News

Physicians’ fear of oral antifungals has propelled laser therapy for onychomycosis to the forefront, says Bryan C. Markinson, D.P.M.

Many dermatologists are either implementing or considering implementing electronic medical records systems (EMRs) in their practices. Having just done this for my practice, I wanted to share a few thoughts that may be helpful for those who decide to join the “paperless” ranks in the next year or so.

When dermatologists descend on Miami Beach in March for the 71st American Academy of Dermatology annual meeting, they’ll enjoy a global city known for its clear blue waters and white sandy beaches set against a backdrop that includes a unique art deco landscape and a rich cultural mix. Remember to enjoy the show and, even more, enjoy the city.

When managing complex oral ulcers, an expert says, taking a systematic approach helps guide treatment of the ulcers and any conditions that contribute to them.

Developing treatments for rosacea requires first understanding the many pathways that contribute to its development, says Richard L. Gallo, M.D., Ph.D. The current hypothesis regarding the pathology of rosacea is that “there are certain triggers that we hear about from our patients, or observe ourselves,” Dr. Gallo says. “Then there’s a response,” which includes vascular, inflammatory and histopathologic changes in the skin.

Laser and light therapies for hair stimulation and the treatment of nail fungus have a place in the dermatologist’s toolbox, but it is somewhere on the second shelf, according to two experts.

The therapeutic armamentarium for alopecia has improved, but clinicians must first establish the type of hair loss a patient has and its etiology in order to select appropriate management solutions, says Dirk M. Elston, M.D.

A proposed alternative staging system for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) improves the prognostic discrimination of tumors, results of a recent study suggest.

A microneedle radiofrequency (RF) device was as effective for acne vulgaris as a carbon dioxide (CO2) laser, but with less downtime, according to findings from a recent study.

Relative proportions of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in the S. aureus isolates rose by 17 percent in three years at an outpatient dermatology clinic, and methicillin-sensitive S. aureus (MSSA) increased its antibiotic resistance during that time, results of a recent study indicate.

A mutated gene in melanoma tumors of the eye may predict a positive prognosis, according to recent research.

State medical boards have a high consensus regarding the likelihood of investigations for some online behaviors by physicians, according to a recent study.

The Skin Cancer Foundation has filed a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission regarding what it calls the “dangerous” promotion of indoor tanning on the MTV show “Jersey Shore.”

A fractional resurfacing technique that uses a 1927 nm nonablative thulium laser reduces the number of facial actinic keratosis and provides noticeable clearance of photodamage, results of a recent study indicate.

Consumers who use smartphone applications to analyze suspicious lesions or moles are at risk of having inaccurate diagnoses and delayed treatments, results of a new study indicate.

Intermittent dosing of vemurafenib extended the lives of lab mice with drug-resistant melanoma tumors, according to results of an international study.

Having reached the end of a 10-month injunction barring it from selling its botulinum toxin product in the U.S., Merz is once again launching Xeomin for the treatment of glabellar lines.

Atopic dermatitis coupled with food allergy in early childhood speeds up allergic progression, according to findings from a recent study.

Patients with rheumatoid arthritis who use anti-tumor necrosis factor treatments may have an increased risk of shingles, according to researchers.

Washington - Unapproved versions of onabotulinumtoxinA (Botox, Allergan) sent by foreign suppliers has prompted the Food and Drug Administration to issue alerts to more than 350 medical practices that may have purchased the products.

New York - A newly formed group of indoor tanning retailers is working to correct what it calls “misinformation” about tanning beds and boost public awareness of the potential benefits of UV exposure.

Lausanne, Switzerland - Pharmaceutical company Galderma is poised to acquire Spirig Pharma, a move that will boost its line of products for treating various dermatologic conditions.

Winston-Salem, N.C. - Pain is a significant predictor of squamous cell carcinoma compared to basal cell carcinoma, according to results of a recent study.

Washington - The Food and Drug Administration’s final rule for sunscreen labeling requirements went into effect Dec. 17, impacting manufacturers with annual product sales of more than $25,000.

New York - Patients who have visible facial skin conditions such as acne and vitiligo can derive emotional benefits from cosmetic camouflage therapy, results of a recent study indicate.

Patients taking telaprevir for hepatitis C are at risk of developing a serious skin rash that could be fatal, the Food and Drug Administration has warned.

A recent court ruling allows pharmaceutical representatives to tell doctors about appropriate off-label uses of medications without risking a penalty from federal authorities.

Audits : The fight against fraud is heating up, and dermatologists may be at risk. Protect yourself by being proactive. FDA clears PicoSure for tattoo removal Clinical Dermatology : When tackling challenging eczema, think outside the box Special Report : Implementing small practice-related changes can make a big difference in patient perception Cutaneous Oncology : High-tech imaging helps to identify perineural spread of malignancies Cosmetic Dermatology : HA filler can address complications associated with tear trough correction Business of Dermatology : Ensure HIPAA compliance in your social media strategies

Patients find physicians more approachable when they are wearing “business casual” dress, according to the results of a patient questionnaire. Respondents still prefer the hallmark white coat, however.

Revolutionized by the advent of fractional laser technology, laser surgery for scars continues to evolve. However, clinicians continue to be confronted with a wide variety of scar types without a well-established treatment algorithm.