Skin & Allergy News articles from May 2006

Skin & Allergy News archives from May 2006

Unify, standardize role of extenders.(Practice Trends)
May 1, 2006... SAN FRANCISCO -- Physician assistants and nurse practitioners are not dermatologists, but sometimes the dermatologists who hire them treat them as such. A survey of members of the American Society of Dermatologic Surgeons found that 23% of...

Melanoma trial shows value of surgery at stage IV: Canvaxin disappoints in phase III study.(News)
May 1, 2006... SAN DIEGO -- In a surprising twist, a failed phase III vaccine trial has shown promise for surgery in stage IV melanoma. Investigators stopped recruiting patients to the international randomized, double-blind trial after an interim analysis...

Topical CI prescribers cautious after black box.(Calcineurin inhibitors)
May 1, 2006... KOLOA, HAWAII -- The Food and Drug Administration's black box warnings issued earlier this year for the topical calcineurin inhibitors have had a major impact on prescribing by primary care physicians but very little effect on how pediatric...

New calcineurin inhibitor shows promise for psoriasis at phase III.(News)
May 1, 2006... SAN FRANCISCO -- The experimental calcineurin inhibitor ISA247 appears to be safe and effective in treating plaque-type psoriasis, according to interim results from an ongoing phase III study of 445 patients. Potential renal toxicity...

Two psoriasis therapies encouraging at phase II.(News)
May 1, 2006... SAN FRANCISCO -- Two treatment strategies for plaque-type psoriasis were promising enough in small, phase II clinical trials to deserve further study, investigators reported in separate poster presentations at the annual meeting of the American...

FDA panel: modafinil not safe for ADHD in children.(News)
May 1, 2006... GAITHERSBURG, MD. -- A Food and Drug Administration advisory committee said modafinil is not safe for treating ADHD in children and adolescents by a 12-1 vote, although committee members unanimously agreed the drug was effective for that...

Daptomycin deemed approvable for S. aureus bacteremia Tx.(News)
May 1, 2006... ROCKVILLE, MD. -- The Food and Drug Administration's Anti-Infective Advisory Committee unanimously supported the approval of daptomycin for Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia, but was not as certain that the drug was safe and effective for...

Bosentan label changes highlight monthly liver function monitoring.(News)
May 1, 2006... Reported cases of hepatotoxicity associated with bosentan therapy have prompted changes to the pulmonary arterial hypertension drug's prescribing information. Actelion Pharmaceuticals US Inc., which manufactures bosentan (Tracleer), made...

ADHD patch: label reflects sensitization concerns.(News)
May 1, 2006... The Food and Drug Administration has approved Daytrana, a methylphenidate patch for the treatment of attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder in children aged 6-11 years. The approval had been widely expected after an FDA advisory...

Avian influenza detected in domestic German poultry.(News)
May 1, 2006... Avian influenza has been detected in a large domestic poultry farm in Germany, German authorities have informed the European Commission. This is the third reported outbreak in domestic poultry in Europe following a confirmed outbreak in...

Avian flu avoids upper airway; thwarting human-human spread.(News)
May 1, 2006... Receptor binding preferences of the H5N1 Jan-influenza virus make it much more difficult for the infection to be transmitted between humans, according to results of two new studies. Both investigations tested the virus on human cadaver...

Clinical picture emerging in Asherson's syndrome registry.(Disease/Disorder overview)
May 1, 2006... ABANO TERME, ITALY -- Much has been learned about triggering factors and the range of clinical manifestations in catastrophic antiphospholipid syndrome to describe a constellation of events including multiple organ failure, thrombotic...

Phase II: bevacizumab active against stage IV melanoma.(News)
May 1, 2006... SAN DIEGO -- The antiangiogenesis agent bevacizumab demonstrated activity against stage IV melanoma in a phase II study reported at a symposium sponsored by the Society of Surgical Oncology. Based On these results, Dr. Kimberly A. Varker...

Efficacy, safety borne out in recent filler trials.
May 1, 2006... SAN FRANCISCO -- The latest Juvederm trial results, safety data from an open-label study of liquid silicone, and cautions about improper placement of poly-L-lactic acid were featured during a press conference on fillers at the annual meeting of...

