Research Updates

When is Mohs micrographic surgery appropriate?

13 October 2011

Lee M Miller, MD, and Daniel J Pearce, MD

Despite the many advantages of Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS), concerns over accessibility and cost effectiveness have lead surgeons to ask - when is MMS appropriate?

Recent advances in deciphering itch transmission

13 October 2011

Alexandru DP Papoiu, MD, PhD and Gil Yosipovitch, MD

Recent advances made in the study of itch have unveiled new classes of receptors and novel signaling pathways that can be further explored and utilized, thus bringing hope that the days of developing specific itch therapies are near.

Nanodermatology: when size really does matter

20 July 2010

Adnan Nasir, MD

Nanotechnology can be defined as the purposeful design of matter 100nm or less in size. Since its origin in the 1950s, the number of discoveries and patents capitalizing on nanotechnology continues to grow at an exponential rate. Indeed, one of the top 10 US patent holders in nanotechnology is a cosmetics company. Nanotechnology is therefore an important aspect in the production of many skin-care products (eg sun-protection creams, insect repellants), as well as in the diagnosis (eg magnetically guided nanopunch) and management (eg nano drug delivery) of skin diseases. In his article, Dr Nasir discusses some of the "tremendous strides" that nanotechnology has taken in the field of dermatology. However, he warns that "because of the increased potential reactivity of nanomaterials, manufacturers interested in developing nanotechnology for patient and consumer use will need to consider safety, biocompatibility,and host health."