ...
Success requires balance, efficiency, perspective
Nov 01, 2005; ... Atlanta - While opportunities for technical education abound, too few dermatology meetings spotlight the day-to-day realities of running a practice, one expert says. "A lot of medical meetings focus on the mechanics of medicine - in dermatology's case, the actual surgical techniques and ...
Preparation best antidote to inefficiency
Nov 01, 2005; ... Train staff to have clinic, supplies ready to save time Business Consult Consider the amount of time and energy you spend in chasing down a missing test result, locating a piece of equipment or finding a form that you need during clinic. Although you may be instructing ...
Q&A: Ms. Codit
Nov 01, 2005; ... Light box treatment billing; PA supervision of nurses; nurses and light treatments Q I am new to my current dermatology practice, coming from a family practice group that I worked with for more than eight years. There are many new procedures performed in this office that I am not ...
Surgeon provides clinical pearls for treating keloids, erosions
Nov 01, 2005; ... Los Angeles - For stubborn keloids that do not respond to intralesional Kenalog, especially post-CABG sternal keloids, William V. R. Shellow, M.D., has successfully used Depo Medrol, which is normally used by orthopedists for injecting joints. Dr. Shellow is professor of medicine (dermatology) ...
UCSF professor to chair derm foundation committee
Nov 01, 2005; ... Newsmaker Evanston, Ill. - Pui-Yan Kwok, M.D., Ph.D., professor of dermatology at the University of California, San Francisco, will chair the 2005-2006 Medical and Scientific Committee of the Dermatology Foundation. The committee performs all peerreview functions relating to the ...
Chemokines' role in wound healing
Nov 01, 2005; ... Under normal circumstances, the body's immune system can work wonders in healing wounds, killing off pathogens and rebuilding tissue with little assistance other than a bandage for shelter while the body does its work. But when the healing process malfunctions, as can occur in diabetics, ...
Three new options show promise for varicose vein treatment, physician says
Nov 01, 2005; ... National report - Three new methods of treating varicose veins appear to offer better outcomes for patients, along with fewer side effects than traditional treatments including surgery. Robert Weiss, M.D., associate professor of dermatology at Johns Hopkins University in Baltimore ...
The facts of vitiligo
Nov 01, 2005; ... DTEXTRA Vitiligo affects one or two of every 100 people. About half the people who develop it do so before the age of 20; about one-fifth have a family member with this condition. It may be an autoimmune process (the body ...
Treating hyperhidrosis
Nov 01, 2005; ... Therapy modalities abound, options are many, varied National report - Dermatologists should try various approaches to treat hyperhidrosis and consider the site of perspiration when choosing the appropriate therapy, says an assistant professor in the department of dermatology at the ...
New phototherapy approach restores pigment, quality of life
Nov 01, 2005; ... Walnut Creek, Calif.-Advances in phototherapy are bringing greatly needed new options for the treatment of hypopigmentary conditions in patients with ethnic skin, says Min-Wei Christine Lee, M.D., M.P.H., a dermatologie surgeon and director, The East Bay Laser and Skin Care Center, Walnut Creek, ...
Using stains with Mohs surgery
Nov 01, 2005; ... Immunohistochemical stains expensive, time-consuming, but beneficial As dermatologists and dermatopathologists gain greater insight into the evolving role of immunohistochernical stains as an adjunct to Mohs surgery, Robert Clark, M.D., Ph.D., of the Cary Skin Center, Cary, N.C., ...
Alternative to Botox for underarm sweating
Nov 01, 2005; ... Palm Desert, Calif. - As an alternative to the increasingly popular option of using botulinum toxin type A (Botox, Allergan) to treat excessive underarm sweating, some patients are experimenting with undergoing surgery that they report to be more lasting. "Axillary skin excision is a ...
Onion doesn't top petrolatum for wound-healing
Nov 01, 2005; ... Atlanta - A common and inexpensive petrolatum-based scar treatment emollient was as good as more expensive, heavily marketed onion extract over-the-counter topicals, according to a new study. There are many over-the-counter and some prescription products being marketed for the treatment ...
Watch for rare post-op infections
Nov 01, 2005; ... Chicago - When a post-operative infection in dermatologie surgery is suspected, the differential diagnosis should include bacterial, fungal, viral and atypical mycobacterial organisms, says Rebecca Tung, M.D., who presented data from a review of the literature at the American Academy of ...
Painless body contouring
Nov 01, 2005; ... DT Extra A new alternative to liposuction removes fat without surgery or anesthesia. Instead, it reportedly zaps fat cells with painless ultrasound, and patients can return to work immediately, with no bruises and no swelling. LipoSonix Inc. of Seattle and UltraShape Ltd. of ...