According to Sen. James Robey, originating sponsor of Senate Bill 718, “My district of Howard County, Md., has already led the nation in teen and adolescent safeguards from the well-documented cancer risks and irreversible skin damage caused by the UV-radiation of indoor tanning. This legislation will firmly place Maryland in lockstep with a broad coalition of health professionals, organizations, national agencies and the international community committed to protecting our youth.”

Delegate Bill Bronrott, the House sponsor of HB 1039 stated, "Just as we protect our teen drivers from their own inexperience and false sense of invincibility, we need to protect minors from other harmful behaviors by following the advice of the World Health Organization and numerous other health organizations who support preventing teens exposure to harmful UV rays of tanning beds. Further, melanoma is one of the most common cancers diagnosed among young adults, and 40 percent of teenage girls are using tanning beds each year.”

Similarly, a recent study published in the International Journal of Cancer found an increase in the risk for melanoma in people who first use tanning facilities in their teen years and twenties. “Because of the unquestionable link between ultraviolet light exposure as a youth and the increase risk of developing skin cancer later in life, the American Cancer Society urges the Maryland general assembly to pass legislation prohibiting anyone under the age of 18 from using tanning facilities,” stated Bonita M. Pennino, MS, government relations director for the American Cancer Society.

“A tan is a sign of injury to the skin. The thinner skin of children and teens is particularly vulnerable to damage from UV radiation. Recent studies show an alarming rise in the incidence of melanoma among young women in the United States since 1980, which may be attributable to the prevalence of tanning bed use by teens, reported to be up to 40 percent,” stated Roberta Herbst, program manager for the Center for a Healthy Maryland.

“The American Academy of Dermatology Association applauds the Maryland House of Representatives and Maryland Senate for introducing legislation to protect its young people from the dangers associated with indoor tanning,” said dermatologist William D. James, MD, FAAD, president of the American Academy of Dermatology Association. “Indoor tanning before the age of 35 has been associated with a 75 percent increase in the risk of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer. This legislation has the potential to save lives if it becomes law,” he said.

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. A sister organization to the Academy, the American Academy of Dermatology Association is the resource for government affairs, health policy and practice information for dermatologists, and plays a major role in formulating policies that can enhance the quality of dermatologic care.

The American Cancer Society is the nationwide, community-based, voluntary health organization dedicated to eliminating cancer as a major health problem by preventing cancer, saving lives, and diminishing suffering from cancer, through research, education, advocacy, and service.

The Center for a Healthy Maryland is an affiliate of MedChi, The Maryland State Medical society. The Center’s mission is to advance the practice of medicine, enhance the quality of medical care, and promote the health of the citizens of the State of Maryland. The Center’s programs are directed at the public to improve health status, and also focus on quality improvement and education, with programs for physicians to help them to better serve their patients.

The Joanna M. Nicolay Melanoma Foundation’s focuses efforts toward: medical research leading to a cure for melanoma; opportunities to educate the general public on prevention and the seriousness of melanoma; and, the development of resources for patients and the entire melanoma community. The Foundation is very instrumental as “the voice for melanoma prevention, detection, care and cure.”

