News

Single application of 2 percent solution clears infection as well as three-day regimen; nonetheless, hyper-, hypopigmentary changes may last for months

There is no doubt cosmetic dermatology has grown as a proportion of dermatology practices, but it has not taken over the specialty completely. On Call talked to a number of dermatologists around the country who consider themselves general dermatologists. They work as solo practitioners, in groups and in large hospital settings. They have been in practice for 20 years or four years.

The return of the U.S. Senate to Democratic control appears to improvethe chances for passage of a Patients' Bill of Rights, but it could reducechances for real Medicare reform as key Democratic leaders focus on prescriptiondrug legislation instead.

Seattle - Significant advances in gene therapy are taking placein the area of cancer, and gene therapists have predicted that these advanceswill greatly improve the quality of life for patients with prostate, lung,and skin cancers, according to Reuters Health.

Schaumburg, Ill. - The AAD on June 20 announced Fred F. CastrowIII, M.D., won its special presidential election. Dr. Castrow, who maintainsa solo practice in Houston and is a clinical professor of dermatology atthe University of Texas Medical Branch, will take office next March.

Toronto - About 20 percent of critically ill hospital patients - including many with skin and skin structure infections - treated with vancomycin are now at risk of developing nephrotoxicity, a new study shows.

Toronto - The first study ever of emergency room use of fluoroquinolones - the newest and most effective of the quinolone antibiotics - paints an "alarming" picture, according to lead researcher, Ebbing Lautenbach, M.D., M.P.H.

Q. For a few years I've had a recurring case of an athlete's foot-like fungus on my body. My dermatologist prescribed some lotions that work in the short term, but as soon as I stop using them, the fungus comes back. Do you know of any natural antifungals I can try?

Q. How can I strengthen my nails so they don't split or tear?

In ancient times, relay systems and runners delivered official mail over many miles. In the United States, as the population and geographic size expanded and literacy became the norm, there was a need for a mail delivery system. The establishment of the Post Office and development of a delivery mechanism formalized and greatly expanded the scope and speed of mail delivery. The most recent quantum leap in mail delivery has occurred because of the Internet, which has revolutionized the ways we communicate. E-mail allows us to send and receive information, documents, and images often in a matter of seconds. Our time management is more efficient since we can answer queries and receive responses in a prompt, yet convenient manner.

Washington - The array of effective treatments for actinic keratoses is expanding, and the new and investigational therapeutic modalities were the focus of a number of posters presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Washington - Bexarotene gel appears to be an effective and well-tolerated monotherapy when used as first-line treatment for early-stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, Madeleine Duvic, M.D., reported at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Development shows promise in postsurgical milieu by allowing more timely therapeutic intervention

Palm Beach, Fla. - Paraphenylenediamine, or PPD, the main chemical used in permanent hair dye colors, is the third most common cosmetic allergen, preceded by preservatives (No. 1) and fragrances (No. 2), James S. Taylor, M.D., said at annual meeting of the Noah Worcester Dermatological Society.

Specific occupations may lend workers to exposure of drugs and chemicals that lead to photodamage hazards

Washington - Among the most hotly debated topics facing dermatologists today is how to address the redistribution of adipose tissue that often occurs in patients with HIV infection. The syndrome, Donald Rudikoff, M.D., told the American Academy of Dermatology audience, is characterized by increased waist-to-hip ratio and central adiposity in 62 percent of patients (Dr. Rudikoff's findings are based on a review of previously published studies). Other manifestations include the appearance of dorsocervical fat pads and loss of fat in areas such as the face, hips, and buttocks, with men being more likely to report fat losses than women.

Geneva - To help dermatologists better understand how to manage melasma, Andreas D. Katsambas, M.D., presented information on the pathogenesis and treatment of the condition at the annual meeting of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology.

Washington - The humanized monoclonal antibody efalizumab, given once weekly subcutaneously, produces profound clinical improvement in moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, reported Craig Leonardi, M.D., at the American Academy of Dermatology's 59th annual meeting.

Washington - The results of Phase III clinical trials demonstrate the safety and efficacy of a low-dose oral contraceptive containing ethinyl estradiol 20 mcg and levonorgestrel 100 mcg (Alesse) for the treatment of moderate acne, reported Diane M. Thiboutot, M.D., at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Contraceptive failure, nonuse cited as primary causes. Meticulous follow-up and documentation is necessary monitoring by prescribing physician

Washington - Although physicians, pharmaceutical manufacturers, and hospital officials have met with the FDA to discuss shortages of several anesthetics and other drugs, the federal agency has no plans to have a public hearing on the situation, according to an FDA spokesperson.

Miami - The FDA last month issued a health warning concerning two popular anti-fungal drugs used to treat onychomycosis, requiring that labels for Sporanox (Janssen Pharmaceuticals) and Lamisil (Novartis) carry stronger warnings about potential liver damage. Sporanox also must warn against potential heart disease, the administration said.

Miami - At press time, a federal court here was waiting for briefs on closing arguments from lawyers representing the board of directors of the American Academy of Dermatology regarding its invalidation of the election of Sorrel S. Resnik, M.D., to the position of president-elect 2001.

Florida legislation takes first jab in what could be on-going legal battle among specialties across country

Washington - A glycoprotein vaccine has induced significant protection against genital herpes disease in women with no evidence of either herpes simplex virus 1 or HSV 2 infection, said Stephen K. Tyring, M.D., Ph.D., at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Washington - The new 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) 0.5 percent topical cream (Carac) indicated for the treatment of actinic keratoses offers more targeted drug delivery along with the potential for a more favorable safety profile than a previously available formulation containing a 10-fold higher concentration of active ingredient, according to results from comparative studies presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Could partaking of sugar, caffeine, and wine make one more attractive? Cosmetics companies think so - if they go on skin, not in the mouth. The latest skin care products are chock-full of these goodies that promise real benefits. Here's the news.

Washington - A resurgence of interest in the use of fillers as a minimally invasive cosmetic surgery technique has been accompanied by dramatic growth in the number of products available for soft tissue augmentation, Arnold W. Klein, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.

New York - Combining biological vaccines with chemotherapy after surgery may increase life expectancies for patients in the most critical stages of melanoma, according to Steven O' Day, M.D., John Wayne Cancer Institute, Santa Monica, Calif.

Washington - As methotrexate reaches the 50th anniversary of its first use as an antipsoriatic agent, it remains the gold standard for patients whose disease requires systemic treatment, Gerald D. Weinstein, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology.