Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]
-
The incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancers (NMSCs) was estimated at 1.3-million cases for the year 2000 and is on the rise. It is the most common form of cancer in the United States, more common than all other cancers combined. To determine the contributors to the cost of NMSC care, an episode of care of NMSC needed to be defined. ⋯ This study defined and validated a model of an episode of NMSC care. This model's initial results serve as preliminary data for the design of further studies addressing the differences between specialties and settings. The use of this model will allow identification of factors that determine the cost of NMSC treatment and that are associated with higher cost of care.
-
: Botulinum toxin has been employed in orthopedics, physiatrics, gastroenterology, gynecology, neurology, pediatrics, general surgery, plastic surgery, and several other specialties. We have applied this drug to treat hyperhidrosis and wrinkles in dermatology; it offers also a secondary benefit: relief for headaches. ⋯ : There are alternative sites besides those used for the treatment of expression lines, which bring forth an improvement of migraine.
-
In chronic wounds, biofilms probably play a vital role in protecting bacteria from host defenses and antimicrobial medications by creating a barrier of exopolysaccharide that is difficult for the immune system and antibiotics to penetrate. A biofilm consists of an exopolysaccharide matrix that is produced and secreted by certain species of bacteria. ⋯ The rapidity of biofilm growth suggests that bacteria in wounds possess the capacity of producing this shield against antibiotics and immune effector cells early in the infection process. Therefore, efforts to prevent or slow the proliferation of bacteria and biofilms should occur soon after a wound is created. Additionally, this staining technique can be used to demonstrate the ability of agents to slow biofilm growth or to interrupt formed biofilm and may be useful in future studies of chronically infected wounds.
-
Randomized Controlled Trial Clinical Trial
Lidocaine iontophoresis for local anesthesia before shave biopsy.
Lidocaine iontophoresis is a method of topical anesthesia in which lidocaine is driven into the skin under the influence of electric current. ⋯ Lidocaine iontophoresis is a safe and effective method of administering topical anesthesia before shave biopsy in adult patients.
-
Case Reports
Repair of a large wound of the back, post-Mohs micrographical excision, using chronic skin expansion.
Large defects not otherwise closed primarily may be closed after chronic skin expansion. ⋯ Provided that there is not a great probability of the neoplasm extending significantly deeper or wider than expected and that the skin expander is placed so as not to disturb the plane of Mohs excision, this is a useful technique to close large Mohs defects.