Nonsteroidal cream, vehicle may cut AD relapse.(News)
May 1, 2006... KOLOA, HAWAII -- The use of MimyX nonsteroidal prescription cream plus Eucerin cream as foundation care in atopic dermatitis patients markedly reduced relapse risk, compared with Eucerin cream alone, in a randomized multicenter trial, Dr. James...

Stand together to tackle workforce issues.
May 1, 2006... Today, many dermatologists are looking for an associate to join them in their private practice or department, and a good number of them have been looking for more than a year. Dermatology has a workforce problem. How do we provide quality...

iPLEDGE Allegiance.(Disease/Disorder overview)
May 1, 2006... My pager went off Saturday night. Susan was in a panic. "I couldn't log onto the iPledge Web site!" she cried. "'I called their number and waited 40 minutes, and they told me you hadn't confirmed contraceptive counseling. If I don't get the...

Is a human face transplant ethical?(Pro & Con)
May 1, 2006... YES Once a patient with a serious facial disfigurement has exhausted all conventional surgery avenues, it is my hope that facial tissue transplantation will become an alternative reconstructive option. This procedure was controversial...

Foam sclerotherapy: new treatment for varicose veins.
May 1, 2006... MIAMI -- "The new endovenous techniques such as foam sclerotherapy have made small dysfunctional veins easy to obliterate," said Dr. John J. Bergan of Scripps Memorial Hospital, LaJolla, Calif., who gave a presentation about foam sclerotherapy...

Individualize postcosmesis antibiotic prophylaxis.(Dermatologic Surgery)
May 1, 2006... MIAMI BEACH -- Consider whether antimicrobial prophylaxis is needed for cosmetic procedures by evaluating the nature and extent of any wound that may result, as well as the patient's history of herpes simplex infection, Dr. Mark S. Nestor said...

Web site offers acne information.(Dermatologic Surgery)
May 1, 2006... A new physician-maintained Web site provides information on the causes of ache, ache treatments, and acne prevention. The site also includes an acne glossary, physician referrals, and an acne news feed. For more information, visit...

Light and heat combo removes hair on dark skin.(Dermatologic Surgery)
May 1, 2006... ORLANDO -- Combining intense pulsed light and heat energy appears to be an effective hair removal technique for individuals with dark skin, according to a study presented by Dr. Neil S. Sadick at the annual meeting of the American Academy of...

Patience, patients: some laser results are subtle.(Dermatologic Surgery)
May 1, 2006... PARK CITY, UTAH -- Make sure that patients treated with nonablative lasers have reasonable expectations of what their skin will look like after rejuvenation therapy, Dr. Thomas E. Rohrer said at a symposium sponsored by the American Society of...

New topical for acne may mitigate resistance.(Dermatologic Therapy)
May 1, 2006... KOLOA, HAWAII -- Duac, a clindamycin 1%/benzoyl peroxide 5% topical gel containing moisturizers and humectants, offers several advantages for topical acne therapy, Dr. Leon H. Kircik said at the annual Hawaii dermatology seminar sponsored by...

Nonantibiotic options abound for Rosacea Tx: growing armamentarium of therapies may help combat creeping antibiotic resistance problem.(Dermatologic Therapy)
May 1, 2006... KOLOA, HAWAII -- With marketing approval of the anti-inflammatory, nonantibiotic formulation of doxycycline for treatment of rosacea widely anticipated by the end of this month, this new once-daffy oral agent is likely to be viewed as the best...

Once-daily metrogel deemed advantageous for rosacea.(Dermatologic Therapy)
May 1, 2006... KOLOA, HAWAII -- The metronidazole gel 1% approved by the Food and Drug Administration last year for the treatment of rosacea is a better product in two distinct ways than the 0.75% preparation it replaces, Dr. Guy F. Webster said at the annual...

