Sarah Grim Hostetler, MD, Division of Dermatology, Ohio State University College of Medicine; Benjamin Kaffenberger, BS, The Ohio State University College of Medicine; Todd Hostetler, MD, Division of Allergy and Immunology, The Ohio State University Medical Center, Columbus, Ohio; Matthew J. Zirwas, MD, Division of Dermatology, Ohio State University College of Medicine

Abstract
Atopic dermatitis is a common, chronic skin condition. A subpopulation of patients may have cutaneous exposure to common airborne proteins exacerbating their disease through direct proteolytic activity, direct activation of proteinase-activated receptor-2 itch receptors, and immunoglobulin E binding. The most common airborne proteins significant in atopic dermatitis include house dust mites, cockroach, pet dander, and multiple pollens. The literature on atopy patch testing, skin-prick testing, and specific IgE is mixed, with greater support for the use of atopy patch test. Patients with airborne proteins contributing to their disease typically have lesions predominately on air-exposed skin surfaces including the face, neck, and arms; a history of exacerbations after exposure to airborne proteins; severe disease resistant to conventional therapies; and concurrent asthma. Treatment strategies include airborne protein avoidance, removal of airborne proteins from the skin, and barrier repair. Further research is needed to establish the benefit of allergen-specific immunotherapy.  (J Clin Aesthetic Dermatol. 2010;3(1):22–31.) Read the rest of this article »

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 »