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What's this mean...for existing and future patient in the digital realm

Highlights, updates, and all other coverage right from Maui Derm 2015

Research has linked low levels of vitamin D to a variety of skin diseases, although it's not necessarily a cause-and-effect scenario.

Dermatologists at the Maui Derm 2015 meeting learned that they should be on the lookout for patients with acne, especially women. And, they should be cautious about antibiotic use in young patients.

Itchy patients with no rash and no apparent cause may be the bane of the dermatology world, but one expert told colleagues at the Maui Derm 2015 meeting to remember the end game: patient relief.

Psoriasis goes beyond a skin disease, dermatologists learned at the Maui Derm 2015 meeting this week. Physicians are becoming increasingly aware that severe cases of psoriasis are indications of dangerous systemic inflammation.

Dermatologist Hector Franco believes there's more to skin images than mere diagnostic value. His son, Nick Franco, an artist living in Chicago, has brought his father's thinking to life in a collection he calls "inskin."

Dermatologists should keep an eye out for acne in pre-adolescent children as young as one year because pimples may be a sign of serious medical problems, a leading dermatologist told a crowd at the Maui Derm 2015 conference this week.

Wendy Weiss, marketing manager for Dermatology Associates in Norwood, Mass. discusses how digital marketing is leading to a culture change within the practice and a better way to serve future and existing patients.

Highlights of dermatology news in 2014 include promising data about nivolumab (Opdivo, Bristol-Myers Squibb) for melanoma and a new class of drugs that may help patients with stubborn cases of alopecia areata, a top dermatologist told attendees at the Maui Derm 2015 meeting Monday.

Basically, an emollient is a film forming substance that makes the skin feel and look smooth. Emolliency can be achieved with three methods

Promising new treatments for rosacea and leishmaniasis are among the highlights of a Maui Derm conference session about new drugs in dermatology.

A phase 3 clinical program is under way to further evaluate the efficacy and safety of Cimzia (certolizumab pegol, UCB) in adult patients with moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis.

The FDA announced Wednesday, January 21, that it approved secukinumab (Cosentyx, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation) as a treatment for adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

In a study of nearly 5,000 people with and without eczema, researchers have found those with eczema are more likely to have osteoporosis and fractures than adults without the skin condition. Learn more on the study.

Medical practices need to inoculate themselves against security break-ins by performing a Security Risk Assessment. A Security Risk Assessment looks at how patient information is currently protected.

Researchers are aiming to better understand the molecular signaling pathways and the immune microenvironment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The use of targeted or mechanism-based therapies may lead to better-understood combinations, higher response rates and better survival.

Dermatology Times editorial advisor, Elaine Siegfried, M.D., talks with Peter Lio, M.D., assistant professor of clinical dermatology and pediatrics at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, and private practice, Dermatology and Aesthetics of Wicker Park, Wicker Park, Chicago, about his interest in alternative medicine and the legitimacy and usefulness of certain techniques and therapies.

The unique qualities of African-American hair require special handling, says the co-author of a recent study showing that some African-American women avoid exercise due to hair care concerns.

Strategies to avoid fractional laser complications include lowering laser parameters and paying attention to patient histories. Should complications occur, early recognition and treatment can reduce the potential for scarring.

These unique pharmaceuticals are in many ways the newest category of products to grace our armamentarium. They are drugs that improve appearance temporarily in those with disease.

Jacob Boeckmann, M.D., of Facial Aesthetic Concepts in Orange County, Calif., discusses the value of high quality web content to inform and educate both new and existing patients and the value of embracing the benefits of social technology.

Performing clinical trials and dispensing in-office products can help dermatologists diversify their practices and revenues without necessarily adding patients, says an expert.

Emu oil is high in essential fatty acids and is used in hair care products, read to find out what Emu Oil is and how its used in hair products.

Retrospective research demonstrated a significant difference between dermatologists and non-dermatologists in recognizing melanoma, suggesting increased dermatology training for non-dermatologists should be a priority.

Several skin presentations in obese patients are associated with the presence of excess skin while others are associated with the pathophysiology of obesity. Dermatologists should have a conversation about weight loss with obese patients.

Obese children experience more dermatological concerns that normal weight children, a fact that should motivate dermatologists to counsel pediatric patients and parents about the benefits of weight loss.

Whole-body photographic camera developed out of U.S. military surveillance technology may have applications in dermatology. Dermatologists could one day use the camera to take whole-body images in high-risk patients; then, let a computer do the work of analyzing lesions that need attention.

Dr. Derm takes the advice of her new insurance/billing specialist to upcode her services to improve her reimbursements. She is still charging the same $45 fee. Is this fraud?

Melanie Palm, M.D., interviews an expert on some lesser-known facts and emerging trends in social media and search engine optimization.