Speaking today at the 68th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), dermatologist Mary Gail Mercurio, MD, FAAD, associate professor of dermatology and program director of dermatology residency at the University of Rochester in Rochester, N.Y., discussed common forms of hair loss in women and available treatment options.

“In the past, many women experiencing hair loss would suffer in silence, not knowing where to turn for help and trying their best to hide the problem,” said Dr. Mercurio. “But now, I see more and more women in my practice seeking treatment for hair loss and actively addressing this condition. That’s encouraging, as the sooner hair loss is diagnosed, the better our chances of successfully treating it.”

Female-Pattern Hair Loss: Highly Common, Highly Treatable

The most common form of hair loss in women is female-pattern hair loss, which usually has a strong genetic component that can be inherited from either the mother or father. Also referred to as androgenetic alopecia, this type of hair loss can start as early as the late teens — and the earlier it starts, the more severe the hair loss tends to be.

While pattern hair loss affects both men and women, it is very different in women. For example, female-pattern hair loss is not characterized by a receding hairline or bald spot on top of the scalp as is common in men. In women, the frontal hairline is usually maintained, but there is visible thinning over the crown. In addition, in both men and women, hairs are miniaturized due to a shortened growth cycle where the hair stays on the head for a shorter period of time. These wispy hairs, which resemble forearm hairs, do not achieve their usual length.

“For women, the first sign of hair loss that they often notice is a widening of their part or their ponytail is smaller,” said Dr. Mercurio.

Minoxidil 2% is the only topical medication approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for female-pattern hair loss, and minoxidil 5% is only FDA-approved for male-pattern hair loss. However, Dr. Mercurio pointed out that minoxidil 5% has been shown to be very effective in women as well, but encourages women to consult a dermatologist before starting the treatment because it can sometimes increase facial hair growth in women. Both the 2% and 5% solutions are available over-the-counter in a liquid, and the 5% is also available in a foam. While minoxidil does not grow new hair, it works by prolonging the growth phase of hair – providing more time for hair to grow out to its full density. Dr. Mercurio stressed that women must be patient with this treatment, as noticeable results usually take three to four months and the product must be used twice a day.

Since there is no structural problem with the hair with female-pattern hair loss, women should continue their regular hair styling regimen. “Sometimes women experiencing hair loss think they should stop washing, coloring or perming their hair, but these things won’t impact the course of hair loss or speed up the process,” said Dr. Mercurio.

In some cases, Dr. Mercurio explained that a hormonal abnormality, such as excess male hormones known as androgens, may be responsible for hair loss in women. One clue that hormones are involved is if the hair loss pattern resembles that of a man’s hair loss. While female-pattern hair loss caused by a hormonal imbalance can be treated with prescription medications such as spironolactone or oral contraceptives, it is important that women see their dermatologist for proper diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Mercurio added that another treatment option to correct hair loss is hair transplantation, in which tiny hair follicles taken from one area of the scalp are transplanted into the affected areas. This surgical approach to restoring lost hair can be very effective and produce permanent results that are natural looking.

“I would urge women who are considering hair restoration surgery to find a dermatologist who is very experienced with hair transplants for women, and as a result, will be more aware of the nuances of female hair loss,” said Dr. Mercurio.

Hyperandrogenism: Getting to the Root of this Medical Condition

Hyperandrogenism, a medical condition characterized by excessive production of male hormones (androgens), also can cause hair loss in affected women. The most common cause of hyperandrogenism in women is functional ovarian hyperandrogenism, also known as polycystic ovary syndrome. In addition to hair loss, other signs of this female endocrine disorder include obesity, acne and irregular menstruation, and it is one of the most common causes of infertility.

Sometimes women who are affected by hair loss due to functional ovarian hyperandrogenism also develop metabolic syndrome, which is a combination of medical conditions that can lead to an increased risk of diabetes or cardiovascular disease. In this instance, Dr. Mercurio explained that dermatologists may diagnose a serious systemic problem where hair loss was one of the first visible signs of a problem.