Asphyxiator effective, safe for lice eradication.(Dermatologic Therapy)
May 1, 2006... SAN FRANCISCO -- Suffocating head lice with a benzyl alcohol product appears to be a safe and effective alternative to current therapies, industry-sponsored studies suggest. Unlike many other lice therapies, the "lice asphyxiator" product...

Rosemary.(Cosmeceutical Critique)
May 1, 2006... In Western culture, rosemary is regarded primarily, if not exclusively, as a spice. It is typically used to flavor food and some beverages but is increasingly included as an ingredient in cosmetic products. Rosemary (Rosmarinus offcinalis...

Strict adherence key to Alopecia Tx efficacy.(Disease/Disorder overview)
May 1, 2006... KAPALUA, HAWAII -- Educating androgenetic alopecia patients about the condition and the available remedies will keep them informed and help prevent misconceptions from taking hold, according to Dr. Vera H. Price. "The medical treatments...

Higher dose of finasteride improves female hair loss.(Dermatologic Therapy)
May 1, 2006... Finasteride, taken at a higher dosage than is approved for male androgenetic alopecia, improved female pattern hair loss in 23 of 37 premenopausal women who used it for 1 year, reported Dr. Matilde Iorizzo and her associates at the University...

Compounding pharmacist: the dermatologist's friend.(Dermatologic Therapy)
May 1, 2006... SAN FRANCISCO -- Many useful dermatologic preparations are unavailable commercially but can be compounded, Dr. Stuart M. Brown said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. Older apothecaries that are able to compound...

Major league trainers share skin care tips of the trade.
May 1, 2006... KAPALUA, HAWAII -- Blisters, burns, and raspberries are no excuse for keeping a major league baseball player on the bench, according to Eugene Monaghan, head athletic trainer of the New York Yankees. "It is unforgivable to lose a baseball...

Theory of nevus evolution may need revision.(Clinical Rounds)
May 1, 2006... SAN FRANCISCO -- A study using dermoscopy suggests that acquired melanocytic nevi vary by age, Dr. Ashfaq A. Marghoob reported at a meeting of the Society for Pediatric Dermatology. In a result that overturns accepted theories of nevus...

Nevus with architectural disorder: identity crisis?(Clinical Rounds)
May 1, 2006... KOLOA, HAWAII -- Architectural disorder in a melanocytic nevus is a lot like pregnancy, said Dr. Terry L. Barrett. "Every single person in the entire world can be divided into one of two categories: Either you're pregnant or you're not....

SCC diagnosis: urgent is in the eye of the referrer.(Clinical Rounds)
May 1, 2006... STOWE, VT. -- All squamous cell carcinomas require attention, but not all of them require emergency attention, said Dr. Glenn D. Goldman at a dermatology conference sponsored by the University of Vermont. Thanks to effective public health...

Drug rash diagnosis calls for creative approach.
May 1, 2006... KAPALUA, HAWAII -- "Drug eruptions" is not a good term for a rash that might be caused by a drug reaction, Dr. Neil H. Shear told physicians at the Winter Clinical Dermatology Conference, Hawaii. The phrase "implies you know what caused it...

Negative pressure shows promise for foot ulcers.(Clinical Rounds)
May 1, 2006... SAN FRANCISCO -- Negative-pressure vacuum therapy appears to speed healing and increase the likelihood of complete closure of nonhealing diabetic foot ulcers, Dr. David G. Armstrong said at the annual meeting of the American Academy of...

Cutaneous clues can suggest familial tumor syndromes.(Clinical Rounds)
May 1, 2006... STOWE, VT. -- Early recognition of cutaneous signs of familial tumor syndromes can save lives, but because the skin dues are often mistaken for independent dermatologic conditions, the potential association with malignancies is often missed,...

Patient-initiated treatment quickly heals herpes.(Clinical Rounds)
May 1, 2006... SAN FRANCISCO -- A single, patient-initiated dose of famciclovir cut short recurrent outbreaks of herpes labialis by 2 days, Dr. Marcus Conant said at the annum meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. Viral replication of the herpes...

