Pediatric Dermatology

The recent news that a human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine is well on its way to being a reality has dermatologists pricking up their ears. The vaccine, which is in development by Merck & Co. to target HPV-16, could facilitate a 40-percent reduction of intraepithelial cancer of the cervix within 10 years of widespread distribution to women and men, according to Ulrich R. Hengge, M.D., department of dermatology, University of Essen, Germany. More importantly to dermatologists who see histologically benign recalcitrant vaginal warts every day, the science behind the HPV-16 vaccine is virtually the same as that behind similar investigational therapeutic and prophylactic vaccines for condylomata.

Acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, hyperhidrosis, trichotillomania, onychotillomania, neurotic excoriations ... Even as connections between isotretinoin (Accutane) and depression in teens was hotly debated in the media spotlight last year, no one denies the powerful connection between the health of the psyche and that of the skin.

Pittsburgh -Topical tacrolimus ointment 0.1 percent (Protopic) may be a viable addition to the current therapeutic armamentarium for early-stage cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL), Larisa Geskin, M.D., said.

Pusan, South Korea -- Intralesional interferon alfa-2b (Intron-A) can be a useful option for the treatment of rapidly growing keratoacanthomas, Chang-Keun Oh, M.D., Ph.D., said.

Boston - Data indicate that UV light is increasing the incidence of melanoma development by specifically targeting the Rb pathway. The study is among the first to verify the link between UV exposure and melanoma risk in experimental models.

Kansas City, Kan. - It is a simple rule of office organization. And interior decorating. Even dermatology. What's the rule? Group like items together to keep things simple and streamlined.

Sandusky, Ohio - Tacrolimus 0.1 percent ointment can treat a subset of patients with granuloma annulare (GA), according to a study conducted at Northern Ohio Dermatology Research in Sandusky, Ohio. The phase IV, open-label, single-center, clinical trial was conducted by Mandi R. Motter, R.N., clinical research coordinator, Thomas E. Fleming, M.D., principal investigator, and colleagues.

New York - Ciclopirox 1 percent shampoo is an effective alternative for management of scalp seborrheic dermatitis, according to results of a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Stanford, Calif. - Conjugation of cyclosporin A to arginine oligomer protein transduction sequences provides a promising method for delivery of the peptide immunosuppressant agent into psoriatic skin. However, further study is needed to characterize the cutaneous bioavailability achieved with that novel delivery platform and to answer the larger question of whether topical cyclosporin A offers a viable therapeutic modality for psoriasis, according to David F. Fiorentino, M.D., Ph.D.

Vienna -- Oral pimecrolimus is an effective and well-tolerated treatment for certain inflammatory skin diseases, such as chronic plaque psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, according to Klaus Wolff, M.D., F.R.C.P., professor of dermatology and chairman, department of dermatology, University of Vienna, Austria.

Paris - Papular and pruritic dermatoses of pregnancy are usually the result of three conditions - prurigo, papular dermatitis of pregnancy (PDP), and pruritic folliculitis (PF) - Samantha Vaughan Jones, M.D., F.R.C.P., said at the World Congress of Dermatology. Depending on the symptoms and their severity, these conditions can affect the health of both the mother and her baby.

Paris - Topical medications should often be considered as first-line therapy in the treatment of vulval diseases because they are effective, easy to use, and fast-acting, according to Annarosa Virgili, M.D.

Troy, Mich. - Looking at the penis is an important part of the dermatological exam. Dermatologists who make the effort will commonly find skin conditions related only to the penis, general skin conditions, cancer, and infections, according to Ali Moiin, M.D., a board certified dermatologist and clinical assistant professor, Wayne State University, Troy, Mich.

Paris - Patch testing for possible contact allergy looks to be an effective tool in the investigation of inflammatory vulval diseases for patients with vulval dermatoses.

San Francisco ?? Dermatologists might find it strange when patients come into their offices complaining of nearly invisible "scars" or other imperfections. Yet the patients focus on the flaws to the point that one would think they were dominant features.

Ipswich, U.K. -- From a ragbag of low-quality randomized trials, the simplest and cheapest topical preparation has emerged as the safest and most effective treatment of cutaneous warts, according to Sam Gibbs, M.R.C.P.

The image of dermatology as a medical profession has undergone a variety of changes over the decades. In the 1800s and the early part of the 20th century, dermatologists were the physicians to go to for venereal diseases, as well as diseases of the skin, so their place as a medical necessity was secure.

Las Vegas - Much of what is new in dermatologic therapy represents off-label use of marketed drugs, but clinicians should not let that fact necessarily deter them from prescribing what may be very safe and effective therapy, said Stephen Stone, M.D., at the Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference.

As chair of the scientific program of a medical organization, I have been flooded with abstracts, some of which arrived by mail or fax.

Many dermatology practices are experiencing high patient demand for appointments and are expanding their services. The result frequently necessitates adding providers to the practice.

Denver - Tumescent liposuction pioneer Jeffrey A. Klein, M.D., strongly advised against being overly aggressive with the procedure.

New York - For severe forms of psoriasis, dermatologists should choose treatments based on efficacy and rapidity of response more so than potential for chronic toxicities, according to Kenneth B. Gordon, M.D.

New Orleans - Treating some types of psoriasis - severe, scalp, arthritic, "out of town," and others - can challenge the therapeutic acumen of dermatologists.

New York - For treatment of localized psoriasis, breaking down the barriers to compliance can begin with something as simple as the human touch, according to Steven R. Feldman, M.D., Ph.D., director, Psoriasis Treatment Center, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Paris - Treatment for dermatomyositis (DM) begins with sun avoidance and sun-protective measures, Jeffrey P. Callen, M.D., said at the World Congress of Dermatology. "The first line of therapy is to recognize that the patient is photosensitive."

Washington - Tighter restrictions on Accutane could have a reverse effect - increased black market activity - the FDA told a congressional investigative subcommittee on Dec. 11.

Anew oral retinoid has been FDA cleared for the treatment of psoriasis. It has been shown to be safer than all previously available retinoids. Dr. Doe learned that this medication has been used safely in Europe for the prevention of acne in pre-adolescent teenagers. He has a large adolescent practice and is excited about using this medication on his young patients. Recognizing that the drug does not have FDA clearance for his intended use, he asks parents of prospective patients to sign a consent form allowing him to use this potentially miraculous drug on their children. Is the consent of the parent valid?

Paris - Topical imiquimod offers safe and often effective treatment for basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) in immunosuppressed, solid organ transplantation patients, David Vidal, M.D., said at the World Congress of Dermatology.

Now that many of us have been online for a number of years, we are getting as many as 200 e-mails a day from friends, family, business associates, and spanners.

For years dermatologists have been recognized as the experts in the diagnosis and medical or surgical treatment of diseases and cosmetic disorders of the skin, hair, and nails.