Pediatric Dermatology

Having recently returned to my "roots" to assume the position of professor and chief of dermatology at my alma mater, the University of Arizona, I'm struck by the fact that, although many changes have occurred during the 30 years I've been away pursuing other academic positions and activities, much remains the same. Predictably, the campus has grown and

San Francisco - Ablative laser resurfacing procedures can result in a range of complications, including some that are serious; therefore, careful patient selection and preparation, attention to treatment technique, and close postoperative observation are critical for optimizing safety, Tina S. Alster, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Orlando -- As baby boomers become seniors and the elderly become very old, a good understanding of geriatric dermatology will become increasingly critical for providing the best care for one's patients, according to Robert A. Norman, D.O., M.P.H.

San Francisco - Topical preparations remain the first-line therapy for pruritus and often include such old-fashioned therapies as medicated baths, wet dressings, and shake lotions to induce feelings of coolness or heat, Jana Hercogov?, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

San Francisco - A better understanding of the pathophysiologic mediators of itch has led to some novel and promising approaches to its successful treatment, Gil Yosipovitch, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. Several exciting systemic therapies approved for the treatment of various neurologically mediated disorders now show potential in the treatment of itch.

San Francisco - Phototherapy is effective for a host of skin conditions, but many dermatologists reserve it only for what it is best known for: psoriasis.

San Francisco - Oatmeal, sunscreen ingredients, and newer plastic products are causing some of the latest allergies confronting dermatologists. The number of patients experiencing sensitivity to these products can be expected to increase, Robert L. Rietschel, M.D., said.

San Francisco - Consumer interest in alternative and complementary medicines continues to grow; hence, dermatologists need to be knowledgeable about herbal remedies and query patients carefully about their use. Some agents have the potential to cause adverse effects or serious drug interactions, Mary Ruth Buchness, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Many issues surrounding Tx of condition still up in air

San Francisco - Two research projects have serendipitously led one researcher to a third study - with an unanticipated result.

San Francisco - Supplemental patch testing for allergens not included in TRUE Test is necessary, albeit less convenient, for dermatologists, according to Erin M. Warshaw, M.D.

San Francisco - Diagnosing occupational dermatitis is often a cumbersome task but a seven-point checklist is available to make it less daunting, Denis Sasseville, M.D., said.

San Francisco - According to an analysis of data from more than 700 patients, a new nonsteroid treatment for atopic dermatitis is a safe, effective, and cost-effective alternative to conventional therapy for the chronic, relapsing inflammatory skin disease that primarily affects infants and children.

San Francisco - A randomized, two-center study conducted at the University of Cincinnati and Oregon Health & Science University suggests that topical bexarotene gel (Targretin) 1 percent monotherapy may be a promising new treatment for severe chronic hand dermatitis.

San Francisco -- Results of a study evaluating topical tacrolimus ointment 0.03 percent (Protopic) indicate it is a safe and effective treatment for patients of all ages with mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD), John Y M Koo, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Chicago - Fluocinolone acetonide (0.01 percent) in a blend of mineral oils and refined peanut oil is an effective therapy for pediatric atopic dermatitis, even in children with peanut allergy, according to Amy S. Paller, M.D.

San Francisco - A fuller understanding of the pathophysiologic processes of pruritus associated with atopic dermatitis (AD) may yield effective new therapies, Martin Steinhoff, M.D., Ph.D. said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

San Francisco - Bacitracin, the widely used topical antibiotic, has been named "Contact Allergen of 2003."

Maui, Hawaii - Topical anesthetics represent the state-of-the-art for minimizing pain and anxiety in procedures ranging from filler injections and chemical peels to those used in pediatric dermatology, Lawrence F. Eichenfield, M.D., said at the annual Hawaii Dermatology Seminar, sponsored by the Skin Disease Education Foundation.

San Francisco - Etanercept (Enbrel) produces rapid, significant, and sustained improvement in symptoms in patients with moderate to severe psoriasis, according to the results of a large, multicenter Phase III study presented by Alice Gottlieb, MD, Ph.D.

San Francisco - Daily antiviral therapy can prevent transmission of genital herpes simplex virus (HSV-2) from an infected individual to his or her partner, according to Stephen K. Tyring, M.D., Ph.D.

San Francisco - The innate immune system is proving to be key in fighting microbial infections in patients with atopic dermatitis (AD), and understanding this system could lead to new approaches in modulating AD inflammatory responses, John C. Ansel, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Topical immunomodulators (TIMs) have increased the choices of dermatologists in the management of atopic dermatitis. The key to success, according to several experts, is to remind patients that having a safe, long-term treatment is only part of their skincare.

Now, well more than 20 years into this university-based pediatric dermatologic career, I still am astonished at how often my colleagues and I in dermatology, pediatric dermatology, and pediatrics underestimate the psychosocial impact of skin disease on a child and the child's family.

Matching wavelengths to vessel size, depth a must

Different subsurfacing devices yield different results

Nd:YAG laser treats dark-skinned patients with less complications

Darker skin patients show impressive results

San Francisco -The conversation has to go beyond sunscreens when dermatologists counsel patients on photoprotection strategies, Darrell S. Rigel, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

San Francisco - Reframing of public-health messages on the risks of UV exposure hopefully will achieve much needed improvements in attitudes and behaviors relating to sun-safety practices, June K. Robinson, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.