News

The FDA announced Wednesday, January 21, that it approved secukinumab (Cosentyx, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation) as a treatment for adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis.

In a study of nearly 5,000 people with and without eczema, researchers have found those with eczema are more likely to have osteoporosis and fractures than adults without the skin condition. Learn more on the study.

Medical practices need to inoculate themselves against security break-ins by performing a Security Risk Assessment. A Security Risk Assessment looks at how patient information is currently protected.

Researchers are aiming to better understand the molecular signaling pathways and the immune microenvironment of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The use of targeted or mechanism-based therapies may lead to better-understood combinations, higher response rates and better survival.

Dermatology Times editorial advisor, Elaine Siegfried, M.D., talks with Peter Lio, M.D., assistant professor of clinical dermatology and pediatrics at Northwestern University’s Feinberg School of Medicine, and private practice, Dermatology and Aesthetics of Wicker Park, Wicker Park, Chicago, about his interest in alternative medicine and the legitimacy and usefulness of certain techniques and therapies.

The unique qualities of African-American hair require special handling, says the co-author of a recent study showing that some African-American women avoid exercise due to hair care concerns.

Strategies to avoid fractional laser complications include lowering laser parameters and paying attention to patient histories. Should complications occur, early recognition and treatment can reduce the potential for scarring.

These unique pharmaceuticals are in many ways the newest category of products to grace our armamentarium. They are drugs that improve appearance temporarily in those with disease.

Jacob Boeckmann, M.D., of Facial Aesthetic Concepts in Orange County, Calif., discusses the value of high quality web content to inform and educate both new and existing patients and the value of embracing the benefits of social technology.

Performing clinical trials and dispensing in-office products can help dermatologists diversify their practices and revenues without necessarily adding patients, says an expert.

Emu oil is high in essential fatty acids and is used in hair care products, read to find out what Emu Oil is and how its used in hair products.

Retrospective research demonstrated a significant difference between dermatologists and non-dermatologists in recognizing melanoma, suggesting increased dermatology training for non-dermatologists should be a priority.

Several skin presentations in obese patients are associated with the presence of excess skin while others are associated with the pathophysiology of obesity. Dermatologists should have a conversation about weight loss with obese patients.

Obese children experience more dermatological concerns that normal weight children, a fact that should motivate dermatologists to counsel pediatric patients and parents about the benefits of weight loss.

Whole-body photographic camera developed out of U.S. military surveillance technology may have applications in dermatology. Dermatologists could one day use the camera to take whole-body images in high-risk patients; then, let a computer do the work of analyzing lesions that need attention.

Dr. Derm takes the advice of her new insurance/billing specialist to upcode her services to improve her reimbursements. She is still charging the same $45 fee. Is this fraud?

Melanie Palm, M.D., interviews an expert on some lesser-known facts and emerging trends in social media and search engine optimization.

Are patients really feeling the influence of social media on their decisions to have a cosmetic surgery procedure? What you can expect in the New Year.

From proven workhorse lasers to the best lasers for specific conditions, expert dermatologists offer their perspective and advice for choosing the right lasers for your practice.

When it comes to laser and light treatments in the New Year, this is what experts have to say you can expect to see more of.

Imagine wearing electronics powerful enough to transdermally measure things like hydration, electrophysiological activity and pulse and cerebral oximetry. But the technology is so thin, breathable, soft and malleable, that you don’t notice it on your skin. It can be on your eyelid, on your lips, over hair. It seamlessly does its job while you live your life without constraint.

Studies in the literature on wearable technology advances.

The Food and Drug Administration has granted accelerated approval to nivolumab (Opdivo, Bristol-Myers Squibb) for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma and for patients whose disease has progressed following ipilimumab and, if BRAF V600 mutation-positive, a BRAF inhibitor.

Nathanial Miletta, M.D., an Army captain stationed at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, Bethesda, Md., and his colleagues set out to assess subjective changes, including how dermatologic conditions - such as infection, abcesses, itching, pain, irritation, pulling of leg hair - at the joint interface affect quality of life and whether laser hair removal can help.

Lead author and a Galderma consultant dermatologist Linda Stein Gold, M.D. writes to Dermatology Times that results from Soolantra (ivermectin) Cream, 1% were seen in clinical studies as early as week two, with continuous improvement in patients with inflammatory lesions of rosacea.

Kevin D. Cooper, M.D., professor and chair of dermatology at Case Western Reserve University and University Hospitals Case Medical Center, Cleveland, Ohio, and Steven R. Feldman, M.D., Ph.D., professor of dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, N.C., weigh in on important gaps in dermatology research today.

Research has become much more sophisticated in recent decades; however, gaps remain in the understanding of how to treat common problems, like warts, researchers say.

Earring dermatitis at the site of a pierced earring can be due to many different factors. It is important to rule out nickel dermatitis and recommend the use of high quality yellow gold earrings.

New topical antifungal treatments provide better penetration and efficacy than their predecessors, says an expert.

Advanced BCC may be more common in elderly patients but many cannot tolerate surgery or radiation. Many elderly patients have comorbidities and limitations that limit therapeutic options for aBCC. Vismodegib and other medications that are under study are novel options to help manage their aBCC.