News

Dr. Photo has lectured at numerous American Academy of Dermatology meetings. His lectures are well-attended and receive the highest attendee rankings. His PowerPoint presentations are always noted for their exceptional clarity.

Over the past 10 to 15 years, there has been a boom in the phenomenon commonly known as "medspas" - an outgrowth of the purely Aesthetic day spa, combining herbal wraps and massages with medical or near-medical therapies, such as microdermabrasion and chemical peels, and progressing into lasers, fillers and Botox treatments.

The other day, I was visiting with my doctor following my annual checkup, and I asked him about the key concerns that he faces in his regional, three-physician practice in the Baltimore, Md., suburbs.

I recently read a short newspaper story (USA Today, May 27, 2008) from California, where it was reported that "two lawmakers want greater protection for cosmetic surgery patients."

The ongoing Food and Drug Administration (FDA) review of TNF-blocking biologic drugs is unlikely to have much impact on dermatologists' use of these drugs, physicians say.

2008 DT Laser & Light Technology Guide

An expert discusses emerging laser technology for at-home hair removal, fat transfer or facelifts, much of which is still being researched or in early marketing stages.

Avoiding laser and light complications requires practicing universal safety precautions, because complications can happen even with the most experienced equipment operators, an expert says.

La Jolla, Calif. - DermTech, a biotech company that develops molecular diagnostics for the early detection of melanoma and other diseases, has named skin cancer expert Scott Menzies, M.B., B.S., Ph.D., to its Melanoma Advisory Board, PRNewswire reports.

San Mateo, Calif. - Pain Therapeutics recently announced the completion of its first clinical study utilizing what it calls a novel melanoma treatment, TradingMarkets.com reports.

Long Beach, Calif. - Obagi Medical Products, based here, has released results of a study on its solubilized 5 percent benzoyl peroxide (BPO) gel treatment for acne, Business Wire reports.

Havre de Grace, Md. - Skin cancer screenings and sun safety outreach were offered at one of the major tournaments in the women’s professional golf tour, SunHerald.com reports.

New York - Patients with metastatic cutaneous melanoma should be periodically given an ophthalmic examination to screen for metastasis to the eye, lids and orbit, according to a study reported by HealthDay News.

Barrington, Ill. - Results of a recently released survey indicate that rosacea may be genetic, the National Rosacea Society (NRS) reports.

Durham, N.C. - A new study suggests that chemotherapy is more effective on melanoma tumors if a protein commonly found in the growth can first be disabled, HealthDay News reports.

Houston - A new study shows that people worried about hair loss can count on counting as a way to find out if their concerns are justified, HealthDay News reports.

National report - The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence (NICE) is recommending adalimumab as a treatment for adults with plaque psoriasis, redOrbit reports.

Schaumburg, Ill - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is becoming increasingly common in people participating in sports, particularly high school and college athletes, according to a study published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology.

Nottingham, England - A five-year 'BLISTER' study is being coordinated by two universities, as they are seeking 250 bullous pemphigoid sufferers to participate in a randomized trial, according to Media-Newswire.

Coral Gables, Fla. - Stiefel Laboratories has announced it has signed a definitive merger agreement to acquire Barrier Therapeutics, according to PRNewswire.

Schaumburg, Ill. - The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), Major League Baseball Association (MLB) and Major League Baseball Players Association (MLBPA) have teamed up to educate players and fans about the risk of skin cancer, according to PRNewswire.

Mt. Laurel, N.J. - The Dermatology Nurses' Association (DNA) is teaming up with international publisher Lippincott, Williams and Wilkins'(LWW) to launch its own journal that will be available in its entirety online, according PR Newswire.

Silver Springs, Md. - An Food and Drug Administration (FDA) panel ruled Johnson & Johnson's experimental drug, ustekinumab, should be approved for treating moderate to severe psoriasis in adults, Reuters reports.

Miami - The formulation of Atralin Gel 5 percent acts to enhance the performance of the active ingredient,tretinoin, against the papules and pustules of acne, according to an expert.

National report - A study published in the June issue of the Archives of Dermatology demonstrate a hair-count method to determine if you're balding, according to HealthDay News.

Scottsdale, Ariz. - Medicis' purchase of LipoSonix, an ultrasound technology used to target fat cells, will launch the company into the international marketplace and the body-contouring business, the East Valley Scottsdale Tribune reports.

Tubingen, Germany - Researchers from Tubingen University have discovered that immune response can prevent tumor growth without killing tumor cells, according to ecancermedicalscience.

Irvine, Calif. - Allergan is planning to file a New Drug Application to the FDA by end of the third quarter of 2008 for bimatoprost, a synthetic prostaglandin analog, as a treatment to stimulate eyelash growth, according to a press release.

Las Vegas - Skinvisible, the developer of Invisicare, announces Doreen McMorran will serve as vice president of business development and marketing for the company, Earthtimes.org reports.