Total Skin Care with Robert S. Bader, M.D.

Melanoma drug Vemurafenib may increase risk of squamous cell carcinoma

Robert S. Bader, M.D., Dermatologist — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:28:28 +0000

According to a study published in the New England Journal of Medicine, Vemurafenib (Zelboraf) speeds the growth of squamous cell carcinoma. HealthDay explained that “roughly one-quarter of patients who take the medication develop a troublesome side effect: secondary skin cancers called squamous cell carcinomas.”

Children use more sunscreen when dispensed from a pump

Robert S. Bader, M.D., Dermatologist — Fri, 20 Jan 2012 13:21:53 +0000

A study published in the Archives of Dermatology found that children use the most sunscreen when dispensed from a pump, when compared with squeeze bottles and roll-on dispensers. Despite this finding, kids used half of the recommended amount even with the pump-dispenser.

Xeomin, the latest Botox alternative, has been released.

Robert S. Bader, M.D., Dermatologist — Sat, 03 Dec 2011 03:40:05 +0000

Xeomin joins Dysport as an alternative to Botox. This product has been FDA-approved for the cosmetic treatment of frown lines. Unlike Dysport or Botox, this product contains pure toxin. It remains to be seen whether this product has any advantages over it’s predecessors.

Restylane filler FDA-approved for use in the lips

Robert S. Bader, M.D., Dermatologist — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 20:10:29 +0000

Although Restylane has been used safely in the lips in the United States since its release in 2004, it has now got the stamp of approval for this indication from the FDA. Restylane is now the only filler that is FDA approved for use in the lips.

Should Melanoma excisions be so large?

Robert S. Bader, M.D., Dermatologist — Wed, 26 Oct 2011 22:45:46 +0000

A study published in The Lancet by Dr. Peter Gillgren indicates that a 2-cm excision margin is safe and as sufficient as 4-cm margins for the removal of melanomas that are at least 2-mm thick. This study took place in Sweden and involved a total of 936 patients.

This study indicates what has been believed for over a decade, that large melanoma margins are likely not necessary and do not increase one’s survival rate. Clearly, smaller surgical margins will result in less disfigurement and a simpler reconstruction after surgical removal of malignant melanoma.

Malignant Melanoma is the most common cancer in young Caucasian women (ages 25 to 29)

Robert S. Bader, M.D., Dermatologist — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 18:19:14 +0000

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, Malignant Melanoma is the most common cancer in white women ages 25 to 29 years and the second most common form of cancer in women 15 to 30 years of age. Interestingly, these are the ages that many women will go the beach to get tan or use tanning beds. Despite all of the well-known risks of skin cancer, people still think that having a tan looks good and is healthy.

Athlete’s Foot – Don’t forget the shoes.

Robert S. Bader, M.D., Dermatologist — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 16:15:41 +0000

Athlete’s foot is a common problem that can result in itching and burning of the feet, in addition to dryness on the sole or maceration between the toes. In addition, this can lead to infection of the nails that can be difficult to eradicate. Often one treats the skin, but does not eradicate the possible sources of re-infection. The fungus that causes this condition can reside in one’s shoes in persons affected by this condition. A study published in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology proved that a single application of Lamisil spray or powder eradicates the most common fungi that cause Athlete’s foot.

For all patients who suffer from Athlete’s foot, it is recommended that they treat/disinfect their shoes with Lamisil spray or powder after they have started treatment for their skin. This will likely result in a lower risk of re-infection. These products are readily available without a prescription in most pharmacies.

Free Online Psoriasis Treatment Tracking System @ www.vectical.com

Robert S. Bader, M.D., Dermatologist — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 21:50:41 +0000

Galderma has launched the Treatment Tracker, a free online program that allows patients to have a private, online diary that will keep a record of their:

signs and symptoms
treatment history
photos
upcoming Dermatologist appointments

In addition, this program provides a list of potential psoriasis triggers, which can be customized to help patients manage their symptoms. This program is available for free at www.vectical.com.

A Botox and Dysport Competitor: The FDA approved Xeomin for the treatment of frown lines.

Robert S. Bader, M.D., Dermatologist — Thu, 11 Aug 2011 20:33:40 +0000

Merz Aesthetics announced that the FDA has approved incobotulinum toxin A (Xeomin) for the temporary improvement in the appearance of frown lines. This product was approved by the FDA in July of 2010 for the treatment of cervical dystonia and blepharospasm, but has recently been approved for cosmetic use in the U.S.A. This product has been used in 14 other counties under the brand name Bocouture for the treatment of frown lines.

With this recent FDA approval, you will be hearing more about Xeomin in the news and media. In the near future, we will see how it compares to Botox and Dysport in respect to:

the time it takes to see improvement
how long it lasts
cost

The new U.S. FDA guidelines for rating and labeling sunscreens

Robert S. Bader, M.D., Dermatologist — Wed, 03 Aug 2011 12:53:08 +0000

Skin cancer is the most common cancer in the United Stated. One should use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB rays. The SPF rating system only applies to the protection the sunscreen has against UVB and will still be used. Here are the changes in labeling:

The highest SPF rating will now be 50+. You will not see any sunscreens with a rating of 70 or higher.
Only products with an SPF of 15 or higher will be able to claim that they protect against sunburn, skin cancer, and photo-aging.
Manufacturers can no longer claim that their product is waterproof or sweat-proof. Products can labeled water-resistant.

Recommendations:

Apply sunscreen liberally–do not use too little.
Reapply sunscreen often–at least every few hours and immediately after swimming.
Try to use water-resistant sunscreens that work for 40 or 80 minutes (under the new labeling system)
Always use a broad-spectrum sunscreen that protects against both UVA and UVB. Titanium dioxide and zinc oxide are two active ingredients that work well against all of the suns rays.
Use a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or greater.