In this column, we highlight ACD and explore top relevant allergens and regional- and topic-based presentations, as well as clinical tips and pearls for diagnosis and treatment. This month's column focuses on hand dermatitis, a common dermatologic disorder that affects all age groups.

Allergic Contact Cheilitis is a disease that affects 14.5 million Americans every year. The disease has a significant economic impact, in terms of patient mortality, loss of income, and healthcare related expenditures.

Recent research, news and treatment trends.

UK Study Shows Why Aqueous Cream Worsens Eczema

New research conducted at The School of Pharmacy, University of London and published in the British Journal of Dermatology demonstrates why applying aqueous cream, a common treatment for eczema in the UK, actually makes the condition worse, increasing the peeling and inflammation of the skin.

Allergic Contact Dermatitis (ACD) is an important disease, which notably affects 14.5 million Americans each year.¹ The economic impact of this disease is high in terms of both patient morbidity and loss of income, school and work, not to mention significant expenditures for visits to health care providers and for medicaments.¹ Once patch testing is performed and a culprit has been identified, education becomes the critical intervention to ensure adherence to an avoidance regimen.

AAD Releases New Psoriasis Guidelines

Sixth and final guidelines stress the importance of individualized treatment plans.

Clinically Proven Stretch Mark Creams From Mustela

A new “Stretch Marks Survival Set” from Mustela contains paraben-free, phthalate-free and phenoxyethanol-free products for use during and after pregnancy.

A company-issued press release on the two products made the following claims.

According to the company, Aveeno’s new Baby Eczema Therapy Moisturizing Cream and Baby Cleansing Therapy Moisturizing Wash — both of which include colloidal oatmeal — have been clinically shown to improve the quality of life for babies with eczema by relieving dry, itchy, irritated skin. The study mentioned found that more than 90% of babies who used the products, which are accepted by the National Eczema Association, on a daily basis showed improvement in multiple symptoms of eczema, including roughness, dryness, itchiness or scaling.

For more information, please visit www.aveeno.com.

A look at clinically relevant discoveries and cutting-edge breakthroughs in dermatology.

The year 2010 has brought a vast array of exciting discoveries in the field of dermatology. This 2010 year-in-review article highlights clinically relevant discoveries and cutting-edge breakthroughs in select areas of dermatology, including: infectious disease, alopecia, acne, psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis, pediatric dermatology, cutaneous malignancy, and cosmetic dermatology.

Recent research, news and treatment trends.

Examining the Efficacy and Tolerability of Topical Corticosteroids and Calcineurin Inhibitors for Flare
Prevention in Eczema

In an effort to determine the efficacy and tolerability of topical corticosteroids and calcineurin inhibitors for flare prevention in atopic eczema, researchers in Germany conducted a systematic review of randomized controlled trials (RCT) reporting efficacy of topical corticosteroids and/or topical calcineurin inhibitors for flare prevention of atopic eczema.