News

If you're shopping for an electronic health record (EHR) system, tread carefully during the selection process, especially when it comes to signing the purchase contract. After all the sweat and stress involved with finding the "right" EHR solution, it's easy to let down one's guard as the selection process reaches conclusion.

Dose optimization, including appropriate use of a loading dose regimen, weight-based dosing and adherence to routine maintenance treatment, will maximize the benefits of biologic therapy for chronic plaque psoriasis. But if disease improvement seems less than optimal despite proper dosing, dermatologists should not to give up too soon.

Increased use of mobile technologies such as smartphones is spurring growing acceptance of - and reliance on - dermatology apps. Currently available applications for dermatologists provide reference tools (i.e. textbooks), and a few provide decision support based on information that a dermatologist enters into the application.

In certain cases, phototherapy may be the treatment of choice for patients with psoriasis, surpassing the benefits of even biologics, says Herbert Hoenigsmann, M.D., professor of dermatology, emeritus chairman, department of dermatology, Medical University of Vienna.

Laser resurfacing revolutionized the management of cutaneous photodamage ever since its introduction in the early 1980s. Initially, options were limited to fully ablative carbon dioxide (CO2) devices. Although results were impressive, the lengthy post-procedure downtime and substantial risks for infection, scarring and depigmentation drove the development of alternatives.

As the popularity of botulinum toxins for both cosmetic and therapeutic applications continues to grow, so too does development of new techniques and formulations. IncobotulinumtoxinA (Xeomin, Merz), the newest of the toxin formulations, is a promising product that according to clinical studies exhibits similar efficacy to onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox, Allergan), despite having a distinctly different biological makeup.

Maximizing practice efficiency requires analyzing personnel utilization, practice operations, systems and technology and real estate, says Jonathan S. Weiss, M.D.

As research continues to explore B cell autoimmunity, B cell-mediated therapies likely will pursue increasingly specific targets, says Arthur Kavanaugh, M.D.

Low-dose isotretinoin may be effective, with fewer side effects, when used to treat adult acne, results of a clinical trial presented at the annual congress of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology suggest.

Intradermal injections of a complex of proteins and growth factors stimulate hair follicles and may allow for hair regrowth, results of phase 1 and 2 trial data demonstrate.

Almost one in five NCAA outdoor athletes reports indoor tanning, according to results of a recent survey.

The American Society for Dermatologic Surgery has elected new officers and members of its board of directors, the organization has announced. Those elected also will hold the same positions for the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery Association.

An investigative combination therapy combining chemotherapy and immunotherapy of adoptive cell transfer with tumor infiltrating lymphocytes, followed by interleukin-2, is labor-intensive but a feasible therapy with a high response rate in treated patients, according to researchers.

A range of psychosocial factors, such as perceived risk of developing melanoma, influence whether a person is likely to conduct skin self-exams, according to results of a recent study.

Researchers say a harmless virus that lives on human skin could be a plausible targeted approach to treating acne.

An unusual condition in which excessive growth of the scalp results in ridges and furrows resembling the brain’s surface has been demonstrated in a case study.

High consumer interest in cosmeceuticals and cosmetic procedures may seem to translate into excellent opportunities for revenue and practice growth, but establishing a successful cosmetic dermatology practice is not something that happens overnight, according to Michael Gold, M.D.

Advances in technology provide new opportunities for improving office efficiency and better patient care. But they also pose challenges to physicians seeking to take full advantage of these tools, said Amy Derick, M.D. at the 2012 annual meeting of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

Botulinum toxin treatments in men is a rapidly expanding market, but success in serving this growing population requires physicians to hone gender-specific approaches, according to Michael Eidelman, M.D.

Before pursuing the creation of a physician-branded skincare line, dermatologists should undertake a comprehensive analysis of the market and the development costs, said Frederic S. Brandt, M.D., at the 2012 annual meeting of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

Adding volume with injectable fillers is an effective method for restoring a more youthful appearance to an aging face. For optimal results, however, the treatments should not focus only on the middle of the face, according to Michael Kaminer, M.D.

Understand the underlying anatomy, pick the appropriate concentration and type of sclerosing solution, and provide proper post-treatment care for success in sclerotherapy for leg veins, said Mitchel P. Goldman, M.D., at the 2012 annual meeting of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

Dermatologic surgeons wanting to set up a laser practice have an array of platforms from which to choose. For maximum return with minimal equipment, a nonablative fractional laser for resurfacing procedures and a modern laser can treat a variety of vascular problems, according to Anne Chapas, M.D.

This week's newsletter from Dermatology Times includes FDA approvals, melanoma drug delivery, cosmetic fillers, and more!

News from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery (ASPS) meeting discussing buying lasers, sclerotherapy, facial augmentation, more.

Genetically engineered mouse models may be an accurate predictor of how cancer-fighting drugs are delivered to melanoma patients, a new study demonstrates.

A fully human monoclonal antibody that has been found to inhibit interleukin-17A may significantly improve moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis, according to new phase 2 study data recently released.

Alma Lasers has received clearance from the Food and Drug Administration for its new fractionated skin resurfacing module, the company announced.

The improper use of cosmetic fillers in glabellar or nasolabial fold areas can cause retinal artery occlusion, which is associated with permanent blindness, according to a recent study.

Most primary care physicians believe dermatologists are most qualified to perform skin cancer surgery and cosmetic procedures, according to a recent survey.