“Dermatologists know that hair loss could be an important clue that something else is going on inside the body, such as a hormonal abnormality, lupus, or thyroid disease,” said Dr. Mercurio. “That’s why I can’t stress enough the importance of getting an accurate, and early, diagnosis for hair loss.”

While hair loss stemming from hyperandrogenism can be treated with minoxidil, Dr. Mercurio said that the course of treatment will depend on what other conditions are involved and how they are being treated.

Cicatricial Alopecia: Preventing Further Hair Loss is Key

Also known as scarring alopecia, cicatricial alopecia is a form of hair loss in women and men marked by scarring of the scalp where the source of the hair follicle is destroyed. Unlike other forms of hair loss, cicatricial alopecia results in scattered patches of hair loss and is usually associated with redness and irritation on the scalp. While there is no known pattern for why this type of hair loss affects some women, it often occurs when patients have either lupus, an immune system disorder, or lichen planus, an inflammatory skin disease.

“Unfortunately, with this type of hair loss there is no potential for the affected hair to grow back,” said Dr. Mercurio. “The goal with treatment is to catch the condition as early as possible to prevent further hair loss.”

Dr. Mercurio added that inflammation can be reduced with topical, injectable or oral medications, such as corticosteroids or anti-malarial drugs, and minoxidil is not used for cicatricial alopecia. Treatment will depend on the severity of the condition, and Dr. Mercurio added that patients with this form of hair loss need to be closely monitored by a dermatologist throughout treatment.

“Hair loss is an important concern for a large number of women, and ongoing research in this area will continue to produce effective treatments,” said Dr. Mercurio. “Some of the new laser and light-based therapies used for hair loss show promise in preliminary studies. We hope that these technologies will allow dermatologists to further expand our treatment options for all forms of hair loss in the future.”

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. With a membership of more than 16,000 physicians worldwide, the Academy is committed to: advancing the diagnosis and medical, surgical and cosmetic treatment of the skin, hair and nails; advocating high standards in clinical practice, education, and research in dermatology; and supporting and enhancing patient care for a lifetime of healthier skin, hair and nails. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.

SOURCE American Academy of Dermatology

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ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Aggressive microdermabrasion appears to improve the appearance of aged human skin, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of Dermatology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Aggressive microdermabrasion appears to improve the appearance of aged human skin, according to a report in the October issue of Archives of Dermatology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

“The significance of this study lies in the fact that this procedure is minimally wounding,” says Darius J. Karimipour, M.D., who conducted the research while a clinical assistant professor in the University of Michigan Health System’s department of Dermatology. He now has a private practice.

“Healing occurs in the course of a day instead of weeks to months as is seen with other procedures that improve sun-damaged skin,” he adds.

Aggressive microdermabrasion involves either sand-blasting the skin with aluminum oxide crystals or buffing the skin using a hand piece studded with minute diamond crystals. In order to objectively change the appearance of wrinkled skin, this procedure would have to induce the production of collagen, the major structural protein in the skin.

Previous studies have shown that microdermabrasion using aluminum oxide may not always stimulate collagen production. However, the authors of this study wondered if increasing the aggressiveness with which microdermabrasion was performed would stimulate more collagen production.

Microdermabrasion, a popular procedure for skin rejuvenation, has been suggested to improve the appearance of wrinkles, atrophic acne scars, discoloration and other signs of aging skin, according to the authors of the study.

“Our study shows that microdermabrasion, if performed aggressively, can stimulate a wound healing response that may correct adverse changes in sun damaged or wrinkled skin,” says Karimipour, the study’s lead author.

Karimipour and a team of U-M researchers conducted a biochemical analysis of skin biopsy specimens before and four hours to 14 days after a microdermabrasion procedure. Forty adults age 50 to 83 years old with sun-damaged skin on their arms volunteered to participate in the study. Each underwent microdermabrasion with a diamond-studded hand piece of either a coarse-grit or medium-grit abrasiveness.

