"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).

Vivacare expands Patient Education Service to Improve Allergy Care

Allergists can now use Vivacare to create a customizable health information resource for their patients that includes practical information about allergies, asthma, atopic dermatitis, and anaphylaxis to improve allergy care and patient satisfaction.

Vivacare enables allergists to create their own online patient education resource. Patients with asthma, and other allergic or immunologic conditions that are looking for health information online, can now receive that information from the source they trust most… their own allergist.

By enrolling for a Vivacare account, allergists receive a practice-branded Online Patient Education Library pre-loaded with patient handouts covering a wide variety of allergic conditions (i.e. allergic rhinitis, asthma, atopic dermatitis), and treatments (i.e. corticosteroids, antihistamines and immunotherapy.) Allergists can further customize the content to better reflect their professional opinion.

Acne Doctors Updated for National Acne Awareness Month

The “Acne Doctors” Website, an in-depth dermatologist-authored resource regarding acne care, has been updated in honor of National Acne Awareness month.

The Acne Awareness month has been established by the the American Acne and Rosacea Society (AARS) to increase awareness of the prevalence of acne, its impact of acne on people’s lives and the many treatment options that are available. Acne is the most common skin disorder and most people will experience acne during their lifetime. Although common in teenagers, acne can persist in people into their 30's, particularly in women. This is the first year that Acne Awareness month has been recognized.

The Acne Doctors Website now includes practical tips on acne care, including medical reviews regarding on topical retinoids, new light treatments for acne, and medication rebate coupons for commonly used acne medications.

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.

LATISSE® to Enhance Eyelases

The FDA recently approved Latisse® (bimatoprost ophthalmic solution) 0.03% as a new treatment to increase eyelash length, thickness and darkness. Though the exact mechanism of action is unknown, medical researchers suspect that Latisse increases the percentage of eyelash hairs during the growth phase and increases the duration of the growth phase.

Latisse is a once a day prescription medication that is applied to the base of the upper eyelashes with a disposable applicator. Longer, fuller and darker eyelashes can be seen in less than 8 weeks, with full results in 16 weeks. Continued treatment is required to maintain the effect. Find a dermatologist to who dispenses Latisse®.

Efficacy was tested in a phase 3 multicenter, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trial in which 137 patients received active treatment and 141 received vehicle alone for four months, followed by one month withdrawal. Researchers found that those treated with the active drug had a 25 percent increase in eyelash length compared to those receiving vehicle.

Skin Cancer Doctors Launches in Honor of National Skin Cancer Awareness Month

In honor of National Skin Cancer Awareness Month, Vivacare launched Skin Cancer Doctors with information about skin cancer prevention and treatment options authored by dermatologists, skin care experts.

The Skin Cancer Doctors Website highlights those dermatologists that use the FromYourDoctor patient education service who have written particularly helpful information for their patients regarding skin cancer.

For instance, Dr. Jeffrey Ellis, M.D., Director of Dermatological Surgery at North Shore/ Long island Jewish Hospital and in private practice at Belaray Dermatology in Plainview, NY uses the FromYourDoctor service as a tool to publish information about actinic keratoses (AKs), a common precancerous skin condition.

We are pleased to be helping dermatologists get the word out regarding the risks of skin cancer, skin cancer treatment options, and the importance of skin cancer prevention

People seeking dermatologists in their area who are qualified to diagnose and treat skin cancer may wish to refer to Vivacare's Find a Dermatologist resource.

Skin cancer occurs when skin cells start growing abnormally, causing cancerous growths. The three main types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma (BCC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), and melanoma. Melanoma is the least common but most dangerous form of skin cancer. Almost all skin cancers start as a small, low-risk lesions, but can grow and become high-risk lesions if left untreated. There is a chance of a complete cure when skin cancer is detected before it has spread to surrounding tissues. Recommended treatment options depend primarily on the type, size and location of the skin cancer, but may include topical medications, such as Aldara and 5-FU, or dermatologic procedures such as cryotherapy or Mohs Surgery.

Botox Black Box Warning: AAD Responds

The FDA recently announced that a boxed warning ("black box warning") will be added to the labeling of botulinum toxin products (Botox, Dysport) and a medication guide will be distributed to patients receiving these products for any use.

The American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) today issued a statement in response to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) announcement. See the Botulinum Toxin Black Box Review that provides answer to frequently asked questions regarding this new statement by the FDA.

"The health, safety and welfare of our patients being treated with botulinum toxin products are of paramount importance to dermatologists," said dermatologist David M. Pariser, MD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology. "While no serious side effects have been reported from the dermatologic use of botulinum toxin products, the FDA's actions emphasize the importance of selecting a qualified physician to administer these products for medical and cosmetic uses."