Depression Increase Risk of Developing Skin Disease

A large Australian study regarding the relationship of mental health and skin disease published in the Archives of Dermatology (Arch Dermatol; 145:896-902) has confirmed that stress and depression can be factors in the development of dermatological conditions.

Using data from the Australian Longitudinal Study on Women's Health, researchers tested their hypothesis that psychological factors can precipitate or exacerbate skin disease. Women between the ages of 22 and 27 at baseline in 1996 were surveyed about physical and mental health symptoms then and on three follow-up occasions. As part of these surveys, women were asked how often they had experienced skin problems in the previous year.

In the generalized estimating equation models, depression symptoms and stress (but not anxiety) were significantly associated with skin problems. The findings of this relationship of depression and stress to skin disease may have considerable clinical implications, including the possible benefits of psychological interventions in the management of patients with skin disease.

Previous studies have evaluated the emotional burden of chronic skin disorders, such as psoriasis.

People with chronic skin disorders should seek care from a dermatologist and openly share the emotional aspects of their lives that may be critically important for managing their condition.

Botox and Dysport Receive New Generic Names

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the language of new safety warnings and revised the generic names of a vareity of botulinum toxins used for the treatment of medical conditions.

The FDA also announced it was changing the generic names for different types of botulinum toxins used for medical treatments. (The brand names remain unaffected)

• Botox (new generic name is "onabotulinumtoxinA")
• Myobloc (new generic name is "rimabotulinumtoxinB")
• Dysport (new generic name is "abobotulinumtoxinA")

Botox and Dysport have been FDA approved for the treatment of fine lines and wrinkles. Both are safe and effective non-surgical alternatives to other anti-aging treatments. It is frequently used for the following:

• Frown lines between the eyebrows
• Horizontal forehead creases
• Crow's feet around the eyes
• Lines on the upper lip caused by pursing the lips
• Downturned corners of the mouth
• Neck wrinkles and bands

Your dermatologist will determine where to inject and how much medication to use. Following treatment, you will see start seeing results in a few days, with peak results after a week. Repeat treatments are usually needed after 3-5 months when the Botox slowly wears off.

"Psoriasis Doctors" Provides Psoriasis Information from Skin Care Experts

"Psoriasis Doctors", launched July 1, 2009, provides dermatologist-authored health education content to help people with psoriasis to understand their treatment option and manage their skin condition.

The Psoriasis Doctors Website is part of the "From Your Doctor"service from Vivacare Inc. that highlights Dermatologists who have authored particularly useful content regarding psoriasis management. For instance, Helen Torok, M.D. with Trillium Creek Dermatology of Medina, Ohio, published information about phototherapy services offered by her practice that appears on Psoriasis Doctors.

The content covers a wide range of psoriasis topics, including psoriasis basics, psoriasis types, psoriasis severity, topical medications (clobetasol, Vectical), phototherapy (PUVA, UVB), and new "biologics" (Amevive, Enbrel, Humira, Remicade, and Stelara).

Find a Dermatologist: New Online Dermatology Directory

Vivacare Inc. launched its new Find a Dermatologist Directory with an online listing of over 2,000 leading dermatologists who specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions, such as acne, psoriasis, skin cancer and aging skin.

People seeking a dermatologist can refer to this directory to find skin care experts in their region.

The find a dermatologist resources is part of the FromYourDoctor service that provides a variety of patient education tools to dermatology practices.