Dermatology Times back issues from February 2007:
New drugs' OK process lengthy, costly
Feb 01, 2007; ... A LOOK AT THE FDA Regulatory decisions can frustrate derms Editor's note: In this issue, Dermatology Times examines the process - costly, lengthy and sometimes unpredictable - by which the Food and Drug Administration approvesand regulates new drugs and devices. For a ...
In search of the perfect number
Feb 01, 2007; ... Adviser Editorial Numbers can mean many different things to many different people, and are used for many different purposes. For example. I have a three-page chart of numbers in my computer. At first glance, the numbers are meaningless, but upon closer examination, they are the ...
Cosmetic competition
Feb 01, 2007; ... Buyer's market worries derms National report - With everyone from HNTs to HR doctors now offering cosmetic procedures, experts worry that dermatologists who focus too heavily on this market will suffer when competition slashes prices. And whether prices plunge or not, ...
What IS that?
Feb 01, 2007; ... SpecialReport Assessing, diagnosing, treating once-in-a-blue moon maladies National report - Keep this in mind when bizarre cases show up -"Zebras are rare, but not everything is a horse," and, "Break down the systems causing hard-to-diagnose dermatologic conditions" ask ...
Surgeon shares rationale for lipo on 12-year-old
Feb 01, 2007; ... Editor's NOTE The circumstances around this case are quite unusual, but the bottom line is that I had been called upon to justify my position of doing liposuctionandanabdominoplasty on a youngster. Some of the criticism has been to the fact that surgery is risky, and even riskier ...
Boondocks practice, but big-city liability?
Feb 01, 2007; ... Technology may be narrowing definition of standard of care Dr. Mole has a very successful dermatology practice in a rural Sun Belt community. There are no other dermatologists for hundreds of miles and the closest academic medical center is 600 miles away. A significant portion ...
Harnessing monoclonal antibodies, radioisotopes to cure melanoma
Feb 01, 2007; ... Bronx, N.Y. - Monoclonal antibodies carrying radioisotopes are a new therapeutic approach to treating melanoma. The treatment is about to enter the first human clinical trial. The hope is to develop a highly targeted therapeutic that will home in on the deadly cancer with minimal side ...
Liposuction: Safety still paramount; not every patient a candidate
Feb 01, 2007; ... It was just 25 years ago that liposuction was first performed in the United States, but it has become one of the most commonly performed cosmetic procedures in the country. Within a few years of its introduction here, dermatologist Jeffrey Klein, M.D., San Juan Capistrano, Calif., ...
Mixing medicine and politics
Feb 01, 2007; ... Stint in 'lame-duck' session just a steppingstone for Houston dermatologist; 'It was awesome,' she says Washington - For seven weeks, Shelley Sekula Gibbs, M.D., a Houston-area dermatologist, was a U.S. Congresswoman - an experience that she likens to playing in the final two minutes of ...
TELEDERM SOCIETY'S GOAL: Worldwide access for all
Feb 01, 2007; ... International report - The International Society of Teledermatology (ISTD), based in Graz, Austria, seeks to establish worldwide access to teledermatology services, particularly as a tool for reaching underserved and often remote patient populations, one of its cofounders says. "Our ...
It doesn't work if you don't take it
Feb 01, 2007; ... Medication noncompliance shockingly high, studies show National report - Steve Feldman, M.D., Ph.D., began a lecture about scalp psoriasis a few years ago by relating to his audience. "I said that scalp psoriasis is so frustrating," he says. "I told them that it is really ...
'My Skin's on Fire'
Feb 01, 2007; ... Documentary details emotional, social challenges for psoriasis patients Oakland, Calif. - Dermatologists understand the physical toll that psoriasis can take on patients' quality of life and health. But that awareness only scratches the surface, these patients say - and largely ...
COMPLICATIONS, COMPLAINTS ON THE RISE
Feb 01, 2007; ... National report - While any doctor can learn to inject needles into the skin, the difficult part of performing facial procedures is assessing the aesthetics of a situation, Ellen C. Gendler, M.D., says. Trained specialists have "the experience to understand when it's appropriate to ...
