News

The source of your patient's MRSA infection may be at the end of a leash, or cuddled up in his or her lap. Pets can be a source of multiple diseases, including methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus areus.

Isotretinoin is a potent therapy for treating acne, but the associated side effects and regulatory hurdles leave dermatologists increasingly reluctant to use it.

Are physician attitudes toward a universal healthcare system changing? The results of a survey recently released by the University of Indiana (UI) and published in the Annals of Internal Medicine seem to indicate that may be the case.

Dr. Derm, in practice for 20 years, has a large number of skin cancer patients in his practice. He is recognized as being one of the best oncologic dermatologists in his state.

Efforts are underway in Washington to find a solution to the crisis that threatens to impose a 10.6 percent Medicare cut on physicians beginning July 1, and then 15.6 percent in 2009.

Among the many advantages of being in private practice without ties to any particular establishment is that I can say just about anything without any concern for public ridicule or chastisement (private ridicule continues unabated).

Botulinum toxin A injections produce a measurable loss of force in both targeted and nearby nontargeted muscles, according to a recent small study.

Manufacturers of isotretinoin are awaiting more information to determine whether iPLEDGE - the mandatory federal drug registry already in place - will meet the Food and Drug Administration's new safety plan requirements.

A Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review of the safety of botulinum toxin injections hasn't significantly impacted sales of the neurotoxin to date, doctors and analysts say.

West Palm Beach, Fla. - The Cosmetic Bootcamp LLC has announced a record attendance for their summer meeting, along with the naming of a board of advisors, PR Newswire reports.

Some current therapies of psoriasis, though effective, are marred by their poor safety profile. A new experimental drug, similar in molecular structure to cyclosporine, has been shown to be safe and effective in the treatment of moderate to severe chronic plaque psoriasis.

Irvine, Calif. - DermaNetwork.org, a Web-based cosmetic dermatology and laser treatment resource, announced the addition of Barry A.S. Lycka, M.D., F.R.C.P., to its medical board of advisers, PRWeb reports.

International report - An full-body skin exam, even when using dermoscopy, can be effectively completed in under three minutes, according to a study.

Chapel Hill, N.C. - According to a study, melanoma that occurs on the scalp and neck are most deadly, the washingtonpost.com reports.

Waterloo, Ontario, Canada - A phase 3 trial shows ISA247 to be safe and effective in the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, Medical News Today reports.

Austin, Texas - Caliderma, an online retailer of physician-grade skincare products, has begun operating under the name Iderma, PRWeb reports.

Napa, Calif. - Senetek PLC announces Riley-Nacht LLC will direct their dermatological product marketing program, Pharmalive reports.

Palo Alto, Calif. - Stanford researchers have genetically manipulated normal skin cells into cancer stem cells, making them easier to study, ScienceDaily reports.

Knoxville, Tenn. - Provectus Pharmaceuticals has received allowance of its patent application in the European Union to cover PH-10, as well as other related agents and their use, Businesswire reports.

Stockholm, Sweden - Medivir has entered into a co-promotion agreement with the Swedish subsidiary of GlaxoSmithKline, according to Earthtimes.org.

Lafayette, Colo. - Jeanie Leddon, M.D., a dermatologist at The Boulder Valley Center, is joining a national effort to offer pro-bono services to domestic violence survivors, according to the Daily Camera.

International report - Current labeling on topical steroids advising patients to apply sparingly or thinly is causing a ‘steroid phobia’ leading to treatment failure, according to a study.

New York - New York Dermatology Group (NYDG) is partnering with Carbonfund.org, a carbon offset organization, to offset a year of carbon emissions, according to a Carbonfund.org press release.

Nottingham, England - A new email service offering advice on eczema is being backed by an award-winning dermatology nurse, the Evening Post reports.

San Gabriel, Calif. - Sandra Obagi, medical esthetician and director of the Obagi Institute, has been honored by Cambridge Who’s Who for excellence in skincare, according to a press release.

Pisa, Italy - A study testing the effects of Botox injected in rats showed traces of the toxin in the rodent's brain stem three days later, Daily Mail reports.

Waltham, Mass. - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Portrait (R) Plasma (Rhytec) for the treatments of acne scars, PRNewswire reports.

Washington - The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has removed a blood-screening and monitoring requirement for Aczone, a topical acne treatment manufactured by QLT USA, a unit of biotech company QLT Inc., Vancouver, British Columbia, the Associated Press reports.

St. Paul, Minn. - Using imaging to visualize areas lacking blood flow and deliver clot-breaking, anti-spasmodic drugs via catheter has proved to be an effective treatment for people who suffer severe frostbite, Newswise.com reports.

Raritan, N.J. - Johnson & Johnson Pharmaceutical Research & Development has received a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approvable letter for ceftobiprole, an antibiotic used to treat skin infections, according to an Associated Press report.