• Louis L. Barich, MD, FAAD, of Hamilton, Ohio, in recognition of his commitment to the protection of Ohio children in advocating for passage of House Bill 173, which restricts tanning salon access by minors.
• Michael E. Bigby, MD, FAAD, of Boston, Brett M. Coldiron, MD, FAAD, of Cincinnati, Bruce A. Deitchman, MD, FAAD, of New York, Daniel M. Siegel, MD, FAAD, of Smithtown, N.Y., in recognition of their representation of dermatology and the AADA on the Relative Value System Update Committee (RUC).
• David G. Brodland, MD, FAAD, of Jefferson Hills, Pa., Brett M. Coldiron, MD, FAAD, of Cincinnati, Scott A.B. Collins, MD, FAAD, of Tigard, Ore., Terrence A. Cronin Jr., MD, FAAD, of Melbourne, Fla., Scott M. Dinehart, MD, FAAD, of Little Rock, Ark., George J. Hruza, MD, FAAD, of Chesterfield, Mo., Clifford W. Lober, MD, JD, FAAD, of Kissimmee, Fla., Alexander Miller, MD, FAAD, of Yorba Linda, Calif., and Mark J. Zalla, MD, FAAD, of Florence, Ky., in recognition of their service on the Ad Hoc Task Force on Mohs Coverage Payment Policy and their creation of an invaluable foundation upon which to build further research and educational materials for addressing ongoing Mohs utilization and payment issues. Ronald G. Wheeland, MD, FAAD, of Columbia, Mo., in recognition of his outstanding service and guidance as chair of the Ad Hoc Task Force on Mohs Coverage Payment Policy.
• Timothy S. Brown, MD, FAAD, of Louisville, Ky., in recognition of his long-standing volunteerism in the Academy’s efforts to provide free skin cancer screenings at the Kentucky State Fair to an underserved population every year since 1995.
• Dirk M. Elston, MD, FAAD, of Danville, Pa., in recognition of his leadership in the Academy’s efforts to promote evidence-based medicine and the application of best practices in health care by representing the AADA on the Institute of Medicine Roundtable Best Practices Innovation Collaborative.
• Evan R. Farmer, MD, FAAD, of Norfolk, Va., in recognition of his outstanding leadership as chair of the Workforce Retreat and his continuing efforts in the area of workforce development.
• C. William Hanke, MD, MPH, FAAD, of Carmel, Ind., in recognition of his outstanding guidance in leading the Academy’s efforts on the Facial Soft Tissue Fillers Conference: Assessing the State of the Science.
• C. William Hanke, MD, MPH, FAAD, of Carmel, Ind., Mary E. Maloney, MD, FAAD, of Worcester, Mass., Darrell S. Rigel, MD, FAAD, of New York, and Martin A. Weinstock, MD, PhD, FAAD, of Providence, R.I., in recognition of their efforts to protect the public’s health by encouraging the Federal Trade Commission to investigate the false health and safety claims made by the Indoor Tanning Association.
• Arthur C. Huntley, MD, FAAD, of Seattle, in recognition of furthering the use of computers in the specialty of dermatology.
• Janis Ian, in recognition of her song, “At Seventeen,” the single most poignant song ever written about acne.
• Mary E. Maloney, MD, FAAD, of Worcester, Mass., in recognition of her vision and guidance in creating the foundation for the leadership institute.
• • Jack S. Resneck Jr., MD, FAAD, of San Rafael, Calif., and Marta J. VanBeek, MD, FAAD, of Iowa City, Iowa, for recognition of their exceptional efforts on behalf of the AADA in managing the substance and complexities of the health system reform debate.
• Stephen P. Stone, MD, FAAD, of Springfield, Ill., in recognition of his dedicated efforts to help preserve the history of dermatology through his work on the history showcase.
• Leonard J. Swinyer, MD, FAAD, and Thalia Swinyer, RN, of Salt Lake City, in recognition of their dedication to reducing mortality and incidence of skin cancer through screenings and other public education initiatives.
• Susan C. Taylor, MD, FAAD, of Philadelphia, in recognition of her role as spokesperson for the Addressing Psoriasis™ public education campaign.

Headquartered in Schaumburg, Ill., the American Academy of Dermatology, founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. A sister organization to the Academy, the American Academy of Dermatology Association is the resource for government affairs, health policy and practice information for dermatologists, and plays a major role in formulating policies that can enhance the quality of dermatologic care. 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. For more information, contact the Academy at 1-888-462-DERM (3376) or www.aad.org.

Given each year to recognize outstanding research, the Young Investigators in Dermatology Award recognizes dermatologists-in-training in the United States and Canada for their contributions to research in the field of dermatology. The award criteria are: originality of research concept; soundness of research design; quality/clarity of research report; and perceived value of the research to dermatology.

Dr. Wang is currently an assistant clinical professor in the department of dermatology at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF), and a post-doctoral fellow in the Stanford University Medical School Department of Dermatology’s Program in Epithelial Biology. He received his medical degree from UCSF and his PhD in neurobiology from Harvard Medical School in Boston, and subsequently completed his residency in dermatology at UCSF.

