Skin & Allergy News articles from November 2008

Skin & Allergy News archives from November 2008

Skin comorbidity agenda launched.(News)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] BETHESDA, MD. -- The Society for Investigative Dermatology has launched an ambitious multiyear, multidisciplinary research agenda focusing on skin disease comorbidities. Initially, the Co-Morbidities of Skin...

Dermpath's advice in reports sparks debate with panel: recommendations not always welcomed.(News)
November 1, 2008... SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. -- Comments and advisory notes written into pathology reports came under high-powered scrutiny at the annual meeting of the California Society of Dermatology and Dermatologic Surgery, when physicians squared off against a...

Should 'Sun-Safe' patients get vitamin D supplement?(Dermatologic Therapy)
November 1, 2008... SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. -- A "care collision" with vitamin D proponents can be avoided by ensuring that patients receive supplements to compensate for their lack of exposure to ultraviolet light, a California-based dermatologist suggested. ...

Heart risk overlooked in psoriasis.(News)
November 1, 2008... PARIS -- Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis are at increased risk for cardiovascular disorders and diabetes, but those problems often go undiagnosed, according to an analysis of three clinical trials. "There was a substantial...

Dermatologists spent more than 35 hours per week in direct patient care in 2007.(VITAL SIGNS)
November 1, 2008... Dermatologists Spent More Than 35 Hours Per Week In Direct Patient Care in 2007 Mean clinical hours per week Plastic and reconstructive surgery (n = 78) 38.7 Ob.gyn. (n = 1,292) 38.0...

Psoriasis retreatment effective with new biologic.(News)
November 1, 2008... PARIS -- Most of the psoriasis patients who lost response to an investigational monoclonal antibody agent following treatment interruption regained response when retreated, according to the results of a phase II trial. Of the 58 patients...

New filler plumps lips in trial.(News)
November 1, 2008... [GRAPHIC OMITTED] PARIS -- An investigational hyaluronic acid filler enhances lip fullness, lasting as long as a year in some patients, according to the results of a phase III trial of 78 patients. In those treated with hyaluronic acid...

Field therapy sustains benefit in actinic keratosis.(News)
November 1, 2008... PALM BEACH, FLA. -- Field therapy for actinic keratosis with imiquimod is noninvasive, improves cosmetic outcome, and can be adapted as short-course cycle therapy rather than being given for the full 16-week recommended regimen. Field...

Phase III: temozolomide fails to improve melanoma survival.(News)
November 1, 2008... STOCKHOLM -- Extended-schedule, escalated-dose temozolomide failed to improve overall survival or progression-free survival when compared with a standard regimen of dacarbazine in what is believed to be the largest randomized, phase III trial...

FDA releases list of drugs under safety investigation.(NEWS FROM THE FDA)
November 1, 2008... The Food and Drug Administration has posted on its Web site the first quarterly report of drugs identified as having "potential safety issues" that are under evaluation, in order to keep health care professionals and the public informed about...

Ophthalmic salt, papain drug makers must seek approval.(NEWS FROM THE FDA)
November 1, 2008... The Food and Drug Administration said that it intends to take enforcement action against the manufacturers of certain ophthalmic balanced salt solutions (BSS) and topical drugs containing papain if they do not seek and receive formal agency...

Efalizumab gets boxed warning after serious infections reported.(NEWS FROM THE FDA)
November 1, 2008... The label of the immunomodulator efalizumab will soon have a black box warning describing the potential risks of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and other life-threatening infections, because of postmarketing reports of these serious...

Taclonex is most prescribed topical for psoriasis.(DATA WATCH)
November 1, 2008... Taclonex Is Most Prescribed Topical for Psoriasis Taclonex 22.8% Clobes 17.2% Temovate 15.0% Dovonex 12.6% Salycylic Acid 4.8% Tazorac 4.7% Protopic 3.3%...

Trichometer coming soon to quantify hair loss.(News)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] PALM BEACH, FLA. -- For the first time, it may soon be possible to accurately quantify hair loss and to manage and measure the efficacy of hair loss treatment objectively. Medicine uses a language of numbers to...

