A review of recent studies, news and trends related to acne and rosacea, including a look at two separate studies that link stress to the worsening of skin conditions.

The National Rosacea Society (NRS) has designated April as Rosacea Awareness Month to alert the public to the warning signs of this chronic and conspicuous facial disorder now estimated to affect more than 16 million Americans.

Recent research, news and treatment trends.

Study Assesses the Effectiveness of Low-dose and Intermittent Oral Isotretinoin in the Treatment of Acne

While the efficacy of conventional isotretinoin treatment (0.5 to 1.0 mg/kg per day for 16 to 32 weeks, reaching a cumulative dose of 120mg/kg) for acne has been well established, there also are many reports regarding the efficacy of low-dose and intermittent isotretinoin treatment in acne patients.

Highlights of recent news, research and treatment trends.

Rosacea Awareness Month to Highlight Growing Incidence of Widespread Disorder

According to the National Rosacea Society (NRS), although the number of people with rosacea continues to rise, most people fail to recognize the warning signs of this disorder, which is now estimated to affect well over 16 million Americans. The NRS has designated April as Rosacea Awareness Month to alert the public to the signs and symptoms of this chronic and conspicuous facial condition and to emphasize the importance of seeking medic

As the handout Drs. Danby and Margesson have created makes clear, rosacea can be difficult to pin down, largely because of its different forms and its similarity to and overlap with disorders with which it can in fact co-exist.

Beyond the “rosy” flushing/blushing that describes its classic form, are these four subtypes with a total of six components:

1. erythematotelangiectatic rosacea — with the two
vascular components, telangiectasias and erythema
2. papulopustular rosacea — with two acne-like features,
papules and pustules
3. phymatous rosacea — with skin thickening
(W

The content of these questions and answers are taken from the Galderma Pre-Board Slide Seminar.

The course was most recently held July 17 to 19, 2009, at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare, Rosemont, IL.

1. The histology of this condition is characterized by:

a) alternating orthokeratosis and parakeratosis.
b) intense spongiosis.
c) dyskeratosis.
d) nodular dermal inflammatory infiltrates.
e) eosinophilic vasculitis.

2. Azathioprine is used for this condition. Azathioprine:

a) levels are reduced by allopurinol.
b) is a pregnancy categ

This month’s issue focuses on treating acne and rosacea, two conditions that present regularly to dermatology offices across the country and that plague patients of all ages. Here’s a look at some of the content from this issue.

In this month’s cover story, which begins on page 24, Managing Editor Ellen Meyer highlights recent research and trends in the Acne and Rosacea Review. If you missed the American Academy of Dermatology’s summer meeting in Boston last month or attended but didnt have a chance to view all the posters, this review includes a roundup of the acne posters presented as we

Highlights of new research and treatment trends.

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National Rosacea Society Awards New Grants for Rosacea Research

The National Rosacea Society has awarded funding to four new studies.

• Dr. Robert W. Walters, assistant professor, Division of Dermatology, and Dr. Robert J. Lefkowitz, professor, Department of Medicine, Duke University Medical Center, received $25,000 to study the role of beta-arrestin in cutaneous flushing.

• Dr. Curdin Conrad, senior postdoctoral research fellow, Department of Immunology, MD Anderson Cancer Center, a