Dr. Wang is being recognized for his research in molecular genetics and the mechanisms underlying positional patterning of cells during development. His studies address a fundamental question in biology of how large groups of genes can be regulated (e.g., turned on or off) at the same time, and specifically how this occurs in the skin to specify positional identity with respect to the entire body. Dr. Wang’s research investigated the regulation of expression of the HOX family of transcription factors in dermal fibroblasts, and discovered that a new class of molecules, called long noncoding RNAs, may serve as master regulators of gene expression by coordinating the activity of neighboring genes through binding to enzymes that modify chromatin, the protein-DNA complex that makes up chromosomes. This work promises to uncover the basis of many skin diseases that show site-specific development, and has implications for the targeted treatment of these diseases as well as regenerative medicine.

Physicians currently in accredited dermatology residency programs or those who have completed their residencies within the last two years are eligible for the competition. The six-judge committee included representatives from the Academy’s Council on Science and Research, the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, the Association of Professors of Dermatology, the Society for Investigative Dermatology, a dermatology resident, as well as an at-large Academy member.

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.

• Dermatologist James G. Krueger, MD, PhD, FAAD, director of the Milstein Medical Research Program, a senior attending physician, and the D. Martin Carter professor in clinical investigation at The Rockefeller University in New York.
• Dermatologist Thomas S. Kupper, MD, FAAD, the Thomas B. Fitzpatrick professor of dermatology at Harvard Medical School, the director of the Harvard Skin Disease Research Center and chairman of the department of dermatology at Brigham and Women's Hospital, and chairman of the department of dermatology at the Dana Farber Cancer Institute, all located in Boston.
• Dermatologist Arthur J. Sober, MD, FAAD, professor of dermatology, Harvard Medical School and director of the Melanoma Center/Pigmented Lesion Clinic at Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston.

The three $30,000 research awards are made possible through the support of the Astellas USA Foundation, a non-profit organization with a mission to provide long-term support for the advancement of medical and related sciences, and awarded by an Academy selection panel.

The award to Dr. Krueger was in recognition of his research that focuses on immunodermatology. He was recognized specifically for increasing the understanding of the cellular and molecular basis of psoriasis, in the hopes that this information will result in new treatments. His team developed the first molecular maps of psoriasis showing immune involvement of cytokines, as well as several proof-of-concept clinical trials related to psoriasis. The end result of these efforts is to provide better understanding of skin diseases and safer treatments.

Dr. Kupper was recognized for his research on skin and the immune system, as well as the biology and treatment of skin cancers. His early contributions include the discovery and description of keratinocyte cytokines and their role in innate immune responses. More recently he has studied skin homing T-cells, the mechanisms of how and why they traffic to skin, and the discovery that the majority of these cells reside in skin. He also is the principal investigator for one of only five Specialized Programs of Research Excellence (SPORE) grants in skin cancer from the National Cancer Institute, studying translational research in melanoma and cutaneous lymphomas.

Dr. Sober received the award for his research in cutaneous malignant melanoma. His research has been instrumental in defining the natural history, developmental biology, early recognition and prognostic factors for this disease and his work has clarified which surgical approaches should be used. Dr. Sober also established the link between melanoma risk and patterns of photo exposure. He characterized specific features such as change in size and color of lesions to facilitate early diagnosis. His work has had a profound impact on the way people monitor their skin for changes, as well as on the diagnosis and treatment of skin cancer.

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.

Speaking today at the 68^th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), dermatologist Jenny J. Kim, MD, PhD, FAAD, associate professor of dermatology at the University of California, Los Angeles, (UCLA) David Geffen School of Medicine in Los Angeles, discussed the latest treatments for acne and rosacea and how ongoing research into the causes of these conditions holds promise for future therapies.

“Sometimes it is hard for patients dealing with acne or rosacea to understand why, even with ongoing treatment, they cannot get rid of their symptoms forever,” said Dr. Kim. “I explain to them that these conditions are similar to having any chronic disease, like having diabetes – there is no cure yet, but we can control the symptoms. Just like insulin helps maintain a diabetic’s blood sugar, patients with acne and rosacea need to find a treatment regimen that works for them to maintain clear skin.”