Comorbidities pose treatment challenge in psoriasis patients.(News)
November 1, 2008... PARIS -- Treating patients with psoriasis should include diagnosing and managing comorbidities that are commonly associated with the disease, said Dr. Wolfram Sterry, Many people used to believe that psoriasis patients were fortunate...

'I know why I got this'.(Under My Skin)(medical practice)
November 1, 2008... Joan showed me the muddy pigmentation on the side of her neck. "That has a fancy name," I explained. "It's called poikiloderma, but it's basically chronic sun damage." I was about to launch into one of my riveting discourses on Greek...

Collective work of physician writers.(Letters)(Letter to the editor)
November 1, 2008... I read your article on Dr. Daniel C. Bryant with great interest ("Revering the Work of Physician Writers," October 2008, p. 70). My father, Benjamin Bernard Weinstein, M.D., established three collections of works by physician writers at...

Correction.(Correction notice)
November 1, 2008... In "Hypertension Meds May Lower BCC, SCC Risk" (SKIN & ALLERGY NEWS, October 2008, p. 8), the photo that appeared in the article was not Jennifer B. Christian, Pharm.D. This is the correct photo of Dr. Christian, who is with the Providence...

Targeted therapy slows recurrent SCC in patient.(Cutaneous Oncology)
November 1, 2008... PALM BEACH, FLA. -- Patients with multiple recurrent skin cancers may do better with targeted medical therapy if surgical excision is inadequate, according to a dermatologist who treated a particularly difficult case. The patient was a...

S. aureus colonization common in CTCL patients.(Cutaneous Oncology)
November 1, 2008... PARIS -- Not only are patients with cutaneous T-cell lymphoma more likely to be colonized with Staphylococcus aureus, compared with healthy individuals, but S. aureus colonization appears to be directly related to the body surface area...

Excision bests PDT for nodular BCC.(Cutaneous Oncology)(photodynamic therapy; basal cell carcinoma)(Clinical report)
November 1, 2008... PARIS -- Surgical excision is more effective than photodynamic therapy for the treatment of nodule basal cell carcinoma, based on the results of a study of more than 100 patients. The cumulative incidence of failure was 2% for surgical...

Melanoma pioneer receives award.(Cutaneous Oncology)
November 1, 2008... Dr. Donald L. Morton has been given the Association of Community Cancer Centers' 2008 Clinical Research Award. He was honored for his extensive leadership and research, including work with intratumoral bacille Calmette-Guerin for melanoma that...

Interferon induces some involution of atypical nevi.(Cutaneous Oncology)
November 1, 2008... PARIS -- Treatment of atypical nevi with high-dose interferon alfa-2b may induce at least partial involution, based on the results of a small study. Six of eight atypical nevi demonstrated a decrease in their greatest diameter, perimeter,...

Resist urge to inject more filler than needed.(Aesthetic Dermatology)
November 1, 2008... SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. -- Resist temptation. When the patient looks good, but the syringe in your hand still contains leftover Restylane or Juvederm, "Put it down," advised Dr. Allan Wirtzer, a dermatologist in private practice in Sherman...

Photoaging, psoriasis work recognized.(Aesthetic Dermatology)
November 1, 2008... Dr. John J. Voorhees will receive the 2009 Eugene J. Van Scott Award for Innovative Therapy of the Skin. The award recognizes his key contributions in the treatment of psoriasis and aging skin, including work leading to the greater use of...

Longer wavelengths key to laser Tx of leg veins.(Aesthetic Dermatology)
November 1, 2008... LAS VEGAS -- About 8 years ago, Dr. Neil Sadick and other dermatologic surgeons nearly gave up on lasers as a treatment option for leg veins because of the high rate of complications that they were seeing. "We were using shortwave...

Basic makeup of cellulite still baffles investigators: clinical trials to determine the content of fat found in cellulite to be launched.(Aesthetic Dermatology)
November 1, 2008... LAS VEGAS -- While cellulite can be easily identified, the basic science of its makeup remains a mystery. "We still don't know what the definitive pathologic cause of cellulite is," Dr. Neil Sadick said at the annual meeting of the...