News makers
Feb 01, 2007; ... Dr. Levan donates to Jerusalem hospital Bakersfield, Calif. - A 90-year-old dermatologist who donated millions of dollars to Bakersfield College last fall is now helping a Jerusalem hospital. Norman Levan, M.D., is giving $5 million to Shaare Zedek Medical Center and an Israeli ...
Approval process straightforward, officials say
Feb 01, 2007; ... National report - The Food and Drug Administration's approval process can seem mysterious to most physicians, who lack the time to study the process, experts say. "They assume it's this big, cumbersome process. And in fact it isn't, if one takes a look and understands why it is as it is ...
QUICK TAKES
Feb 01, 2007; ... NEWS BRIEFS BRIEFS BRIEFS BRIEFS BRIEFS * 3RD PARTIAL FACE TRANSPLANT Paris - French doctors performed a partial face transplant in late January on a man disfigured by a genetic disorder, giving him a new nose, mouth and chin and replacing part of his cheeks. The ...
Efficacy of low-voltage electrocoagulation on periorbital syringoma
Feb 01, 2007; ... Kuwait City - The management of periorbital syringomas is problematic to say the least, and most inexperienced physicians find it difficult to treat them, even with the current treatment modalities. Due to the recalcitrant nature of syringomas, other avenues ot therapies have been ...
DT Extra: Germ-resistant skin cells
Feb 01, 2007; ... Researchers at the University of Cincinnati say they have made germ-resistant skin cells that could one day save the lives of severe burn victims. Skin cells genetically altered to produce higher levels of the protein human beta-defensin 4, when added to cultured skin substitutes, ...
Clinical trials validate broad-spectrum sunscreen efficacy
Feb 01, 2007; ... Thumbs up for novel, photostable formulation National report - Results of a histologically controlled clinical trial provide in vivo evidence of the photostability and efficacy of a broad-spectrum absorbent sunscreen formulation (Helioplex, Neutrogena) for protecting against the ...
Be aware of lidocaine allergic contact dermatitis
Feb 01, 2007; ... Retrospective study highlights risks, incidences National report - As use of lidocaine for injectable local and topical anesthesia is increasing, dermatologists need to recognize that this amide anesthetic has the potential to cause allergic contact dermatitis, according to James Taylor, ...
Novel BPO formulation faces off with commercially available products
Feb 01, 2007; ... National report- Monotherapy with a novel formulation of 5 percent benzoyl peroxide (BPO) was comparably effective and well-tolerated as a commercially available fixed combination containing 5 percent BPO and 1 percent dindamycin (BenzaClin, Dermik) in improving mild to moderate acne, reports R ....
Panniculitis: A multifaceted malady
Feb 01, 2007; ... Plethora of etiologies, potential comorbidities presents diagnostic, treatment challenges Providence, R.I. - Panniculitis, inflammation of the layer of the subcutaneous fat underlying the epidermis and dermis of the skin, can have a variety of causes. The clinician must distinguish the ...
Cephalosporins for perioperative prophylaxis
Feb 01, 2007; ... Appear to be a good choice; more study needed National report - Cephalexin (Ketlex, Pista and genericsl and cefdinir (Omnicef) are both well-tolerated when administered orally for infection prophylaxis in patients undergoing in-office cutaneous surgical procedures. However, ...
DHEA: The mother hormone
Feb 01, 2007; ... Studies associate hormone with improved immune response San Diego - The hormone dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), also known as the mother of all hormones, is the precursor ofandrogens and eslrogens and is tagged by some physicians as a wonder drug when supplements are taken for certain ...
New insights and phototherapies in vitiligo
Feb 01, 2007; ... National report - Experienced dermatologists would agree that some dermatoses are easier to treat than others. Vitiligo classically belongs in the "difficult to treat" camp, evoking frustration and shades ot" resignation in patients and physicians alike. Recent developments in ...
Keeping up with the KIDS
Feb 01, 2007; ... National report - Compiling a comprehensive list of this past year's significant developments in pédiatrie dermatology is an ominous undertaking. Pediatric dermatologists need to stay abreast and up to date in their field and are usually stretched (or time to accomplish lhis. Regardless, ...