Lymphogranuloma Venereum: outbreak concerns overblown.(Clinical Rounds)
May 1, 2006... SAN FRANCISCO -- Concerns about an outbreak of lymphogranuloma venereum in HIV-positive men in the United States, engendered by a 2004 report of 92 cases in the Netherlands, have turned out to be somewhat overblown, Dr. Gail Bolan reported at a...

Early safety data mixed for Ortho Evra patch.(Clinical Rounds)
May 1, 2006... Preliminary results from two large ongoing epidemiologic studies evaluating the safety of the Ortho Evra contraceptive patch provided conflicting data on whether the risk of thrombotic events might be greater with the patch than with oral...

Quick contraceptive injection reduces unintended pregnancies.(Clinical Rounds)
May 1, 2006... BOSTON -- The immediate initiation of depot medroxyprogesterone acetate to adolescent and young adult women seeking the contraceptive injection resulted in higher continuation rates and substantially diminished unintended pregnancy rates at 6...

Emergency contraceptive has limited effect on bleeding patterns.(Clinical Rounds)
May 1, 2006... BOSTON -- A single dose of Plan B (levonorgestrel) alters the timing and duration of the menstrual period that immediately follows emergency contraception, according to a new study. Taken early in the cycle, it causes the menstrual period to...

Erythromelalgia linked to small fiber neuropathy.
May 1, 2006... PARK CITY, UTAH -- Small fiber neuropathy plays an important role in erythromelalgia, a rare and mysterious skin condition characterized by red, hot, and painful extremities, Dr. Mark D.P. Davis said at a clinical dermatology seminar sponsored...

Multifactorial treatment urged in HCV-associated vasculitis.(Clinical Rounds)
May 1, 2006... ABANO TERME, ITALY -- The finding that the hepatitis C virus is implicated in the pathogenesis of cryoglobulinemic vasculitis means that therapy must address the chronic viral infection, the autoimmune dysregulation, and the potential for...

Emsam, Eraxis.(NEW & APPROVED)
May 1, 2006... Emsam (selegiline transdermal system, Somerset Pharmaceuticals Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb) A transdermal formulation of an irreversible monoamine oxidase inhibitor approved for treating major depressive disorder. The first transdermal...

Entecavir vs. lamivudine for HBV.(Clinical Capsules)
May 1, 2006... Two head-to-head phase III trials have shown that the new drug entecavir may be superior to lamivudine for treating chronic hepatitis B. The two nucleoside drugs were pitted against each other in double-blind trials that involved more than...

Lyme meningitis prediction model.(Clinical Capsules)
May 1, 2006... Three conditions--a long-lasting headache, the presence of cranial neuritis, and a predominance of cerebrospinal fluid mononuclear cells--can predict Lyme meningitis in children aged 2-13 years, said Dr. Robert A. Avery of the Alfred I. duPont...

Acupuncture works for hypertension.(Clinical Capsules)
May 1, 2006... Acupuncture proved effective and safe for the treatment of mild to moderate hypertension in a randomized, single-blind German clinical trial. This form of therapy may appeal to patients who dislike taking medication. But it's not curative;...

Lawmakers express views on health reforms.(Practice Trends)
May 1, 2006... WASHINGTON -- Wouldn't reform be nice? That seemed to be the message from politicians speaking at a national advocacy conference sponsored by the American Medical Association. Democrats and Republicans told politically active physicians...

For med schools, Katrina may have silver lining.(Practice Trends)
May 1, 2006... New Orleans' two medical schools, Tulane University and Louisiana State University Health Sciences Center, seem poised for a post-Katrina recovery that may put them on better footing than before the floods wiped out much of their infrastructure...

Fake Botox murder charge.(Policy & Practice)
May 1, 2006... A California beautician was indicted for manslaughter for allegedly causing the death of a client following a fake Botox injection. Martha Mata Vasquez was accused of injecting cooking oil into the buttocks of the client, who died of an...

Connetics insider trading.(POLICY & PRACTICE)
May 1, 2006... The Securities and Exchange Commission has charged a Connetics Corp. executive with insider trading. According to the SEC, Connetics vice president Alexander Yaroshinsky sold 15,100 shares of Connetics stock shortly after an April 2005...

