Pediatric Dermatology

Allergic contact dermatitis can be a nightmare for those with serious cases, yet many dermatologists fail to use any form of patch test with their patients — a procedure that could lead to faster, more effective and definitive treatment, according to Bryan E. Anderson, M.D., assistant professor in the department of dermatology at Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pa.

Vancouver, British Columbia — Atopic dermatitis (AD) is on the rise around the world and affects 10 percent to 20 percent of children. The disease may continue into adulthood and may be the first step in an "atopic marathon" that leads to asthma and allergic rhinitis.

National report — The benefits of topical therapy for atopic dermatitis can be boosted with massage, according to a study in children. Massage not only improved patients' symptoms and quality of life but also helped to relieve their parents' anxiety.

Orlando, Fla. — Poorly controlled atopic dermatitis (AD) may remain elusive to treatment, particularly if its pathogenesis is not understood. While it is known that the altered barrier of atopic skin provides a portal of entry for various pathogens, it is the skin inflammation in AD that reduces the ability of patients with atopy to fight infection, according to Donald Y. M. Leung, M.D., Ph.D., head of pediatric allergy-immunology at the National Jewish Medical and Research Center in Denver.

After fragrance, the next most common source of contact dermatitis, as a class, is preservatives, and the most common preservative is paraben.

Mild reactions to latex may involve skin redness, rash, hives or itching; more severe reactions can include wheezing and difficulty in breathing.

San Diego — The lipid enhanced, emollient cream formulation of hydrocortisone butyrate 0.1 percent (Locoid, Ferndale) effectively treats moderate to severe atopic dermatitis (AD) in children and does so with excellent systemic safety, at least when used over a period of up to four weeks, said Lawrence F. Eichenfield, M.D., at the Pediatric Dermatology for the Practitioner Meeting here.

Lake Buena Vista, Fla. — Photo-Pneumatic Technology Therapy? (PPx), manufactured by Aesthera Corp., is showing promise as an innovative new approach for enhancing the safety and efficacy of hair removal and nonablative skin rejuvenation procedures, according to Vic A. Narurkar, M.D, who spoke at the Annual Meeting of the American Society for Laser Medicine and Surgery.

The study was set up to have one unblinded observer, the patient and a blinded observer studying the patient’s skin at every visit.

Laser technology, according to Dr. Zachary, is better left in the hands of physicians and not in unregulated, under-supervised cosmetic spa environments.

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Botulinum toxin is a complex protein produced by the anaerobic bacterium Clostridium botulinum. Botulinum toxin type A injections can be used to treat various focal muscle spastic disorders and excessive muscle contractions such as dystonias and spasms.

New Orleans — Rather than simply plumping up the back of the hand, fat injections given there perform a host of rejuvenation functions that researchers are just beginning to understand.

A new study suggests that childhood melanoma presents with peculiar features, which might make it trickier to diagnose than adult cutaneous melanoma.

National report — When traditional approaches fail, many skin conditions may benefit from the addition of a few needles — acupuncture needles, that is. Some physicians are having good success integrating acupuncture into their dermatological practices.

Chicago — Genetically manipulated growth factors could hold the key to producing engineered tissue with vascular systems ready-made for transplantation.

National report — Results of a study assessing sunlight exposure during winter months in various geographic locations across the United States refute the idea that "safe sun" photoprotection practices are associated with a risk of vitamin D deficiency, says J. Frank Nash, Ph.D., principle scientist, Procter & Gamble Co., Cincinnati.

Should the cuts take place as planned, 18 percent of physicians surveyed by the American Medical Association say they would stop accepting new Medicare patients; 57 percent would decrease time spent with patients; and 46 percent would reduce staffing levels.

National report — The first-ever study attempting to assess the total burden of skin disease indicates that the toll exacted from Americans has been underestimated.

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Sallowness was assessed using a digital image analysis technique able to quantify yellow color.

What is the cause of seborrheic dermatitis?

There is little intraoperative bleeding because of TLA's vasoconstriction effect.

National report — Recreational swimming in swimming pools results in short-term but significant changes to biophysical properties related to skin hydration, researchers report.

New Orleans — Concomitant topical treatment with tacrolimus 0.1 percent ointment (Protopic, Fujisawa) does not improve the response of generalized vitiligo to narrowband UVB phototherapy, according to the results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, pilot study undertaken by researchers at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

Nice, France — Results of a comparative, prospective, randomized study undertaken by French dermatologists indicate that topical tacrolimus ointment 0.1 percent (Protopic, Fujisawa) plus phototherapy with a 308-nm excimer laser can be a highly effective combination for the treatment of recalcitrant, localized vitiligo.

Making the appropriate choice ... requires having a clear understanding of the benefits and disadvantages of each drug.

Dr. Coulie and his group are now working to understand how the vaccine triggers the immune intervention of the previously powerless lymphocytes.

New Orleans — Scientific literature rarely portrays cutaneous manifestations of West Nile virus (WNV) because these manifestations are, by nature, transient. However, a recent case report contains what is only the second publication of these symptoms.

New York — Mary Stine has been named executive director of the Skin Cancer Foundation.