NB-UVB Irradiation May Achieve Effectively Treat Psoriasis Vulgaris.MedWire (11/19, Piper) reported that, according to a study published online in the Journal of Dermatology, "narrowband ultraviolet B light (NB-UVB) irradiation five days a week for four weeks is an effective treatment option for psoriasis vulgaris" that may even bring about a long-term remission. After treating "52 patients with a

Study indicates UK over-the-counter beauty serum may reduce fine wrinkles.Following a BBC News story, the UK's Times (4/29, Rose) reported that, according to a study published online Apr. 28 in the British Journal of Dermatology, Boots "No. 7 Protect & Perfect beauty serum" has been "clinically proven to reduce fine wrinkles and improve the appearance of weathered skin." For the study, "dermatologists

Dermatologists provide tips on skin care.The UK's Daily Mail (4/19, Penman) asked some of "leading dermatologists...what they put on their skin to keep it looking fresh and young." The dermatologists recommended focusing "on cleaning [the] skin without sapping away its natural moisture." Those with dry skin should avoid "over-washing." The dermatologists also suggested using moisturizers that "reinforce

Calcipotriol plus betamethasone ointment improves symptoms of nail psoriasis, researchers say.MedWire (4/3, McDermid) reports that, according to a study published online in the journal Dermatology, "a two-compound ointment containing calcipotriol and betamethasone improves the symptoms of patients with nail psoriasis." For the study, researchers from the University of Athens Medical School in Greece

Sunbed campaign targets schools Schoolchildren are being given the chance to quiz skin cancer experts and victims over the dangers of sunbeds. The Sunsmart campaign was launched at Bishop Gore Comprehensive in Swansea and will visit other schools in Wales. It follows the case of Kirsty McRae who suffered 70% burns on her body and ended up on a drip in hospital after using a coin-operated sunbed in

Study indicates risk for acne may be linked with X chromosome.MedWire (3/27, Wilkinson) reported that, according to a study published in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology, "the risk for acne may be linked with the X chromosome." For the study, researchers from the Dessau Medical Center in Germany examined "risk factors for acne vulgaris among 1,002 Iranian pupils in Tehran, of whom 499 were

Study implicates sunburn, family history in rosacea.HealthDay (3/10, McKeever) reported that, according to a study presented at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology, "people with the reddening skin condition rosacea tend to have a family history of the disease and a personal history of sunburns." Researchers from Harvard Medical School found that, in a "study of 130 people, half

Excimer laser seen as effective treatment for small areas of psoriasis.In the Wall Street Journal (3/17, D6) Aches & Claims column, Laura Johannes observed that the "excimer laser, best known for its use in eye surgery, is now being used to treat psoriasis," and "is extremely effective for small areas affected by the skin disease -- such as a knee or elbow." The device uses "an ultraviolet light wavelength...and

Low-dose acitretin therapy may reduce nail psoriasis, research suggests.HealthDay (3/17, Preidt) reported that, according to a study published in the March issue of the Archives of Dermatology, "low-dose treatment with" acitretin, "a drug used to treat skin psoriasis, seems to help reduce nail psoriasis." For the study, researchers from Italy's University of Bologna "evaluated the effect of low-dose

Research suggests 42 percent rise in UK eczema diagnoses between 2001 and 2005.BBC News (3/23, Wilkinson) reports that, according to a paper published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Medicine, "there was a 42 percent rise in" eczema diagnoses in the UK "between 2001 and 2005, by which time it was estimated to effect 5.7 million adults and children." For the study, researchers from the University

New skin disorder may be linked to gaming consoles, researchers say.BBC News (2/24) reported that "skin specialists" in Switzerland have identified a "new skin disorder caused by use of games consoles." In their paper appearing in the British Journal of Dermatology, investigators "outline the case of a 12-year-old girl who attended a Swiss hospital with intensely painful sores on the palms of her hands."       

FDA advises of serious adverse event with psoriasis biologic.The Wall Street Journal (2/20, B3, Whalen, Dooren) reports that on Feb. 19, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) "warned that use of the" psoriasis drug Raptiva [efalizumab] "poses the risk of developing a rare and often fatal brain infection known as progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy" (PML).       

PRESS RELEASEEuropean Medicines Agency recommends suspension of the marketing authorisation of Raptiva (efalizumab)The European Medicines Agency (EMEA) has recommended the suspension of the marketing authorisation for Raptiva (efalizumab), from Serono. The EMEA’s Committee for Medicinal Products for Human Use (CHMP) has concluded that the benefits of Raptiva no longer outweigh its risks, because

Investigators say cigarette smoke may cause same cellular defect seen in people with premature aging disease. Following a WebMD article, UPI (2/9) reported, "University of Iowa researchers have made a connection between a rare, hereditary premature aging disease and cell damage that comes from smoking." According to the study published in the American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine,

Dermatologists provide winter skin-care tips.In the New York Times (2/5, E3) Skin Deep column, Camille Sweeney observes that the combination of Arctic air and "the arid heat of apartments and office buildings" results in what dermatologist Macrene Alexiades-Armenakas, M.D., Ph.D., "calls 'the perfect storm for dry and damaged skin conditions.'" Besides "daily moisturizing," Dr. Alexiades-Armenakas

   Research suggests divorce may make people look older. In its Health Highlights section, HealthDay (2/4) reprised coverage of a UPI story that "divorce can add years to your face." In a study published online in the journal Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, researchers from the University Hospitals Case Medical Center in Cleveland, OH, "studied 186 pairs of identical twins," and found

Dermatologist provides advice on how to prevent premature skin aging.In a column in the Tampa Tribune (2/4), Neil Alan Fenske, M.D., chair of the Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery at USF Health, observed, "How quickly your skin ages, independent of lifestyle changes, depends to a large extent on heredity. Some people at 65 have skin that looks 50, and, unfortunately, others have the reverse."

FDA approves ointment for treatment of mild-to-moderate psoriasis.WebMD (2/3, DeNoon) reported that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Vectical (calcitriol), an "ointment containing...the active form of vitamin D3," for "use by adults 18 and older with mild-to-moderate psoriasis." In clinical trials, Vertical was demonstrated to be "safe during one year of continuous use." Side effects

Study indicates childhood vacations at the shore may increase melanoma risk later in life.AFP (2/4) reports, "Spending vacations at the beach during childhood may increase the risk of the deadly skin cancer melanoma later in life," according to a study published in the Feb. issue of the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers & Prevention.        For the study, researchers

Researchers test Botox's efficacy against psoriasis.The U.K.'s Daily Mail (2/3) reported, "Botox injections are being used to treat psoriasis." For instance, "a trial of Botox injections at the University of Minnesota follows the discovery that patients with dystonia -- a neurological movement disorder -- who also have psoriasis saw improvements in both conditions after treatment." Apparently, the