When performed with the coarse-grit hand piece, microdermabrasion resulted in the increased production of a wide variety of compounds associated with wound healing and skin remodeling. This includes cytokeratin 16, a well-characterized response to injuries to the skin’s outer layer; antimicrobial peptides that fight infection; matrix metalloproteinases that break down skin’s structural proteins to allow for rebuilding; and both collagen precursors and other substances that form the pathway to its production.

These molecular changes were not seen in individuals who received microdermabrasion using the medium-grit hand piece, the authors noted. All patients experienced a mild period of redness that typically lasted less than two hours.

Funding: This study was supported by a Dermatology Foundation Clinical Career Development Award in Dermatologic Surgery to Dr. Karimipour and by a University of Michigan Human Appearance Research Fund to the Department of Dermatology.

Additional authors: Laure Rittie, M.S., Ph.D.; Craig Hammerberg, M.S., Ph.D.; Victoria K. Min, B.A.; John J. Voorhees, M.D.; Jeffrey S. Orringer, M.D.; Dana L. Sachs, M.D.; Ted Hamilton, M.S.; Gary J. Fisher, Ph.D.

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PPD, Inc. announced Sandra Luikenhuis, Ph.D., executive director of PPD® Dermatology, will present at the 2009 Boston Biotech R&D Conference in Boston, Mass., where she will introduce PPD Dermatology and discuss how the team is developing novel, science-based dermatologic therapies using a unique portfolio of in vitro assay systems and highly specialized expertise.

Dr. Luikenhuis’s presentation is Oct. 27 at 11 a.m. ET at the Harvard Medical School. In her session, “Skin in the Game,” she will discuss PPD Dermatology’s approach to evaluating the safety and efficacy of novel compounds originally intended for systemic, nondermatological therapies to investigate their potential as topical treatments for dermatological conditions. The presentation will elaborate on the unique advantages of accessing PPD’s compound partnering resources to drive clinical development of a lead compound through Phase II.

“There are few novel dermatologic products currently being developed to treat skin diseases effectively,” said Dr. Luikenhuis. “This conference provides an excellent forum to exchange information on cutting-edge research and development programs with leading biopharmaceutical companies in the Boston area.”

The conference joins prominent leaders from top academic institutions who have been influential in establishing the strong Boston biotech community with executives from several of the area’s most aspiring biopharmaceutical companies, as well as leaders from the venture capital community and equity markets.

PPD formed PPD Dermatology earlier this year, following its acquisition of Magen BioSciences. The acquisition expanded PPD’s compound partnering program into dermatology. PPD gained a pipeline of compounds through Magen’s exclusive license to develop and commercialize preclinical compounds discovered by Eli Lilly & Co. for dermatologic therapeutics initially in the indications of psoriasis, atopic dermatitis and acne.

Source
PPD

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Portland, OR September 4, 2009 — Sun damage is common during the summer months, but this September many women and men are choosing to deal with the negative effects of overexposure by taking advantage of procedures designed specifically for vacation-related sun damage. Dr. Douglas Key (http://www.keylaserinstitute.com), a dermatologist in Portland, Oregon, says a growing number of people are turning to skin care professionals to correct the damage from overexposure during the summer months.

“Right now I’m seeing many women and men who have returned from vacation noticing new signs of aging from sun exposure,” says Dr. Key. “They are looking for a quick way to correct sun-related problems like wrinkles and ‘age spots’ now that they’re back at work.”

Dr. Key says that, while sun exposure is a common factor of most vacations, trips to popular destinations closer to the equator tend to pose extra risks of strong UV radiation. However, even “close to home” waterfront getaways can lead to extra sun damage because the water magnifies the sun’s rays, multiplying their destructive impact and speeding up the skin’s aging process. As a result, people returning from vacations find their skin rapidly developing a dry, wrinkled, rough and discolored appearance that looks aged and unhealthy.