Supersonic technology powers new skin rejuvenation device.(Aesthetic Dermatology)
November 1, 2008... LAS VEGAS -- A device that delivers supersonic pressure to the skin for rejuvenation is showing efficacy for several conditions, including facial wrinkles, solar keratoses, and acne scars. The device, which was developed by a Russian rocket...

Expert: laser skills honed by treating darker skin.(Aesthetic Dermatology)
November 1, 2008... LAS VEGAS -- The way Dr. Eliot F. Battle Jr. sees it, dermatologists should learn how to treat skin of color with cosmetic laser therapy for two reasons: to increase their revenue base as the world's population of brown-skinned individuals...

Stretch marks.(Cosmeceutical Critique)
November 1, 2008... Stretch marks, or striae distensae, are scar tissue in the skin's dermal layer that result from rapid growth or weight gain. These lesions, which can be found crisscrossing the breasts, abdomen, hips, thighs, buttocks, and arms, occur in...

First-year HPV vaccination rates 'very good'.(Infectious Diseases)
November 1, 2008... A survey providing the first estimates for human papillomavirus vaccination found that 25% of girls aged 13-17 had received at least one dose of the vaccine, according to a briefing by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. "This...

Two forms of MRSA attack different populations.(Infectious Diseases)
November 1, 2008... SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. -- Community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is unlike its hospital-acquired cousin epidemiologically, clinically, and genetically, an infectious disease specialist explained at a dermatology meeting....

4-hour flu detection test gains FDA approval.(Infectious Diseases)
November 1, 2008... The Food and Drug Administration approved a new test that can diagnose human influenza infections, including the highly pathogenic influenza A (H5N1) virus, and produce results within 4 hours. The device, known as the Human Influenza Virus...

Ineffectiveness of OTC cold meds lost on public.(Infectious Diseases)
November 1, 2008... ARLINGTON, VA. -- Despite the lack of evidence that over-the-counter medicines cure the common cold, nearly two-thirds of American adults choose them to treat symptoms, according to survey results from 1,005 individuals aged 18 and older. ...

ID experts urge doctors, staff to get flu shots.(Infectious Diseases)
November 1, 2008... WASHINGTON -- It is "unconscionable for health care workers who do not have a medical contraindication to not receive the flu vaccine," Dr. Julie L. Gerberding, director of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, said at a press...

Nonresponsive dermatitis? Suspect steroid allergy.(Allergic/Contact Dermatitis)
November 1, 2008... MONTREAL -- Contact allergy to corticosteroids is an increasingly recognized phenomenon that often takes increased clinical suspicion to diagnose. "Reactions are often subtle, transient, and/or late in nature," according to Dr. Anita...

Half of dermatitis patients likely to test negative.(Allergic/Contact Dermatitis)
November 1, 2008... MONTREAL -- Approximately half of the patients who have dermatitis will patch test negative for a contact allergy because of a true-negative result, false-negative finding, or technical issue, Dr. Denis Sasseville said. A failure to...

Raw materials surprising culprit in eczema.(Allergic/Contact Dermatitis)
November 1, 2008... MONTREAL -- Patch testing with raw materials from the workplace can reveal some surprises, as two recent cases of occupational dermatitis illustrate. One patient worked at a handcrafted door manufacturing plant and the other at a window...

Pentylene glycol: three cases point to emerging allergen.(Allergic/Contact Dermatitis)
November 1, 2008... MONTREAL -- Three cases reported so far in 2008 identify pentylene glycol as a cause of contact dermatitis, suggesting this skin care product ingredient could be an emerging allergen. Pentylene glycol is a preservative, humectant, and...

Cosmetics behind most lip cheilitis.(Allergic/Contact Dermatitis)
November 1, 2008... SAN FRANCISCO -- Fragrances, lip balm, and nickel are the allergens most responsible for allergic contact cheilitis, with women being most likely to have this condition. These data come from a subset of 10,061 patients with allergic...

Review: probiotics offer no eczema benefit.(Allergic/Contact Dermatitis)
November 1, 2008... Probiotic treatment may be of some small benefit in childhood eczema, but those benefits do not result in any clinically significant improvements, a new Cochrane review has concluded. "'The data suggest that probiotics are not an effective...