Acne: An Equal-Opportunity Skin Condition

It is estimated that 40 million to 50 million Americans are affected by some form of acne. While acne is commonly associated with teenagers struggling with the growing pains of adolescence, this skin condition can strike at any age. In fact, Dr. Kim emphasized that it affects adults in their 20s, 30s, 40s and even in their 50s, especially in women and even in people who never had acne as teenagers. The causes of acne include excess oil production,skin inflammation, skin cells in the hair follicles that shed too quickly and an increased number of the acne-causing bacteria Propionbacterium acnes. However, hormones also influence both oil production and the shedding of skin cells, thereby contributing to the formation of acne lesions. For example, when androgens (the male hormones present in both men and women) over-stimulate the oil glands and hair follicles in the skin, hormonal acne flares can occur.

In the past, most cases of acne were treated solely with antibiotics. While these treatments can be very successful, a growing concern about long-term antibiotic use is that bacteria are evolving to become resistant to these medications. As a result, the development of other effective therapies and combination therapies has evolved.

For example, Dr. Kim noted that some of the newer therapies for acne are anti-inflammatories, which can be used in some cases to lessen the severity of acne. Controlled-release of lower dose doxycycline is a newer anti-inflammatory oral medication that some dermatologists use to reduce the redness and swelling of acne. Combination therapies, which may include an anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects that can decrease resistance and are more convenient to use for patients, has made combination therapeutics increasingly common treatments used to manage acne.

Another newer approach to treating acne is the use of lasers and light-based technologies as a complementary treatment to traditional medical therapies. Dr. Kim noted that these technologies include the pulsed-dye laser, red and blue light, and photodynamic therapy, which target the sebaceous (or oil) glands and can reduce acne flares. While Dr. Kim does not recommend lasers and light-based technologies as first-line therapies for acne, she believes it is a promising new area of research.

“Patients are becoming increasingly concerned about the long-term use of oral medications to fight acne, so lasers and light sources appeal to them,” said Dr. Kim. “The problem is that there are limited large, prospective, well-controlled  studies that demonstrate the effectiveness of laser and light technology at this point, so that will be an area we need to explore in the future. It’s very likely that with the advancement in dermatologic research, we will see sebaceous gland targeting lasers in the future that will be effective for the treatment of acne.”

Dr. Kim added that many patients are concerned about scarring that can result from acne, and many acne scars can be very aggressive and difficult to treat. For mild scarring, retinoids, chemical peels, microdermabrasion, and lasers can give mild improvement. In addition, fillers can be used successfully to fill in depressed areas and improve the appearance of scars.

Another therapy that is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for acne scarring is fractional laser resurfacing. This laser technology works by targeting damaged skin in columns of microscopic treatment zones, which include the outermost and underlying layers of skin known as the epidermis and the dermis. Fractional laser resurfacing thermally damages the tiny columns of scarred skin while the surrounding healthy skin is left intact.

“One of the main benefits of fractional resurfacing is wound healing and increased collagen production that reduces acne scars,” said Dr. Kim. “However, most patients will notice only a modest improvement in acne scarring and multiple treatments are required. For more severe scarring, such as deep ‘ice pick’ scars, several acne surgical procedures can be used – including punch grafting or punch excision – to remove, raise, fill or separate the scar tissue from the underlying skin. These surgical procedures in combination with other therapies, including lasers and fillers, can produce improvement for severe acne scarring.”

Rosacea Triggers and Treatments
Rosacea, another chronic skin condition, affects an estimated 14 million people in the United States and is characterized by redness, flushing and prominent blood vessels on the face. Dr. Kim explained that rosacea commonly occurs in older people, and there are many known triggers for this bothersome condition – including sunlight, alcohol, spicy foods, caffeine, heat, citric acid, and stress.

While the exact cause of rosacea is not fully understood, Dr. Kim noted that a recent study suggests that the presence of an abnormal peptide (a small protein) in the skin of rosacea patients may contribute to the disease.

“There is some evidence to suggest that the peptide cathelicidin within the skin is processed differently in rosacea patients than in individuals not affected by rosacea and induces inflammation that may contribute to rosacea,” explained Dr. Kim. “These findings are encouraging, as we can identify better treatments for the disease if we have a better understanding of what the cause might be.”

Over the years, lasers have been shown to be effective in treating the symptoms of rosacea. For example, Dr. Kim mentioned that pulsed-dye lasers work well for rosacea patients with lots of broken blood vessels, and both pulsed-dye laser and intense-pulsed light treatments are effective at treating redness on the face and flushing associated with rosacea.

