Dermatology Associates (Sample)

Skin Care News

Apr 05, 2011

April is National Rosacea Awareness Month

Rosacea afflicts 16 million Americans, and most of them don’t know it. A Gallup survey found that 78% of Americans have no knowledge of this common skin disorder and less than 10% of those with rosacea are receiving treatment.

The National Rosacea Society has designated April as National Rosacea Awareness Month to alert the public of the signs and symptoms of rosacea and the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.

As part of Rosacea Awareness Month, we have published a variety of handouts that cover a wide range of rosacea topics, including the four different subtypes of rosacea and rosacea treatment options, including topical medications (Finacea®, MetroGel®), oral medications (Oracea®), surgical procedures, and IPL for rosacea.

The rosacea content includes information about rosacea triggers and a rosacea diary to help those afflicted with rosacea to identify triggers, track their symptoms, and monitor their response to treatment.

New psoriasis treatment guidelines stress individualized treatment

New psoriasis treatment guidelines published by the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) stress the importance of tailoring therapies for individual patients.

Psoriasis is a common, chronic, skin condition that affects approximately 2% of the population. Treatment options include topical medications (anthralin, corticosteroids), oral medications (cyclosporine, methotrexate), light and laser therapies, and new biologic medications.

Disease severity is just one of many factors that need to be considered when developing a treatment plan for psoriasis. Other factors include responses to past treatment, the presence of other medical conditions, personal preferences and the likelihood of being able to follow through with treatment.

People with psoriasis should ask questions to ensure that they understand how to follow their treatment plan, avoid common triggers (i.e. stress, smoking and alcohol), and monitor their psoriasis symptoms.

New Medications for the Treatment of Advanced Melanoma

Melanoma kills around 9,000 Americans each year. This type of skin cancer is often easily cured with surgery when diagnosed early, but more advanced cases are difficult to treat. Once the tumor has spread, the standard treatments (i.e. chemotherapy) will occasionally achieve temporary remission, but cure is extremely uncommon.

Immunotherapy, a technique that stimulates the body’s own immune system to attack the cancer, has been studied for years as a potential approach to shrinking metastatic melanoma.

Immunotherapy research has resulted in the first melanoma drug to receive FDA approval in 13 years and is the first therapy proven to extend overall survival for advanced stage melanoma patients. Ipilimumab (Yervoy™) was fast-tracked through the FDA review process and approved for use in late March. According to the best estimates, Yervoy may offer many patients a 2-year survival advantage.

Another promising area of melanoma research is in the area of oncogenes, a type of gene that appears to give rise to cancer. Some cases of melanoma have been linked to a mutation in an oncogene called B-RAF. Several pharmaceutical companies have developed drugs that inhibit B-RAF oncogene function and can cause substantial shrinkage of metastatic melanoma that can be sustained for lengthy periods.

Bad Reaction to Cosmetics? Contact the FDA

You break out in a head-to-toe rash after applying a sunless tanning lotion. Your son’s skin is red and blotchy after he gets his face painted at the school carnival. Your daughter’s scalp is burned after using a hair relaxer.

If you’ve had a negative reaction to a beauty, personal hygiene, or makeup product, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) wants to hear from you. Learn more.

Contact the FDA Medwatch program or call 1-800-332-1088

___________________________________________________________

© 2011 Vivacare. Last updated April 5, 2011.

This information is for general educational uses only. It may not apply to you and your specific medical needs. This information should not be used in place of a visit, call, consultation with or the advice of your physician or health care professional. Communicate promptly with your physician or other health care professional with any health-related questions or concerns.

Be sure to follow specific instructions given to you by your physician or health care professional.

From Your Doctor service powered by Vivacare.