A glimpse behind the scenes of uncommon cancers
Feb 01, 2007; ... Sentinel lymph node biopsy offers deeper, bigger picture of what's really happening below the surface Tampa Bay, Fla. - Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is quickly becoming a routine part of the diagnostic and prognostic toolkit for many cancers, not only for melanoma, but also for some ...
Diagnosing EBA is multi-step process
Feb 01, 2007; ... National report - Clinicians can use agents off-label to treat epidermolysis bullosa acquisita (EBA), a condition that is rare in pediatrics and is diagnosed via a several-step process. EBA typically occurs in adulthood and is a mechanobullous subepidermal autoimmune blistering disease ...
Packing an unusual PUNCH
Feb 01, 2007; ... Treatments show promise for pityriasis rosea, pseudoxanthoma elasticum, scleredema Kohala Coast, Kona Island, Hawaii - While researchers have yet to find effective treatments for pityriasis rosea (PR) and the rare ailments pseudoxanthoma elasticum (PXE) and scleredema, recent studies ...
Seeing is believing
Feb 01, 2007; ... Six anomalous pediatric cases emphasize value of derm specialty Mexico City, Mexico - Even though most dermatologists would agree that the majority of dermatologic cases seen in private practice or in clinic are clear cut and straight forward, in terms of diagnosis, every now and then ...
'Fishy' symptoms should spur referral
Feb 01, 2007; ... Cooperative efforts between derms, primary care physicians best for patients Omaha, Neb. - A patient presenting to a primary care physician with complaints of an arm rash may not be particularly unusual, but one unusual case illustrates the need tor proactive cooperation between primary ...
Unusual case teaches derm to expect unexpected
Feb 01, 2007; ... National report - A bizarre case involving an apparent cyst will always hold a couple of lessons for William Philip Werschler, M.D. Years ago Dr. Werschler, who is currently assistant clinical protessor of medicine/dermatology at the University of Washington School of Medicine, was ...
When scabies infection goes to the dogs
Feb 01, 2007; ... Recognizing, treating, preventing reinfection of canine scabies in humans National report- Human infection with canine scabies may be rare, but the key to effective treatment is accurate diagnosis and breaking the chain of reinfection. "These are very unusual and rare cases that ...
Dawn of melanoma vaccine
Feb 01, 2007; ... Future is brighter than ever as scientists better understand immune response National report - The principles of vaccines and the parameters that one must comprehend to create an effective vaccine against cancer may be understood in the not too distant future. According to one ...
DT Extra: Scotch gene 1,600 years old
Feb 01, 2007; ... Scientists have identified a skin cancer gene believed to have originated in Scotland about 1,600 years ago. Glasgow University researchers studying subjects with an inherited form of melanoma noted that an unusually high number of families in the Scottish group shared a specific type of gene ...
AKs and occult SCC
Feb 01, 2007; ... Quantifying correlation of clinical diagnosis with histopathological findings National report - Recently, an eye-opening study that actually quantified the frequency of transformation of actinic keratoses (AK) into squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) produced results indicating that ...
Dermatopathology secrets revealed
Feb 01, 2007; ... Kohala Coast, Kona Island, Hawaii A basic understanding of dermatopathology can improve many dermatologists' biopsy techniques and diagnostic skills, an expert says. However, most dermatologists receive only a general overview of this topic during their training and may not be aware of ...
Assessing melanoma risk online
Feb 01, 2007; ... Patient self-assessment via interactive Internet tool enables cooperative risk evaluation National report - Melanoma research is a constant work in progress, and advances and breakthroughs are seen in the aspects of genetics, clinical trials or diagnostics and prognostics; yet this new ...
Fractional photothermolysis tackles striae distensae
Feb 01, 2007; ... Study shows that Fraxel may be 'just what the doctor ordered' to treat condition Seoul, Korea - Successfully treating striae distensae has always been challenging. Fraxel (Reliant) laser therapy can successfully treat striae distensae and can very well be just what the doctor ...