“Most of the demand I’m seeing right now is for laser treatments designed to reverse the effects of sun damage,” Dr. Key notes. “Other treatments like injectables and SmartXide DOT Therapy are also getting attention because many dermatologists will recommend them as part of their wrinkle treatment programs. The goal is to reverse sun-related tissue damage and its visual effects.”

Dr. Key’s most popular laser treatments such as Fraxel®, DOT Therapy, CoolBreeze™ and intense pulsed light (IPL) use various types of laser energy to destroy damaged skin cells so that the body will build healthier, younger-looking tissue.

“Some laser treatments just aren’t appropriate for recently-damaged skin, because they affect all of the surface tissues in the treatment area and can actually damage tanned skin,” explains Dr. Key. “But now that summer’s just about over, I recommend taking care of it all. Treatments like IPL, DOT Therapy and Fraxel can be a powerful combination to address lines, wrinkles and pigmentation issues.”

Dr. Key says that returning vacationers are favoring these treatments because they require such little downtime in comparison to older, ablative laser therapies. DOT Therapy and Fraxel laser treatments administer treatment energy in a dot-like pattern, affecting only small pixels of skin, so the adjacent tissues benefit from the simulating effects of the laser, without having to repair the effects of the laser treatment at the same time.

“This is a highly attractive treatment that’s popular year round but has seen increased interest in recent months because it is so effective,” notes Dr. Key. “As always, patients should choose a qualified skin doctor in Portland for their treatment. There are plenty of options out there, but for best results you need an experienced professional to design a personalized treatment plan for you.”

Dr. Douglas J. Key (http://www.keylaserinstitute.com), is a board-certified dermatologist in Portland, Oregon, and founder of the Key Laser Institute for Aesthetic Medicine®. Dr. Key received his medical doctorate from the University of San Francisco, and his dermatology training in both New York and Yale Universities, balancing patient-focused approaches with research-intensive study of recent techniques. As an authority in cosmetic laser treatments and a highly regarded skin doctor, Dr. Key offers treatments ranging from laser skin rejuvenation and spider vein therapy to injectables, and cellulite correction.

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RALEIGH – North Carolina Dermatology Associates is hosting an open house in celebration of their new office in Brier Creek. It is scheduled for Thursday, October 1, 2009, from 4:00– 7:00pm. The event will be held at their office located at Alexander Office Park, 7920 ACC Blvd., Suite 100, Raleigh, NC 27617. The event is open to the public.

Vikas Patel, MD along with his staff will be available to answer questions about the practice. “We are excited to open our doors to the Triangle community and to celebrate the opening of our new office. We are a full service dermatology practice offering medical, surgical and cosmetic treatments and procedures. We welcome anyone who is interested in skin care to join us for this event”, said Dr. Patel.

Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about services and products offered by North Carolina Dermatology Associates. Discounts, specials, as well as free product samples will be offered at the event.

North Carolina Dermatology Associates offers a wide range of treatments for dermatological conditions including skin cancer, warts, acne, hair loss, rashes and all other skin issues. They offer the latest technology including blue light treatment for medical conditions such as acne and actinic keratosis. Laser and light-based treatments such as IPL for brown spots, facial redness and photofacials as well as laser services for hair removal, spider/leg veins and skin tightening are also offered. The practice offers a full spectrum of services to address any medical, surgical and cosmetic dermatology issues.

Please join them to celebrate the opening of the newest dermatology practice in the Raleigh-Durham area.

Attendees can RSVP at openhouse@ncdaskin.com and find out more about the event at http://www.ncdaskin.com.

About North Carolina Dermatology Associates
North Carolina Dermatology Associates’ medical director is Vikas J. Patel, MD. He is locally trained at Duke University, where he completed his undergraduate and medical studies, including his residency. He is board certified and holds memberships with the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery. In addition to providing the highest level of personalized care, Dr. Patel engages in multiple continuing medical education opportunities to offer the latest advances in dermatology. He has extensive experience as an associate in two private practice groups in Washington, D.C. and Northern Virginia. He is excited to be back in the Triangle to provide dermatologic services for Raleigh, Brier Creek and the surrounding areas. Call 919.596.9600 to schedule an appointment. There is currently no wait for an appointment.

