Grace K. Kim, DO, Dermatology Research Fellow, Mohave Skin & Cancer Clinics, Las Vegas, Nevada; James Q. Del Rosso, DO, Dermatology Residency Director, Valley Hospital Medical Center, Las Vegas, Nevada, and Director of Dermatology Research, Mohave Skin & Cancer Clinics, Las Vegas, Nevada

Abstract
Psoriasis is a commonly encountered dermatosis with a variety of internal and external paradoxical factors contributing to the clinical course of the disease. There are several drugs described in the literature that have been associated with the initiation, exacerbation, and aggravation of psoriasis. Understanding the pathophysiology can provide clues to treatment and management of drug-induced and drug-aggravated psoriasis, which may be indistinguishable from idiopathic psoriasis. The clinical manifestations of drug-associated psoriasis can range from plaque-type psoriasis to severe erythroderma, thus warranting astute and sustained clinical observation.
(J Clin Aesthetic Dermatol. 2010;3(1):32–38.) Read the rest of this article »

William Kirby, DO, FAOCD, Kirby Dermatology, Beverly Hills, California; Francisca Kartono, DO, Department of Dermatology, Botsford Hospital, Farmington Hills, Michigan; Alpesh Desai, DO, FAOCD, Heights Dermatology, Houston, Texas; Ravneet R. Kaur, BSN, MD, David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California; Tejas Desai, DO, FAOCD, Heights Dermatology, Houston, Texas; David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, California

Abstract
Widely considered the gold standard treatment option for tattoo removal, the use of Q-switched lasers may very rarely result in the formation of large bulla. While very disconcerting to patients, these lesions are easily managed and, with proper care, heal quickly with no long-term consequences. The authors present three cases of patients who had bullous reactions shortly after receiving Q-switched laser treatment of tattoo ink. Bullous formation in all three patients was treated successfully.  (J Clin Aesthetic Dermatol. 2010;3(1):39–41.) Read the rest of this article »

Michael H. Gold, MD

Dr. Gold is the founder and medical director of Gold Skin Care Center, Advanced Aesthetics Medical Spa, The Laser and Rejuvenation Center, and Tennessee Clinical Research Center located in Nashville, Tennessee. He is also Clinical Assistant Professor at Vanderbilt University School of Medicine and School of Nursing in Nashville, Tennessee; Visiting Professor of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China; and Visiting Professor of Dermatology, No. 1 Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang, China.

Introduction
Since the introduction of the first fractional thermolysis (FT) device in 2004, dermatologists have seen numerous FT technologies introduced into the marketplace, which has increased the armamentarium we have available for our patients to treat a variety of skin concerns. With so many devices now available with numerous claims of clinical success, deciding which FT device to use can be confusing. The author reviewed FT in 2007,[1] and it is his hope that this update brings further clarification to this ever-exciting world of FT. Read the rest of this article »

Tobechi L. Ebede, MD, Department of Dermatology, Weill-Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York; Emily L. Arch, MD, Division of Dermatology, NorthShore University HealthSystem, Skokie, Illinois; Diane Berson, MD, Department of Dermatology, Weill-Cornell Medical Center, New York, New York

Disclosure: Drs. Ebede and Arch report no relevant conflicts of interest. Dr. Berson serves as a consultant and/or on the advisory board for Stiefel, Medicis, OrthoNeutrogena, Dusa, La Roche-Posay, and Galderma.

Abstract
Acne vulgaris is a common and chronic disorder of the pilosebaceous unit. Standard treatment protocols include topical retinoids, topical and oral antimicrobials, and isotretinoin. Hormonal therapies can be added to the regimen in some patients. This article will review the hormonal pathogenesis of acne, discuss the basics of an endocrine evaluation, and provide an overview of the current hormonal treatment options in women. (J Clin Aesthetic Dermatol. 2009;2(12):16–22.) Read the rest of this article »

Matthew J. Zirwas, MD; Jessica L. Holder, BS, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Dermatology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio

