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Several studies show that a new barrier cream provides effective protection against irritants and allergens, its manufacturer says. The cream also withstands gentle hand washing better than a comparator product, a researcher adds.

Topical retinoid treatment is the mainstay of acne management in ethnic skin, as it is in fairer individuals. However, additional considerations are needed to address the unique postinflammatory sequelæ in dark skin and precipitating factors for acne eruptions.

Dapsone gel, Oracea capsules and modified photodynamic therapy are three brand-new approaches to acne therapy, all of which may change current acne treatment and management.

Tissue necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) is a pivotal cytokine in inflammatory pathways, but its role in acne has not been characterized. Studies under way at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine aim to elucidate more information with the ultimate goal of identifying potential new therapeutic targets for acne.

Unhappy patients have always existed. Just as many physicians say they get patients through word-of-mouth, unhappy patients can create problems through the same medium.

Patients with acne that is unresponsive to traditional therapies were enrolled in a multicenter study evaluating photopneumatic therapy with a vacuum-assisted pulsed light device (Isolaz, æsthera). The treatment was easy to deliver and well-tolerated.

The state-of-the-art 3-D imaging system known as Lifeviz raises the bar in the management of acne and rosacea lesions by allowing the clinician to visualize much more accurately lesion images and, therefore, better follow the treatment progress of patients.

Photodynamic therapy with methyl aminolevulinate cream and red light is associated with marked and relatively durable reductions in inflammatory lesion counts in patients with moderate inflammatory acne, an expert says.

Early in September, a group of dermatologists descended on Capitol Hill, where they met with members of Congress to discuss their concerns and priorities and sought to increase awareness among lawmakers of the importance of dermatology to their constituents.

Dr. Job is a hard-working dermatologist practicing in a city hard hit by the downturn in the economy. Overhead is up, and revenues are down. He is left with no choice but to start terminating some employees.

It seems that over the past several decades, there has been an apparent increased level of concern about the lack of work ethic and selfish motivation of next generation, and whether or not the world will survive the laid-back, "me first" attitude that seem all too prevalent in the younger generation today.

National report - Gardasil presents no significant safety concerns. That was the consensus of a Center for Disease Control (CDC) advisory committee following a review of safety studies of the human papillomavirus quadrivalent vaccine, manufactured by Merck, two years post-approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Wilmington, Mass. - Dusa Pharmaceuticals has stopped developing Levulan photo dynamic therapy for acne, after mid-stage trials failed to show statistically significant results.

Toronto, Canada - In honor of World Psoriasis Day on Oct. 29, the Psoriasis Education Program (PEP) announces its new Web site www.psoriasisinfo.ca, MarketWatch reports.

Chicago - From the sexual proclivities of senior citizens to the continuing spread of HIV, the state of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) worldwide is more dire than casual observers would guess, says one expert.

Las Vegas - When it comes to office efficiency and patient management, experts’ advice runs the gamut, from choosing patient-friendly palliative care to properly using physician extenders.

Las Vegas - The most common diagnosis of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma diagnosis in the practice of dermatology is mycosis fungoides (MF), according to Peter W. Heald, M.D., professor of dermatology, Yale School of Medicine, New Haven, Conn., who spoke here at the 27th Annual Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference.

Las Vegas - Throughout the next five years, fractionated lasers and combined-wavelength treatments will continue to lead growth in the dermatologic laser surgery segment, says a leading dermatologic laser surgeon.

Las Vegas - To paraphrase English surgeon and anatomist Sir Ashley Paston Cooper, the best surgeon is the one who makes the fewest mistakes.

Las Vegas - One American dies from malignant melanoma every hour, according to Darrell S. Rigel, M.D., M.S., co-director of the 27th Annual Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference, and clinical professor of dermatology, New York University School of Medicine, New York.

Las Vegas - A meticulous history and scalp examination are key in diagnosing and managing hair loss in women, says Jerry Shapiro, M.D., F.R.C.P.C., department of dermatology, New York University, New York, and department of dermatology and skin science, University of British Columbia, Vancouver, Canada, in a presentation at the Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference here.

Las Vegas - "There are problems with corticosteroids," says Alan B. Fleischer, Jr., M.D., professor and chair of dermatology, Wake Forest University School of Medicine, Winston-Salem, N.C.

Las Vegas - Although topical anesthetics have long been a mainstay for dermatologists, physicians have relatively little clinical data with which to evaluate them, an expert says.

Las Vegas - The availability of a broad range of hyaluronic acid (HA) fillers has allowed dermatologists to employ greater creativity in correcting not only facial lines and wrinkles, but also age-related volume loss, an expert says.

Las Vegas - As new biologic drugs navigate through the FDA approval process, the amount of efficacy data - including comparative studies - available to dermatologists is growing, says a leading psoriasis clinician and researcher.

Las Vegas - Nonsurgical modalities can provide safe, effective treatment for carefully selected low-risk nonmelanoma skin cancers, an expert says.

Las Vegas - "It?s my bias that every practice should be using photodynamic therapy (PDT.) It is so useful," says C. William Hanke, M.D., M.P.H., F.A.C.P.; president, American Academy of Dermatology; visiting professor, dermatology, University of Iowa-Carver College of Medicine, Iowa City, Iowa.

Las Vegas - Everyone needs a working knowledge of cosmeceuticals, even if you?re a skeptic, says Hilary E. Baldwin, M.D, vice chair and associate professor of dermatology, department of dermatology, State University of New York, Brooklyn, N.Y., in a presentation here at the Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference.

Las Vegas - Treating tough pigmentary disorders requires combining current therapies while keeping abreast of emerging therapies including new sunscreens, resurfacing procedures and promising monotherapeutic bleaching agents, says an expert.

Las Vegas - As injection techniques and aesthetic applications for Botox (botulinum toxin A, Allergan) expand, knowing the facial anatomy and tempering patient expectations remain critical to success, an expert says.