"Patients undergoing laser therapy for rosacea will likely need multiple treatments. However, I have found lasers and light treatments to be very effective and produce long-lasting results,” said Dr. Kim.

In addition to oral treatments, a number of topical medications have been introduced to treat rosacea, and Dr. Kim explained that metronidazole and azeleic acid are two topicals that are tolerated well and effective in reducing the symptoms of rosacea.

Good Skin Care: Good for All

For patients with acne or rosacea whose skin is often sensitive, Dr. Kim emphasized that proper skin care is very important as part of their overall treatment regimen. In addition to avoiding products or behaviors that tend to make acne or rosacea worse, patients may find that gentle skin care can help alleviate some of the redness or irritation common with these conditions.

“I advise my patients to use a mild cleanser and sun protection that is non-irritating to the skin every day, particularly a moisturizer that contains sunscreen,” said Dr. Kim. “While skin care products containing too many acids can be irritating to sensitive skin, I find that products containing salicylic acid are useful for some acne patients. Separating treatments, such as using salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide in the morning and a retinol-based product at night, might be helpful for patients with sensitive skin.”

Dr. Kim also noted that while over-the-counter products containing salicylic acid or benzoyl peroxide may help control mild acne, patients should avoid using too many products at once on their skin to try to manage acne.

“The old adage ‘less is more’ applies to patients with sensitive skin,” said Dr. Kim. “The best advice is to discuss your skin care regimen with your dermatologist who can recommend products based on not only your specific skin condition, but your individual skin type as well.”

To learn more about acne and rosacea, visit www.skincarephysicians.com, a Web site developed by dermatologists that provides patients with up-to-date information on the treatment and management of conditions of the skin, hair and nails.

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.

Contact dermatitis is characterized by a rash that can occur anywhere on the body (most commonly the hands and face) and is caused by something that comes into contact with the skin, leading to an allergic reaction. Irritated skin becomes dry and chapped and eventually red, scaly and inflamed. In many cases, these types of skin rashes require evaluation and treatment by a dermatologist who can determine the source of the rash and recommend the best treatment.

“In our everyday lives, we come into contact with a host of different substances and environmental elements that can have an adverse effect on our skin,” said Dr. Fowler. “Sometimes when we have an allergic reaction to something, we might not be able to determine the source of the problem or it could take several days from the point of contact for a reaction to occur on our skin, which makes tracing the source extremely difficult.”

Metals

Perhaps the most common form of contact dermatitis is metal allergy, with nickel being the most prevalent of all metal allergens. Dr. Fowler explained that almost every metal contains some amount of nickel, with costume jewelry and cell phones among the leading causes of allergic reactions.

“A person with sensitivity to nickel may not be able to wear jewelry that contains nickel or may find that holding a cell phone up against the ear will result in a rash and irritation where the device comes into contact with the skin – in which case a hands-free device, such as a plastic earpiece, or covering the metal with a plastic case will help,” said Dr. Fowler. “Even gold is a fairly common allergen and can cause an adverse reaction in some people. The key is to identify the source and avoid contact with these products.”

Skin Care Products/Cosmetics

Skin reactions can occur from ingredients in skin care products and cosmetics, with fragrances and preservatives topping the list of potential allergens. Dr. Fowler cautioned that even products labeled “dermatologist tested” or “doctor approved” does not mean that they won’t cause problems such as contact dermatitis. In fact, he added that products marketed as “natural” can cause reactions in people who may be allergic to the essential oils or herbal extracts contained in natural ingredients.

“There are thousands of fragrances and dozens of preservatives that can cause allergic reactions in people, ranging from itchy rashes to severe facial swelling,” said Dr. Fowler. “If an allergy is suspected, particularly when a reaction occurs from a new cosmetic or skin care product being used for the first time, it’s important to discontinue the use of this product immediately and see a dermatologist if the condition does not improve within a few days.”

In Hot Water from Frequent Hand Washing

While repeated hand washing has been touted during flu season as a major factor in preventing the spread of the virus, this good hygiene practice can spell trouble for the skin.

“Washing our hands can break down the skin’s natural protective barrier, causing the skin to crack, become inflamed and more at risk for developing allergies,” said Dr. Fowler. “When this happens, hand dermatitis can occur.”