Abstract
Patient education is an important aspect of patient care in dermatology. Successful education increases patient satisfaction and results in improved outcomes and adherence. This article discusses the role of patient education in dermatology. Specifically, Part I of the review examines evidence demonstrating the benefits of patient education and recognizes the challenges that limit effective patient education. These challenges can be summarized as barriers to understanding, poor patient recall, conflicting information, and barriers to physician delivery. Further descriptions and an assessment of these limitations along with methods to combat them are included in the review.
(J Clin Aesthetic Dermatol. 2009;2(12):24–27.) Read the rest of this article »

Matthew J. Zirwas, MD; Jessica L. Holder, BS, Department of Internal Medicine, Division of Dermatology, The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio

Abstract
Patient education is an important aspect of patient care in dermatology. Successful education increases patient satisfaction and results in improved outcomes and adherence. This article individually evaluates several patient-education strategies: verbal education, written information, group-based learning, audiotapes, videotapes, computer-assisted education, and the internet. The review presents the strengths and limitations of each strategy based on recognized barriers to effective patient education that were discussed in Part 1. Additionally, a summary of recommendations for effective patient education is provided.  (J Clin Aesthetic Dermatol. 2009;2(12):28–34.) Read the rest of this article »

Nathan S. Trookman, MD, Rocky Mountain Laser Center, Colorado Springs, Colorado; Ronald L. Rizer, PhD, Thomas J. Stephens & Associates, Colorado Springs, Colorado;Rosanne Ford, BA; Rahul Mehta, PhD, SkinMedica, Inc., Carlsbad, California; Vincent Gotz, MS Pharm Consultant, ProPharmaCon, LLC, San Diego, California  Read the rest of this article »

Lawrence F. Eichenfield, MD, Rady Children’s Hospital, San Diego, and University of California San Diego, San Diego, California; Diane Thiboutot, MD, Penn State University College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania; Alan Shalita, MD, SUNY Downstate Medical Center, Brooklyn, New York; Leonard Swinyer, MD, Dermatology Research Center, Salt Lake City, Utah; Emil Tanghetti, MD, Center for Dermatology and Laser Surgery, Sacramento, California; Eduardo Tschen, MD, Academic Dermatology Associates, Albuquerque, New Mexico; Lisa Parr, PharmD, Clinical Affairs Department, OMP, Inc., Long Beach, California Read the rest of this article »

Mark Bechtel, MD; Catherine Sanders, MS; Ann Bechtel, RN, BSN
The Ohio State University College of Medicine, Columbus, Ohio

Disclosure: Dr. Bechtel is a speaker for Amgen, Centocor, Genentech, and Abbott. Ms. Sanders and Ms. Bechtel report no relevant conflicts of interest.

Abstract
Biologic agents have been a significant advancement in the management of psoriasis. Along with significant clinical improvement, there have been concerns for emerging side effects with the use of biologics. Reports have emerged showing the association between efalizumab and the development of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy and other demyelinating disorders. Tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitors have been associated with various demyelinating disorders. As such, it is imperative for dermatologists to be well informed regarding how to notify patients about the risks of biologic treatment. Dermatologists must be able to identify the signs and symptoms of neurological complications and recognize when to refer patients to neurologists for diagnostic workup, disease confirmation, and any necessary treatment. This review is a compilation of evidence showing the association between biologic therapy and neurological complications, as well as an overview of the clinical presentation and diagnosis of such diseases.
(J Clin Aesthetic Dermatol. 2009;2(11):27–32.) Read the rest of this article »

Panta Rouhani, PhD, MPH, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida;Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida; Robert S. Kirsner, MD, PhD, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida; Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida; Antoine Amado, MD, Department of Dermatology, Cleveland Clinic, Cleveland, Ohio; Lora E. Fleming, MD, PhD, Department of Epidemiology and Public Health, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida; Keyvan Nouri, MD, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida; Sharon E. Jacob, MD, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miller School of Medicine, University of Miami, Miami, Florida; Division of Dermatology, University of California, San Diego, San Diego, California Read the rest of this article »