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Joshua Fox, MD, a leading dermatologist, founder of Advanced Dermatology and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology: As summer turns to autumn and the green leaves turn red, yellow and orange, your skin also changes with the season. During the fall, the skin needs extra nourishment and protection. Three things that everyone should do to protect their skin in the autumn include drinking lots of water to remain hydrated, applying moisturizer before going outside to give it time to be absorbed and, importantly, continuing to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15.

New Hyde Park, NY September 5, 2009 — As summer turns to autumn and the green leaves turn red, yellow and orange, your skin also changes with the season, says Joshua Fox, MD, a leading dermatologist, founder of Advanced Dermatology and a spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology.

While the autumn weather may encourage outdoor activities, your skin will retain less moisture because of the cooler, drier air. The same happens indoors as the heat goes on and up. Key symptoms of “autumn skin” include dryness, fine lines, dull and sallow skin tone, sun and age spots, flaking and irritation as well as the flare-up of some chronic conditions. “Your skin can remain beautiful and glowing, however, if you treat it correctly and make some minor adjustments to your beauty regime to account for the change of seasons,” Dr. Fox says.

During the fall, the skin needs extra nourishment and protection. “Three things that everyone should do to protect their skin in the autumn include drinking lots of water to remain hydrated, applying moisturizer before going outside to give it time to be absorbed and, importantly, continuing to use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15,” Dr. Fox says.

“Autumn presents special challenges to the face, body, hands, nails and feet,” he adds, explaining the specific issues facing each body part and offering tips for improving your skin’s appearance in the fall.

Face/Head: Despite the waning sun, it is still important to use sunscreen in autumn. Moisturizing is more important than ever, regardless of skin type. In fact, even oily skin needs a moisturizer. People with seborrhea, or dandruff, may experience autumn flare-ups. This chronic inflammatory skin disorder is more common in men than women and affects up to three percent of the population. It can be controlled by washing with special soapsand shampoos or topical steroids. If seborrhea does not improve or worsens, a dermatologist can provide additional treatments.

Body/Trunk: Moisturizer that is applied when the body is slightly damp after bathing is one of the most important things we can do to improve the condition and feel of our skin, Dr. Fox says. A body oil or cream should be applied over the whole body, concentrating on rough spots including the elbows, knees and feet. Moisturizers with an alpha hydroxy acid help exfoliate the skin’s outermost layer. Exercise is also a good moisturizer, as sweat provides a natural way of releasing toxins.

Some people may experience a flare-up of conditions such as psoriasis or eczema/atopic dermatitis in the fall. Psoriasis is a chronic disease of the immune system that appears on the skin, usually in the form of thick, red, scaly patches. According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 7.5 million Americans have psoriasis. There are many over-the-counter and prescription treatments for psoriasis. Your doctor can help you find the right one. Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, results in scratching that may lead to redness, swelling, cracking, “weeping” of clear fluid, crusting and scaling of the skin. Intensely itchy patches form, which can be widespread or limited to a few areas. Between 10 and 20 percent of people worldwide develop atopic dermatitis, making it the most common type of eczema. Eczema should be treated by a dermatologist for an accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment including medication combined with lifestyle changes. There may even be a specific allergen which the dermatologist can discover to help make the eczema better.

Hands/Arms: Sun damage over the years can result in localized spots of hyperpigmentation that appear on the most exposed parts of the body, generally the hands, shoulders and face. Known as age spots or liver spots, these flat, gray, brown or black marks are harmless and don’t need treatment. However, because they may be confused with cancerous growths, any new marks should be checked by a physician. For cosmetic reasons, age spots can sometimes be lightened with skin-bleaching products or completely removed with the use of lasers. However, preventing age spots — by avoiding the sun and using sunscreen — may be the easiest way to avoid these spots.