Jobs in health care and other occupations that require repeated hand washing can predispose workers to hand dermatitis, and Dr. Fowler added that treatment should include applying a cream-based moisturizer immediately after hand washing to prevent the skin from drying too quickly.

Neomycin

Another common ingredient that can cause an allergic reaction in some individuals is neomycin. This ingredient is found in over-the-counter triple antibiotic ointments, which are used as a first-aid cream to treat cuts, abrasions and rashes. If an allergy to neomycin is suspected, Dr. Fowler recommended discontinuing the use of this product and consulting a dermatologist.

Dimethylfumate

Although furniture may not top the list of suspected allergens responsible for an outbreak of contact dermatitis, Dr. Fowler explained that the chemical dimethylfumate added into furniture made in China to prevent the growth of mold has been linked to severe rashes. Dimethylfumate is used in furniture (such as sofa or chair cushions) in little packages that can penetrate the fabric and subsequently clothing when a person sits on the furniture. Some people are very allergic to this preservative, and Dr. Fowler said that several cases have been reported in the United Kingdom, Canada and some Scandinavian countries – although reports have been less frequent in the United States.

Testing, Testing: Common Allergens Put to the Test

In order to identify an allergen suspected of causing contact dermatitis, a dermatologist will use patch testing. This involves applying small concentrations of allergens to the skin on the arms or the back to see if a reaction occurs within three to five days. Once the allergen is confirmed, your dermatologist can provide recommendations for alternatives for that substance. For example, if you are allergic to nickel, your dermatologist may recommend having your jewelry plated in another non-irritating metal, such as platinum or sterling silver.

Treatments: Now and on the Horizon

The mainstay of treatment for contact dermatitis are topical corticosteroids, which are available over-the-counter and by prescription. In some cases, severe rashes may need to be treated with systemic corticosteroids (given orally or by injection), antibiotics, or other anti-inflammatory and immunologic agents. Dr. Fowler added that moisturizers, particularly creams that provide more persistent moisturizing effects than lotions, are extremely important and should be used regularly during treatment to prevent further dryness.

In addition, some new topical medications are undergoing clinical testing and may be helpful in treating contact dermatitis in the future. One oral medication, alitretinoin, is newly approved for chronic hand dermatitis in Europe and is now undergoing testing in the U.S.

“While we know that some people are more prone to contact dermatitis, we don’t fully understand why,” said Dr. Fowler. “If we continue to learn more about the genetic component of this condition, then we might be able to develop new and improved treatments in the coming years. Until then, dermatologists can help patients manage this skin condition successfully.”

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.

“Through my involvement in the first year of Addressing Psoriasis™ I learned how much of an impact psoriasis can have on a person’s physical and emotional well-being,” said Gunn. “As someone who has always been an advocate of confidence as the ultimate fashion staple, I’m thrilled to continue to help encourage people with psoriasis to address their condition, which includes visiting a dermatologist and embracing their personal style.”

From now until April 30, 2010, people are encouraged to visit www.addresspsoriasis.com and offer their tips for living fashionably with psoriasis. Questions about psoriasis style challenges can also be submitted to Gunn via the Web site. Select questions will be answered by Gunn later this year in a style resource guide designed especially for people with psoriasis.

“One of the best parts about being an Addressing Psoriasis™ winner was having the opportunity to share my story with other people in the psoriasis community,” says Cynthia McGowen, a 2009 Addressing Psoriasis™ winner. “I know from personal experience just how isolating this disease can be, so I encourage people to enter the contest and connect with others who have faced similar challenges because of their psoriasis.”

Psoriasis, which affects approximately 7.5 million Americans, is a chronic disease of the immune system that causes the skin cells to grow at an accelerated rate. Although there are several types of psoriasis, approximately 80 percent of patients suffer from plaque psoriasis, which can cause painful and itchy red, scaly patches.

According to data collected from psoriasis patients by the National Psoriasis Foundation over a six-year period (2004 – 2009), 41 percent of patients choose their clothing to conceal their psoriasis. The Foundation's results also showed:

• 73 percent of respondents said they feel self-conscious about their psoriasis
• 63 percent said it impacts their overall emotional well-being
• 72 percent of respondents suffer from itching, 70 percent from physical irritation and 59 percent from physical pain
• 54 percent reported that their psoriasis is disfiguring
• 43 percent of respondents aged 20-39 described their psoriasis as a “social embarrassment,” compared with 17 percent of respondents over the age of 40

The surveys had approximately 4,725 respondents, 75 percent of whom reported being diagnosed with moderate to severe psoriasis.

