Zika virus study tops dermatology reads for week

Study results finding that papular eruptions and other mucocutaneous findings were linked to confirmatory testing for Zika virus infection was among the most-read articles of the past week on Healio.com/Dermatology.

Other widely read articles included survey results from the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery showing that dermatologic surgeons performed nearly 10 million skin cancer treatments and cosmetic procedures in 2015:

Mucocutaneous findings, lesional skin associated with Zika virus infection

Papular eruptions and other mucocutaneous findings were linked to confirmatory testing for Zika virus infection, according to study results recently published in JAMA Dermatology.

Researchers observed a man, aged 44 years, who returned from a vacation in Puerto Rico and experienced headache and lethargy within 3 days of his return. One day later, an erythematous eruption appeared on his arms, dorsal side of the hands and palms, which became more apparent and spread to his trunk 1 day later. Itching was not significantly noted, and the patient’s eyes appeared “bloodshot.” Read more

Rapid lump examination shows promise in speeding up Mohs micrographic surgery

Rapid lump examination enabled fast detection of residual basal cell carcinoma during Mohs micrographic surgery, according to published study results.

Researchers conducted a pilot study of 22 facial basal cell carcinomas (BCCs) excised from 19 patients (53% men; mean age, 68 years) of various subtypes by rapid lump examination and standard fresh frozen section examination. Read more

Dermatologic surgeons performed nearly 10 million skin cancer, aesthetic procedures in 2015

Dermatologic surgeons performed nearly 10 million skin cancer treatments and cosmetic procedures in 2015, according to survey results released by the American Society for Dermatologic Surgery.

The number of procedures in 2015 was a 5% increase from 2014 and a 27% increase from 2012, according to a press release from the ASDS. Read more

Epiduo Forte Gel shows efficacy in treating moderate-to-severe acne

Epiduo Forte Gel displayed significantly greater efficacy and had a good safety profile when compared with vehicle in treating patients with moderate-to-severe acne, according to published study results.

Linda Stein Gold

“There is an important need for antibiotic-free, topical treatments in managing moderate-to-severe inflammatory acne,” researcher Linda Stein Gold, MD, of the department of dermatology, Henry Ford Medical Center, Detroit, told Healio.com/Dermatology. Read more

Lilly announces Taltz available in US to treat psoriasis

Eli Lilly and Company announced in a press release that Taltz injection 80 mg/mL for treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis is now available by prescription order through specialty pharmacies in the United States.

Taltz (ixekizumab) was approved in March by the FDA for treating moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis in adults who are candidates for systematic therapy or phototherapy. Read more