Another common skin condition that may flare up in the fall is keratosis pilaris, which consists of rough patches and small, acne-like bumps, usually on the arms and thighs. In fact, keratosis pilaris may improve during the summer months, only to later worsen when the weather changes. This condition is not serious but is difficult to treat. Prescription medications and self-care measures including keeping skin moist can improve the appearance of your skin. Though quite common with young children, keratosis pilaris can occur at any age. Often, keratosis pilaris gradually improves on its own.

Nails: It is not uncommon for nails to start cracking or peeling. Avoiding harsh soaps and the more frequent use of moisturizer is usually the answer.

Feet: A major problem associated with the skin of the feet upon summer’s end is dry, cracked heels caused by wearing open backed shoes during the summer. Cracked heel problems can be relatively mild, with dry or flaky skin, to very severe and painful, with hard skin and deep fissures that are prone to bleeding and make walking uncomfortable. Cracked heels can be improved by taking care of the feet by using a natural foot scrub and pumice stone to slough away dead skin and moisturizing with a highly concentrated emollient base, petroleum jelly or a healing, natural oil, such as olive or sesame, urea or alphahydroxy acid. Some prescription creams may be required in resistant cases. If one has certain skin conditions, like psoriasis, scrubbing is not advised.

“While many people look forward to a refreshing, cool autumn after a long, hot summer, it’s important to remember that your skin needs to be treated differently as the seasons change,” Dr. Fox says. “Changing your beauty and skin care routine regularly, depending on the season, and remaining in close contact with your dermatologist, can keep your skin looking beautiful year round.”

Bio: Joshua L. Fox, M.D. is a leading authority in the field of dermatology with an expertise in skin cancer, cosmetic surgery, and laser procedures. As an official spokesperson for the American Academy of Dermatology and the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, Dr. Fox has been an expert resource on dermatologic topics for numerous television networks including ABC, CBS, CNN, NBC, including local broadcasting television spotlights, Telemundo, talk shows, radio stations, newspapers and magazines. Dr. Fox has served on the board of the National Rosacea Foundation and has done clinical trials in both medical and laser therapy in Rosacea. He has received multiple research and clinical awards including recognition from Top Doctors, Who’s Who, Journal of Dermatologic Surgery and Oncology, Community Service Award from the American Society of Dermatologic Surgery, the prestigious Husic Award as well as certificates of recognition for service from multiple hospitals, civic, educational and community organizations. Dr. Fox has authored and presented papers of his research on lasers, cosmetic procedures, stretch marks, scars, skin cancer, bug bites, photosensitivity and various rashes.

As founder and director of Advanced Dermatology and The Center for Laser and Cosmetic Surgery, Dr. Fox and his associates have expanded the practice into one of the largest in dermatology, laser & cosmetic surgery with more lasers than any hospital or university center on the eastern coast. Dr. Fox is a graduate of the New York University Medical Center -Skin and Cancer and has been on the advisory board of the Psoriasis Foundation and National Rosacea Foundation among others. He has also been a fellow of many societies including the International Academy of Cosmetic Surgery, International Academy of Cosmetic Dermatology, and the Society for Investigative Dermatology. Dr. Fox is the founder of the AAD Melanoma/Skin Cancer Prevention Program in Queens, New York since 1987. Dr. Fox has been Chief of Dermatology of several major teaching hospitals including Mt. Sinai Hospital of Queens and Jamaica Medical Center and is currently on the staff of ten NY area hospitals. Dr. Fox and Advanced Dermatology the Center for Laser & Cosmetic Surgery have been used as a resource center educating dermatologists, laser surgeons, & cosmetic surgeons and others about lasers, cancer and cosmetic surgery and has one of the few Laser & Cosmetic Surgery Fellowship programs in the country. Dr. Fox is also the founder of the non-profit New Age Skin Research Foundation which participates and provides many research activities on unique issues of the skin and their causes or cures.

For more information, visit http://www.advancedd.com.

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