News

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.

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.

Birmingham, Ala. - Topical azelaic acid 15 percent gel (Finacea) is more effective than metronidazole gel 0.75 percent for improving erythema and reducing inflammatory lesion counts in patients with mild to moderate papulopustular facial rosacea, according to the results of a multicenter, double-blind, randomized, parallel comparative trial.

Louisville, Ky. - A drug indicated for the treatment of periodontal disease appears to have efficacy equivalent to conventional oral therapy for rosacea but with virtually none of the side effects.

Chicago - Many dermatologists believe botulinum toxin works to relieve headaches, but the jury is still out on the toxin's true therapeutic benefits.

Washington -- Artecoll, a new item in the increasingly broad array of permanent and semipermanent nonsurgical wrinkle-reduction options, on Feb. 28 took a big step toward FDA approval.

Local places of interest

As the number of new dermatologic procedures and laser treatments grows, more and more patients are seeking out the rewards of cosmetic dermatology. With these technological advances comes an increasing need for effective topical anesthesia. Recently, two esteemed cosmetic dermatologists, Ch?rie Ditre, MD, and Mark G. Rubin, MD, participated in a teleconference to discuss the merits of pain mitigation in the procedures they perform.

A teleconference sponsored by an unrestricted educational grant from Ferndale Laboratories Inc.

San Francisco - Most recipients of botulinum toxin type A (Botox Cosmetic) injections to soften or even remove facial wrinkles are currently women. But according to University of California-San Francisco dermatologist Christopher B. Zachary, M.D., males also benefit from this therapy, and removing certain facial wrinkles and furrows may provide benefits beyond just a handsome face.

Research presented here by Luis A. Diaz, M.D., establishes conclusively that herpes gestationis (HG), also known as pemphigoid gestationis, is a true organ-specific autoimmune disease unique to pregnancy.

Paris - Polymorphic eruption of pregnancy (PEP), also known as pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP), is the most common of all the specific dermatoses of pregnancy, with a reported incidence of approximately one in every 120 pregnancies.

Columbia, Mo. - With fewer than 10,000 dermatologists serving a population of more than 2.9 billion people, there's no question that less-than-adequate access to dermatologic services isn't solely a women's issue.

Paris - Researchers at Jefferson Medical College are developing cutting edge techniques to attack the increased biosynthesis that appears to cause accumulation of collagen characteristic of scleroderma and particularly of a subset of the disease known as progressive systemic sclerosis (PSS), Jouni Uitto, M.D., Ph.D., chair, department of dermatology and cutaneous biology, said here at the World Congress of Dermatology.

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.

Toronto - Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) may be linked to acne in adult women, but its prevalence in these women and the specifics of which of these women may need more extensive work-ups and referrals are still largely an unknown.

Grand Wailea Resort, Hawaii - A therapy using microdermabrasion in combination with triple skin lightening creams has promise as an innovative treatment for melasma, according to Wendy E. Roberts, M.D., who will present on the topic this month at the 27th Hawaii Dermatology Seminar on the island of Maui.

Paris - In women with chronic hair loss, biopsy to diagnose androgenetic alopecia is a useful method for predicting patients likely to respond to oral antiandrogen therapy, Rodney Sinclair, M.D., said at the World Congress of Dermatology meeting.

Chicago - Tumescent liposuction performed as a sole procedure is a safe and effective technique for achieving limited breast reduction in females, Murad Alam, M.D., said at the annual meeting of the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

New York - Researchers have identified a molecular biomarker that was shown in a study to predict survival in melanoma patients, independently of tumor thickness and other known prognostic indicators.

Paris - Combination immunotherapy for psoriasis is coming into the clinic. Experience is showing it can be a valuable strategy for increasing efficacy while minimizing toxicity, both acutely and potentially over the longer term, Christopher E.M. Griffiths, M.D., said at the World Congress of Dermatology.

Sacramento, Calif. - A multipass technique using a longer interval between pulses may offer new opportunities for therapeutic benefits when treating vascular lesions with a pulsed dye laser, Emil A. Tanghetti, M.D., said.

Las Vegas - The FDA on Jan. 2 cleared Berlex Laboratories Inc. to market Finacea (azelaic acid 15 percent) gel for the treatment of rosacea.

I was exceedingly impressed by a conversation I had with Dr. Adelaide Hebert at the University of Texas department of dermatology some time ago. We were discussing residency programs and she informed me that charity or community service work was a requirement for dermatology residents at her institution.

Twelve percent of dermatologists responding to an American Academy of Dermatology survey said they have had difficulty getting malpractice insurance or renewing an existing policy. Sixty-nine percent have had their insurance premiums raised.

Patients enrolled in a phase III trial of a novel Bcl-2-directed antisense agent plus chemotherapy with dacarbazine (DTIC) are yielding remarkable responses thus far, according to Anna C. Pavlick, D.O., assistant professor of medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York.

Washington -- Phthalates, as used in the cosmetic industry, are considered to be safe, according to an independent panel of medical and scientific experts.

San Francisco - A higher level of confidence deciding which dermatologic surgery procedures should be performed on the pregnant patient may lead to making these procedures safer and more comfortable, Christine E. Correale, M.D., said.

Hermosa Beach, Calif. - New treatment options for patients with HIV-related facial lipodystrophy are proving as effective at boosting the spirits as they are at filling out the face. The distinctive outward appearance of facial wasting stigmatizes AIDS patients and contributes to heightened levels of anxiety and depression.

There was little in his childhood in Washington, D.C., to indicate that Haines Ely's future would take him to a career as a dermatologist/dermatopathologist, with a weekly radio talk show that deals often in metaphysics and alternative medicines. He also leads trips to visit a faith healer in Brazil.