Pediatric Dermatology

On behalf of the American Academy of Dermatology, I would like to respond to a letter to the editor from Michael Franzblau, M.D., regarding the Academy's efforts to restrict access to indoor tanning equipment. ("Cannot fathom AAD/AADA indifference toward indoor tanning regs," September, 2006). The letter's criticisms are not supported by the facts, and I appreciate the opportunity to set the record straight.

National report When it comes to wound healing, scabs are out and wound hydration is in, says Susan H. Weinkle, M.D., a Bradenton, Fla., dermatologist and assistant clinical professor of dermatology at the University of South Florida, Tampa, Fla.

"Usually, when kids go to the clinic, especially if they're little, they get so many vaccinations that when one takes off their clothes, they think they're getting a shot," explains Papri Sarkar, M.D., a third-year resident in Harvard's dermatology training program. "Also, I try to avoid using gloves unless they're clinically necessary."

When patients miss appointments, what should a practice do?

National report - The two forms of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas (CTCL), mycosis fungoides (MF) and S?zary syndrome, are reported to arise more often in adults than in children. But the incidence of cutaneous T-cell lymphomas appears to be on the rise in children and adolescents.

Noordwijk, Netherlands - Going back to the genesis of a disease and analyzing its roots can sometimes be very helpful and even pivotal in treating it effectively.

In the long term, understanding and addressing the origin of this skin disease - down to its genetic mutation - will prove more beneficial to patients and physicians.

National report - People are more often choosing herbal remedies to treat their chronic rosacea.

National report - Studying the genetic roots of mosaic disorders often presenting in pediatric patients could provide important insights into how effected genes function - and, possibly, direction for future treatments, an expert says.

Chicago - Compensation for some U.S. medical specialties - including dermatology - showed double-digit increases from 2004 to 2006, United Press International reports.

Toronto - Women's skin ages faster than men's, according to a German study, Reuters reports.

Toronto - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) may cause necrotizing fasciitis, especially in areas where community acquired MRSA is prevalent, researchers say.

Schaumburg, Ill. - The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) has launched a public service advertisement campaign to communicate the dangers of indoor tanning to teens.

Bethesda, Md. - Two patients with metastatic melanoma have been cancer-free for almost two years, following the first successful use of gene therapy to cure cancer.

Bochum, Germany - Results of a study conducted by researchers at Ruhr University here suggest that an anti-inflammatory drug may help in treating intertriginous psoriasis.

Bochum, Germany - Results of a study conducted by researchers at Ruhr University here suggest that an anti-inflammatory drug may help in treating intertriginous psoriasis.

Bath, England - In the wake of claims that severe-acne treatment Roaccutane has caused depression and suicide in patients since its introduction in 1982, researchers at the University of Bath have tested the medication and found the claims may have merit.

National report - Many skin conditions are a manifestation of an insult to the skin barrier, so an awareness of that barrier, what affects it and how, is imperative for a physician to effectively manage his or her dermatologic patients.

Toronto - An expanded polytetrafluoroethylene (ePTFE) implant that offers two different pore sizes reduces problems with implant migration and shrinkage, an expert says.

Toronto - Listening to patients' desires in the lip area will help physicians choose the best products and injection techniques for each clinical situation, an expert says.

Q Is there such a condition as permanent postpartum telogen effluvium?

Boston - Understanding the basic science behind new and evolving laser surgery devices provides a basis for safe, effective clinical use, according to an expert.

National report - There are different types of cutaneous wounds with varying degrees of depth; therefore, there are also various methods to treat these wounds.

National report - Scaly, erythematous papular and papulopustular rashes on the face are a common sight for dermatologists, and a number of possible diagnoses come to mind.

The impaired epidermal barrier itself can trigger the inflammation process, allowing allergens and chemicals to get through and set off the immune response.

Bethesda, Md. - A compound already used in many sexual lubricants may prevent infection with strains of human papillomavirus (HPV) that can cause genital warts and vaginal, cervical and anal cancers.

National report - Community-acquired methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA) has become a ubiquitous presence across the United States.

National report - Constant assaults from sun, wind and rain.

Louisville, Ky. - Recent insights into the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis (AD) and its role as a possible precursor to food and other allergies are driving treatments that seek to restore the skin's barrier function, experts say.

National report - Many skin conditions are a manifestation of an insult to the skin barrier, so an awareness of that barrier, what affects it and how, is imperative for a physician to effectively manage his or her dermatologic patients.