Aesthetics

Expansive list of dermatological conditions responsive to treatment continues to grow

Vancouver, British Columbia - In his 20 years of working with HIV/AIDS patients, Alastair McLeod, M.D., has seen a dramatic change in the incidence and severity of several skin conditions common to the disease. The advent of highly active antiretroviral therapy has eliminated some conditions and greatly improved others, yet other conditions have not shown marked improvement with the drugs.

New guidelines suggest limiting time on therapy reduces toxicity

Washington - Among the most hotly debated topics facing dermatologists today is how to address the redistribution of adipose tissue that often occurs in patients with HIV infection. The syndrome, Donald Rudikoff, M.D., told the American Academy of Dermatology audience, is characterized by increased waist-to-hip ratio and central adiposity in 62 percent of patients (Dr. Rudikoff's findings are based on a review of previously published studies). Other manifestations include the appearance of dorsocervical fat pads and loss of fat in areas such as the face, hips, and buttocks, with men being more likely to report fat losses than women.

Study shows switching treatment from calcipotriene/corticosteroid can improve disease status, patient satisfaction

Study results of new formulation feature once-daily application, greater consistency

Public basks away while cognizant of UV dangers

Electronic communication, a hybrid between letter writing and talking,offers physicians some advantages with its spontaneity and permanence

Washington - A resurgence of interest in the use of fillers as a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery technique has been accompanied by dramatic growth in the number of products available for soft tissue augmentation, Arnold W. Klein, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Dapsone, hydroxychloroquine, other agents help stem complications such as bone loss, cataracts, infections

Dermatologists interested in seeing advanced skin disease research should be aware of NIH's overall priorities

Dear Editor: The editorial titled "The elephant in our living room: What is happening to dermatology?" (March 2001), should have been called, "The ostrich in the living room: Blind to the truth." Your insinuation that the practice of cosmetic dermatology has created a public perception that dermatologists are not real doctors couldn't be more wrong.

Washington - A direct relationship among suicide, depression, and treatment with isotretinoin (Accutane) still is undocumented by epidemiologic data, according to Diane M. Thiboutot, M.D.

Genomic information key to vaccines, novel drugs

Chemoprevention technique proven effective for patients stratified intowell-defined groups

Less skin tightening achieved but enough nonetheless to delay facelift