News

For the first time, a randomized, controlled trial gives a slight edge to surgical excision for basal cell carcinomas when comparing the procedure to curettage plus cryosurgery.

Striae distensae are a very common post-pregnancy complaint in women, yet they frequently occur in other situations as well. Obesity, rapid weight gain or weight loss, puberty or weightlifting can also cause striae. Chronic use of topical steroids, especially in intertriginous or Cushing's syndrome also will lead to stretch marks.

Washington-The Food and Drug Administration's decision to review the safety of botulinum-toxin drugs Botox, Botox Cosmetic and Myobloc has generated reactions ranging from surprise to cynicism in the dermatologic community

National report - The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) continues to advise the public to practice proper sun protection to prevent skin cancer, despite recent debate on the health benefits of vitamin D, Medical News Today reports.

National Report - New research suggests a diet rich in omega-3 can ease the severity of eczema symptoms, according to Telegraph.co.uk.

Long Beach, Calif. - Stephen A. Garcia, chief financial officer of Obagi Medical Products Inc., will resign this summer, chron,com reports.

Mumbai, India - Glenmark Pharmaceuticals, Inc., has begun U.S. marketing and distribution of five Clobetasol Propionate dermatology products, The Economy Times reports.

Hong Kong - A new study suggests a traditional Chinese herbal medicine may improve the quality of life of those suffering from atopic eczema.

Halifax, Nova Scotia, Canada - Dermatologists at the Dalhousie Medical School have discovered a receptor-blocking medication eases pain a caused by Familial Cold Autoinflammatory Syndrome (FCAS).

San Francisco - Suzanne M. Connolly, M.D., the new 2008-2009 president of the Women’s Dermatologic Society (WDS), took office in February at the recent WDS luncheon during the American Academy of Dermatology meeting.

National Report - Dust mites and roach allergens damage the protective layer of the skin, preventing already damaged skin from healing, according to new research.

Anecdotal evidence supporting the Indian spice turmeric as a healing agent for psoriasis is being questioned by a recent study.

Biotechnology company DermTech announced the addition of Allan C. Halpern, M.D., chief of dermatology at Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, to its melanoma advisory board, according to The Earth Times.

Chevy Chase, Md. - Researchers here have discovered a protein that appears to halt the growth of melanoma, according to a report from CBC News.

New Haven - Results of a Yale University study suggest that computerized presentations and printed handouts are equally effective in improving teens’ knowledge about acne.

Bordeaux, France - Researchers at Bordeaux Children’s Hospital here say children diagnosed with cutaneous rosacea may also be suffering from ocular rosacea and should be examined by an ophthalmologist, HealthDay News reports.

Boston - A study conducted by researchers at Boston’s Dana-Farber Cancer Institute suggests that combining periodic infusions of antibodies with a commonly used cancer vaccine is more effective and less harsh for cancer patients, including those with melanoma, than using either treatment alone, HealthDay News reports.

Cambridge, Mass. - Researchers from Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology have developed a waterproof bandage inspired by the sticky surface found on the feet of the gecko, Reuters reports.

Newcastle upon Tyne, England - Researchers at Newcastle University’s Institute of Human Genetics have identified a gene linked to hair loss that could lead to new pharmaceutical treatments for baldness, Reuters reports.

New York - According to a post-hoc analysis of the European Infliximab for Psoriasis (Remicade) Efficacy and Safety Study, infliximab is highly effective for treatment of psoriatic nail disease, Reuters Health reports.

New York - Researchers at Rockefeller University here say that Th17, a recently discovered immune cell, may play a key role in psoriasis - and that it occurs in psoriasis patients in significantly higher concentrations than it does in healthy people, news source PhysOrg.com reports.

Dr. Schlessinger and Dr. Niamtu answer questions about cosmetic procedures

Laser hair removal for men is an effective and popular treatment for men to rid their bodies of unwanted hair.

Finding the right doctor for your procedure or surgery is the first step in the process.

Chemical peels come in a variety of strengths and can correct a number of problems. Learn more about the right chemical peel for you.

Early research suggests that nonsteroidal barrier repair creams might be worthwhile adjuncts in the treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Early clinical research shows that fractional deep dermal ablation is safe and effective for severe photodamage including rhytids, skin laxity and pigmentation problems, says a researcher involved with pivotal FDA trials.

Key developments in facial rejuvenation techniques that promote new collagen induction include the introduction of fractional ablative lasers, as well as the advent of adjunctive treatments including LEDs, fillers and topical agents, an expert says.