Sunscreen lawsuits.(Policy & Practice)
May 1, 2006... Two law firms have filed suit against seven sunscreen manufacturers, claiming the companies are making false claims about the products' ability to block harmful sun rays and prevent skin disease, including cancer. Named ha the suit are...

Unwilling to pay for quality.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... Payers and the federal government are prodding providers toward meeting quality benchmarks as the first step to getting paid for delivering better care, but a new poll suggests that Americans might not be willing to personally pay extra for...

Smoking rates drop.(Brief article)
May 1, 2006... The number of cigarettes sold ha the United States ha 2005 dropped 4.2% from 2004, the largest 1-year percentage decrease in sales since 1999, figures compiled by the Treasury Department show. "We are pleased to see that the long decline of...

Committee proposes 2.8% Medicare pay hike.(Practice Trends)
May 1, 2006... The committee advising Congress on Medicare payments has called for reimbursement increases for physicians and hospitals next year, but is proposing to slow the growth rate for hospital payments. The Medicare Payment Advisory Commission...

'Average' infusion payments fall short for some.(Practice Trends)
May 1, 2006... WASHINGTON -- The new system for infusion therapy payments under Medicare shows how difficult it is to base payment on "average" prices, Rep. Nancy Johnson (R-Conn.) said at a conference sponsored by Elsevier Oncology. "An 'on average'...

Dismissing patients properly.
May 1, 2006... Every so often, it becomes necessary to dismiss a patient from your practice. I get several questions a month about the "legalities" involved; the usual wording is something like, "How do I dismiss a patient without violating any laws?"...

Former smokers share their cessation strategies.(The Rest of Your Life)
May 1, 2006... The day Dr. Robert L. Kistner turned his back on cigarette smoking was Jan. 1, 1982, a behavior he began as a 14-year-old growing up in St. Louis. "I smoked through high school, college, and through medical school and the Air Force," said...

Poison Ivy treatment.(Products)
May 1, 2006... The IvyStat! Poison Ivy Kit is a two-step treatment that starts with a poison ivy scrub to remove the plant's oils, followed by a mentholated 1% hydrocortisone gel to control itching. For more information, contact Tec Laboratories Inc. by...

Light therapy hand spa.(Products)
May 1, 2006... The HandSpa from Skincare Technology Inc. is designed exclusively for photorejuvenation on the backs of the hands. Clients place their hands under the light-emitting diodes for a 10-minute session in the office of a skin care professional. For...

Body Hydrator SPF 30.(Products)
May 1, 2006... An all-over body moisturizer, pHaze 30 Perfecting Body Hydrator SPF 30 provides broad-spectrum UV protection and promotes an even skin tone. The moisturizer can be used alone as part of a daily skin care regimen, or in combination with PCA...

Personal Medical Record.(Products)
May 1, 2006... The Healthcare Personal Medical Record is a passport-sized, fill-in-the-blank book patients can use to collect medical information that physicians need most. The booklet comes with an instruction manual and sells for $14.95. For more...

Free online drug guide.(FYI)
May 1, 2006... Physicians can now access an online version of the Epocrates Rx mobile drug and formulary guide, which provides information on more than 3,300 drugs, including dosing, pricing, potential drug interactions, and Medicare Part D formulary...

Web site consolidates flu info.(FYI)
May 1, 2006... The Department of Health and Human Services has launched a Web site to provide one-stop access to U.S. government information on avian and pandemic flu. Visitors can access up-to-date response plans; learn about current tests, vaccines, and...

Patient safety news available.(FYI)
May 1, 2006... The Food and Drug Administration's Patient Safety News is a video news series that offers information about recently approved drugs, biologics, and medical devices; FDA safety notifications and product recalls; and ways patients can be...

Diagnosis: contact dermatitis.(Case of the Month)
May 1, 2006... VANCOUVER, B.C. -- An examination revealed a well-demarcated line between normal skin and a very extensive eruption of flesh-colored and verrucous papules with central areas of erosion throughout her groin region and on two digits of her right...