DT Extra: Anti-aging still No. 1
Feb 01, 2007; ... Anti-aging products are expected to continue to hold the top spot within the U.S. skincare market, according to a recent report by Packaged Facts, a leading publisher of market research. The report states the overall skincare market Is currently estimated at $5.8 ...
Fine-tuning, tailoring botulinum toxin injection techniques
Feb 01, 2007; ... Mimic nuances influence how, when and how often to treat Berlin - Fine-tuning the botulinum toxin injection techniques and tailoring these techniques to each patient individually requires attention to certain details, and is the key to successful outcomes, according to one ...
Skinny on fat lips, skim milk, big eyelashes
Feb 01, 2007; ... Q & A Q What is the mechanism of action of lip plumping cosmetics? A Lip plumping cosmetics have become the rage as fashion models sport overly full lips, either from natural fullness orthe injection of hyaluronic acid fillers. Many of the lip plumping cosmetics contain ...
CROSS over to better results
Feb 01, 2007; ... TCA in the chemical reconstruction of skin scars method nets superior outcomes Seoul, Korea - A recent breakthrough study has proven that the application of trichloroncetic acid (TCA) using the chemical reconstruction of skin scars (CROSS) method is tar more effective than the simple ...
Threadlifting: Leading noninvasive facelifting procedures
Feb 01, 2007; ... Birmingham, Ala. - Minimally invasive facelifting procedures using barbed threads are less aggressive approaches than traditional surgically invasive procedures, however, they seem to be the tuture in cosmetic facelifts. Of the barbed threads available on the market today, Contour ...
Overtreatment main reason for laser tx complications
Feb 01, 2007; ... Las Vegas - Complications are bound to occur in varying degrees of severity regardless of which laser a physician uses in cosmetic interventions. The vast majority of these complications are simply due to overtreatment, according to one expert in the field. Whether the fault lies ...
New devices modify noninvasive skin tightening
Feb 01, 2007; ... Nashville, Tenn. - The pioneering 1,320 nm Nd:YAG laser, and, more recently, the long-pulsed 1,064 nm Nd=YAG, the 1,450 nm Nd:YAG and the 1,540 nm Englass lasers, though working superficially, have been used with varying degrees ot success to treat acne scars, surgical scars and fine wrinkles - ...
Keep a close eye on credit balances
Feb 01, 2007; ... BUSINESS CONSULT You're not the only one watching what's coming in, going out Do you hear your business office complaining that it spends too much time processing refunds or credits? Sending back money you've collected may he a nuisance but it is a fact ot" life in health ...
DT Extra: Surprise your staff
Feb 01, 2007; ... Book a half-day of fictitious patients into your scheduling system on a Friday afternoon, and then give everyone the afternoon off. Or, extend lunch by an hour or two for an "urgent" staff meeting, and then arrange a limo to whisk your staff away - perhaps to a spa with ...
Taking political shift into account
Feb 01, 2007; ... YOUR MONEY How will new Congress affect your money? Now that all new members of Congress have taken their seats, the Democrats are in control of both houses after 12 years of near domination by the Republicans. That makes some investors and savers nervous. After all ....
New CPT codes, new questions
Feb 01, 2007; ... Q&A MS.Codit Inga Ellzey, president/CEO of the Inga Ellzey Practice Group Inc., is the nation's foremost expert on dermatology coding, documentation and reimbursement. Navigating murky 2007 coding waters With the introduction of new Mohs codes and changes in ...
Living in a litigious world
Feb 01, 2007; ... Defensive actions to help cover your assets Question: How many new lawsuits are brought each year? * 200,000 * 2,000,000 * 20,000,000 It may be difficult to believe, but nearly 20 million new civil lawsuits will be filed this year in the state and federal ...
Mover & shaker
Feb 01, 2007; ... Political, derm-related activism drives Houston M.D.; she walked through 'doors of opportunity' From the outside, it looks as if there are not enough minutes in the day for Shelley Sekula Gibbs, M.D., a dermatologist who practices Houston. Her life is full as a practicing ...