EpiPen needles too short to hit muscle in some.(Allergic/Contact Dermatitis)
November 1, 2008... HONOLULU -- Commercial epinephrine autoinjectors contain needles that are too short to reach the thigh muscles of a significant number of children, results of a study show. Pen-like autoinjectors, which deliver epinephrine to at-risk...

First trial of siRNA for a skin disorder offers hope.(Dermatologic Therapy)
November 1, 2008... KYOTO, JAPAN -- An ongoing, first-in-skin, clinical trial of a small interfering RNA-based therapy for a dermatologic disorder, if successful, will likely accelerate the arrival of a radically new era of tailored therapy for large numbers of...

Ustekinumab betters PsA patient quality of life.(Dermatologic Therapy)(Clinical report)
November 1, 2008... PARIS -- Ustekinumab, an investigational monoclonal antibody, reduced disability and improved quality of life in a phase II trial of 146 patients with active psoriatic arthritis. "The response was maintained in the majority of patients 33...

Psoriasis responds to Tx with fumaric acid ester.(Dermatologic Therapy)
November 1, 2008... PARIS -- Fumaric acid ester appears to maintain efficacy against psoriasis for up to 3 years, based on a German study of almost 1,000 patients. After 3 months of treatment with fumaric acid ester, almost a third of patients (31%) had...

Adalimumab interruption leads to poor retreatment response.(Dermatologic Therapy)(Clinical report)
November 1, 2008... PARIS -- When treatment with adalimumab for moderate to severe psoriasis is interrupted, patients who lost adequate response to initial treatment have a poorer response when treatment is restarted, according to the results of an open-label...

Psoriasis lesion site can help navigate treatment in children.(Dermatologic Therapy)
November 1, 2008... SAN FRANCISCO The FDA has not approved any drugs for treating psoriasis in children, leaving some dermatologists in a quandary. "We need a lot more study using kids because a lot of questions remain unanswered," said Dr. Kelly M. Cordoro of...

The role of vitamin D in immune function explored.(Dermatologic Therapy)
November 1, 2008... KYOTO, JAPAN -- The rationale for proposed clinical trials of vitamin D supplementation as adjunctive therapy in tuberculosis has origins stretching as far back as the tuberculosis sanatorium movement that originated in Germany in the 1800s,...

Pediatric academy doubles vitamin D recommendation.(Dermatologic Therapy)
November 1, 2008... BOSTON -- All children should get at least 400 IU of vitamin D daily, either through dietary intake or supplementation, beginning within days of birth and continuing through adolescence, according to new guidelines from the American Academy of...

Simple practice changes can boost Tx compliance.(Dermatologic Therapy)
November 1, 2008... CHICAGO -- There's a dazzling array of new therapeutic options available in dermatology, but there's one thing they cannot guarantee: patient adherence. "We can talk about all this new medical dermatology, but we're making the assumption...

Don't hesitate to use topical retinoids in women.(Dermatologic Therapy)
November 1, 2008... SAN FRANCISCO -- There is no reason to be hesitant in prescribing topical retinoids to women with acne, according to Dr. Hilary E. Baldwin. While the teratogenic potential of oral isotretinoin is well known, topical retinoids appear to be...

New study: smoking doesn't up skin surgery risk.(Dermatologic Surgery)
November 1, 2008... LAS VEGAS -- The incidence of complications following skin surgery is no different in smokers, compared with nonsmokers, results from a 5-year, single-center study demonstrated. The finding flies in the face of conventional thinking that...

Purse-string closure best choice for difficult cases.(Dermatologic Surgery)
November 1, 2008... PALM BEACH, FLA. -- Purse-string closure is a useful technique for difficult postsurgical cases in patients who cannot tolerate long procedures or who have difficulty with follow-up, according to Dr. John Robert Hamill Jr. [ILLUSTRATION...

Common dermatologic surgery beliefs dispelled by expert.(Dermatologic Surgery)
November 1, 2008... PALM BEACH, FLA. -- Certain widely held beliefs among dermatologic surgeons are revealed as myths when subjected to scientific scrutiny, according to Dr. James M. Spencer. "In surgery we do a lot of things just because a respected...

