Philip R. Cohen, MD
The University of Houston Health Center, University of Houston, Houston, Texas; The Department of Dermatology, The University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas; and The Department of Dermatology, University of Texas–Houston Medical School, Houston, Texas

Disclosure: The author reports no relevant conflicts of interest. No sources of funding were used to assist in the preparation of this review. Read the rest of this article »

Susan Van Dyke, MD, Van Dyke Laser & Skin, Paradise Valley, Arizona; Geoffrey P. Hays (MS1), Creighton University Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska; Anthony E. Caglia, MD, Derm Aesthetics & Laser Center, Dallas, Texas; Michael Caglia, MD, Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center, Lubbock, Texas Read the rest of this article »

Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga, MD, MS, Director, Mohs Micrographic Surgery, Department of Dermatology, University Hospitals Westlake Medical Center; Malcolm S. Ke, MD, Division of Dermatology, University of California Los Angeles; Marlene Willen, MD, Chair, Department of Dermatology, MetroHealth Medical, Cleveland, Ohio

Abstract
Cysts are entities encountered frequently in dermatological clinics. Various types of cysts have been described and include trichilemmal cysts, epidermoid cysts, steatocystomas, and the myriad of developmental cysts (branchial cleft cyst, thyroglossal duct cysts, bronchogenic cysts). Moreover, not all lesions that appear clinically as cystic structures are, in fact, cysts. Increased awareness of these mimickers and a systematic approach to the evaluation of these cases is essential. The authors report seven cases, over the course of six years, presenting to their dermatology department, all of which were originally clinically diagnosed as “cysts” and referred to the authors for management. In this article, the authors review seven cyst mimickers and describe important aspects of these diagnoses to increase awareness of the importance of a preoperative biopsy and evaluation. It is important to have a thorough understanding of the wide differential diagnosis of cutaneous nodules and to consider other causes of lesions that appear to be cysts, particularly in the anatomical locations described.  (J Clin Aesthetic Dermatol. 2009;2(10):28–33.) Read the rest of this article »

James Q. Del Rosso, DO, FAOCD, Valley Hospital Medical Center, Las Vegas, Nevada

Abstract
Acne vulgaris is the most common disorder encountered in ambulatory clinical practice comprising 11.3 percent of office visits to dermatologists in 2005.[1] By comparison, eczematous dermatoses, psoriasis, and skin cancer accounted for 6.2, 3.5, and 10 percent of office visits, respectively.[1] A variety of topical therapeutic options are available for treatment of acne vulgaris, including benzoyl peroxide, antibiotics, retinoids, azelaic acid, and sodium sulfacetamide-sulfur.[2,3] Sodium sulfacetamide 10%-sulfur 5% has been used for the topical treatment of seborrheic dermatitis, acne vulgaris, and rosacea since the mid-1950s and is available in a variety of formulations, including lotions, creams, cleansers, and emollient foams.[4] Recently, an emollient foam sodium sulfacetamide 10%-sulfur 5% formulation indicated for topical therapy of acne vulgaris, rosacea, and seborrheic dermatitis has become available.[5] This article provides an overview of the sodium sulfacetamide 10%-sulfur 5% emollient foam and reports the results of a case report series of patients with acne vulgaris treated with sodium sulfacetamide 10%-sulfur 5% emollient foam as monotherapy or in combination with other topical acne products.

(J Clin Aesthetic Dermatol. 2009;2(8):26–29.) Read the rest of this article »

Heather Woolery-Lloyd, MD, Whitney Valins, BS
University of Miami, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, Miami Beach, Florida

Dr. Woolery-Lloyd is a consultant to Valeo Pharma. Ms. Valins reports no conflicts of interest.

Abstract
Hyperhidrosis is a common dermatological condition that has a tremendous impact on the quality of life of affected patients. Aluminum chloride hexahydrate is considered first-line therapy for patients with mild-to-moderate hyperhidrosis. This treatment has been proven to be effective in the treatment of hyperhidrosis; however, its use has been limited by significant irritation. In many patients, the irritant dermatitis is so severe that, despite clinical efficacy, this therapy must be discontinued. There are many topical aluminum chloride therapies available. Observations from a busy hyperhidrosis practice revealed decreased irritation and increased efficacy with a novel therapy that combines 15% aluminum chloride hexahydrate with 2% salicylic acid in a gel base. This combination of 15% aluminum chloride hexahydrate with 2% salicylic acid offers patients who have failed aluminum chloride hexahydrate in the past excellent efficacy with minimal irritation. We report seven cases of patients with a history of severe irritation from aluminum chloride who maintained excellent results with this new topical without any significant irritation.

(J Clin Aesthetic Dermatol. 2009;2(6):28–31.) Read the rest of this article »