Large study links rhinitis to adult-onset asthma.(Across Specialties)
November 1, 2008... Rhinitis was a strong predictor of adult-onset asthma, according to dings from an 8-year population-based study in Europe. In the European Community Respiratory Health Survey, data from 6,461 participants showed that allergic rhinitis was...

Fish in infancy may cut eczema.(Across Specialties)(Clinical report)
November 1, 2008... [ILLUSTRATION OMITTED] Introducing fish to babies before 9 months of age may be a protective factor against atopic eczema, although dairy and egg introduction did not affect the risk of developing the condition, according to a Swedish...

Free eye allergies brochure available.(Across Specialties)
November 1, 2008... The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America is offering a free brochure, "Eye Health and Allergies." It describes causes, signs and symptoms, and tips for preventing eye allergies. It also list strategies and options for contact lens wearers....

Respiratory irritants in home extend beyond pets: cleaning sprays were found to increase the risk of new asthma symptoms or medication use.(Across Specialties)
November 1, 2008... CHICAGO -- Household cleaning sprays are meant to improve the indoor environment, but new research suggests they may actually contribute to new-onset adult asthma. Aerosol cleaning sprays were associated with an in creased risk for new...

Botox found to top steroids for allergic rhinitis relief.(Across Specialties)(Clinical report)
November 1, 2008... An injection of botulinum tox-in each nostril provided significantly greater relief of allergy symptoms than did steroid injections, based on results of a randomized study of allergy patients aged 14-62 years. Although previous studies...

Taking stairs at work steps up overall health.(Across Specialties)(Clinical report)
November 1, 2008... MUNICH -- "No thanks, I'll take the stairs instead." This was the cry that rang through the corridors of University Hospital, Geneva, last year as physicians and nurses participating in the Geneva stair study eschewed elevators in favor of...

Feds issue new physical activity guidelines.(Across Specialties)
November 1, 2008... Adults who engage in at least 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise each week and children who are physically active for 1 hour a day can realize "substantial" health benefits, according to guidelines from the U.S. Department of...

CMS proposes to switch to ICD-10 codes by 2011.(Practice Trends)
November 1, 2008... Officials at the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services plan to replace the ICD-9-CM diagnosis and procedure code set with a significantly expanded set of codes--the ICD-10--by Oct. 1, 2011. But physician groups are calling the agency's...

No such thing as a safe tan.(Policy & Practice)(Brief article)(Clinical report)
November 1, 2008... Three papers published in the October issue of Pigment Cell and Melanoma Research contend that there's no evidence supporting the safety of tanning-especially indoor tanning--and they call on the tanning bed industry to cease promoting its...

Industry groups protest IVIG cuts.(Policy & Practice)
November 1, 2008... The Biotechnology Industry Organization, the American Society of Clinical Oncology, the Association of Community Cancer Centers, and the Alliance for Plasma Therapies are urging the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services to preserve the...

CMS alters overpayment policy.(Policy & Practice)
November 1, 2008... CMS officials are changing the procedures for recovering certain overpayments made to physicians. The CMS will no longer seek payment from a physician for an overpayment while the physician is seeking a reconsideration of the overpayment...

HHS privacy efforts lacking.(Policy & Practice)
November 1, 2008... The Health and Human Services department has taken some steps to safeguard patient privacy, but efforts in several areas are still lacking, according to a report from the Government Accountability Office. The report notes that although the HHS...

Immigrants must get HPV vaccine.(Policy & Practice)
November 1, 2008... Young women seeking to immigrate to the United States currently are required to be vaccinated against the human papillomavirus, under an amendment to the Immigration and Nationality Act. Under the 1996 amendment, individuals seeking immigrant...

Staying on schedule.(Managing Your Dermatology Practice)
November 1, 2008... Last month, I discussed the complaint patients make most often: waiting too long to see the doctor. I suggested ways to help you stay on time, but ultimately, your success in staying on schedule depends in large part on your schedule. No...

Part B drug acquisition program stalled by CMS.(Practice Trends)
November 1, 2008... Medicare officials have pulled the plug at least temporarily on their Competitive Acquisition Program for Part B drugs, including infused biologics. The program was put on hold because of "contractual issues" with the successful vendor...

After cancer, a second act.(The Rest of Your Life)
November 1, 2008... After Dr. Joshua Grossman under-went his second neck dissection for papillary carcinoma of the thyroid gland in 1986, he believed he might not have much time to live. So, at age 45, he decided to audition for a role in a Johnson City (Tenn.)...

$260m in Medicaid substance abuse funds left untouched.(Practice Trends)
November 1, 2008... WASHINGTON--More than $260 million in Medicaid funds set aside to pay physicians to conduct brief screening and interventions for substance abuse are practically untouched, according to federal experts in the White House Office of National Drug...

Hyperpigmentation lotion.(Products)
November 1, 2008... TrueTone brightening lotion is designed to reduce hyperpigmentation and other types of skin discoloration. The formula includes brightening, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory ingredients in a lotion that is easy to apply. The lotion recipe...

Stretch marks, cellulite therapy.(Products)
November 1, 2008... The electro-mesotherapy technology of the MTC-TMT System uses highly effective transdermal delivery systems for active topicals that can rejuvenate the skin and target photodamage, stretch marks, and cellulite. Rapid electrical impulses are...

Veggie skin care.(Products)
November 1, 2008... Yes To Carrots, a skin care company that focuses on natural and organic ingredients, offers a complete line of products. For normal skin and hair, the Yes To Carrots product line includes items such as an organic carrot-based facial...

Peptide, antioxidant combo.(Products)
November 1, 2008... TNS Essential Serum combines two products from SkinMedica Inc. into one. In separate, dual chambers, the product dispenses the growth factor serum found in TNS Recovery Complex and the mixture of three novel peptides and seven antioxidants...

Photodynamic therapy line.(Products)
November 1, 2008... The Omnilux line of products delivers narrowband light for the treatment of acne, wrinkles, actinic keratosis, superficial wounds, and nonmelanoma skin cancers. Detachable treatment heads use a matrix of light-emitting diodes to deliver light...

Rejuvenating eye patches.(Products)
November 1, 2008... Young Essential Skincare (Y.E.S.) eye patches are applied to the skin under the eye to alleviate puffiness, dark circles, fine lines, and wrinkles. The patches hydrate over time, calm irritation, leave skin perceptibly softer, increase skin...

Wrinkle eradication pads.(Products)
November 1, 2008... Frownies Facial Pads are applied to the forehead and corners of the eyes and mouth before bedtime to reduce expression lines. The adhesive pads form a splint holding the visible layer of skin smooth and fiat overnight while the skin cells...

Atopy skin barrier cream.(Products)
November 1, 2008... EpiCeram Skin Barrier Emulsion is a prescription medical device cream designed to repair the damaged skin barrier of atopic dermatitis patients. The cream is a ceramide-dominant, lipid-based, first-line treatment that provides an optimal 3:1:1...

Seaweed skin serum.(Products)(Red Volcanic Seaweed Complex)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... Red Volcanic Seaweed Complex skin serum contains antioxidants to help prevent breakdowns in skin structure that lead to free lines and wrinkles. The serum is formulated to help protect the skin from UV radiation, and it can be used to reduce...

Light therapy hand spa.(Products)(Revitalight)(Brief article)
November 1, 2008... The HandSpa is designed exclusively for photorejuvenation of the skin on the backs of the hands and fingers. Clients place their hands under the device's intense red and amber lights for a 10-minute session in the office of a skin care...

Diaper rash ointment.(Products)
November 1, 2008... Lansinoh Diaper Rash Ointment contains Lansinoh's HPA Lanolin (15.5%), used by breast-feeding women for sore, cracked nipples; microfine zinc oxide (5.5%); and the emollient dimethicone (5%), providing triple protection, according to the...

Bethesda Sunscreen Soap.(Products)
November 1, 2008... Bethesda Sunscreen Soap cleanses, moisturizes, rejuvenates, and protects skin. The soap provides SPF-10. The soap is hypoallergenic and nonoily, and does not leave a filmy or greasy layer on skin. Four key ingredients, along with more than 50...

Panel: CME may falter without industry funding.(Practice Trends)
November 1, 2008... WASHINGTON -- Without pharmaceutical industry funding, continuing medical education is in danger of faltering, said a group of CME providers, several physicians, and a medical journal editor at a recent forum. The forum--designed to...