Dr. Susan Taylor, assistant clinical professor of dermatology at Columbia University’s College of Physicians and Surgeons and founding director of the Skin of Color Center at St. Luke’s and Roosevelt Hospitals in New York City, says, “I regularly see patients who talk to me about how psoriasis negatively impacts their daily lives, including pain and itching, as well as challenges with clothing and fabric choices. I strongly urge people with psoriasis to visit a dermatologist and begin the dialogue about managing their condition – this simple conversation may be the first step in helping alleviate some of the physical and emotional burdens of this disease.”

Addressing Psoriasis™ was developed to inspire people with plaque psoriasis to actively manage their condition, be more confident and not allow the condition to inhibit their everyday style. Now in its second year, Addressing Psoriasis™ continues to raise public awareness and encourages patients to visit a dermatologist as the first step in managing the condition. Addressing Psoriasis™ is sponsored by Amgen and Pfizer with participation from the American Academy of Dermatology, the National Psoriasis Foundation, Psoriasis Cure Now, the Dermatology Nurses’ Association and the Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants. To learn more about Addressing Psoriasis™ or to enter the contest, visit www.addresspsoriasis.com.

Entrants are asked to submit a personal essay explaining their story of how they have overcome or tried to overcome the challenges of living with moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and how the condition has impacted their personal style and the clothing they wear. Additionally, entrants are asked to explain how Tim Gunn may help them overcome style challenges associated with psoriasis and present their best selves to the world. Entries will be judged based solely on the inspirational nature of their story, and not on the entrants' use of specific treatment options.

NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. A PURCHASE DOES NOT INCREASE YOUR CHANCE OF WINNING. See complete Official Rules for how to enter and restrictions. The Addressing Psoriasis™ Contest is open to legal residents of the 50 United States and the District of Columbia who are at least 18 years of age or have reached the age of capacity to enter into contracts under the laws of their state and who have a confirmed medical diagnosis of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Contest begins at 12:00:00 (Midnight) AM Eastern Time ("ET") on Wednesday, March 3, 2010 and ends at 11:59:59 PM ET on Friday, April 30, 2010. Void outside the 50 United States and District of Columbia, and void where otherwise prohibited. To enter and view complete Official Rules, visit www.addresspsoriasis.com. Sponsored by Amgen Inc., One Amgen Center Drive, Thousand Oaks, CA 91320 and Pfizer Inc., 235 East 42nd Street, New York, NY 10017.

Amgen discovers, develops, manufactures and delivers innovative human therapeutics. A biotechnology pioneer since 1980, Amgen was one of the first companies to realize the new science's promise by bringing safe and effective medicines from lab, to manufacturing plant, to patient. Amgen therapeutics have changed the practice of medicine, helping millions of people around the world in the fight against cancer, kidney disease, rheumatoid arthritis, and other serious illnesses. With a deep and broad pipeline of potential new medicines, Amgen remains committed to advancing science to dramatically improve people's lives. To learn more about our pioneering science and our vital medicines, visit www.amgen.com.

At Pfizer, we apply science and our global resources to improve health and well-being at every stage of life. We strive to set the standard for quality, safety and value in the discovery, development and manufacturing of medicines for people and animals. Our diversified global health care portfolio includes human and animal biologic and small molecule medicines and vaccines, as well as nutritional products and many of the world's best-known consumer products. Every day, Pfizer colleagues work across developed and emerging markets to advance wellness, prevention, treatments and cures that challenge the most feared diseases of our time. Consistent with our responsibility as the world's leading biopharmaceutical company, we also collaborate with health care providers, governments and local communities to support and expand access to reliable, affordable health care around the world. For more than 150 years, Pfizer has worked to make a difference for all who rely on us. To learn more about our commitments, please visit us at www.pfizer.com.

Wyeth is now a wholly owned subsidiary of Pfizer Inc. The merger of local Wyeth and Pfizer entities may be pending in various jurisdictions and integration is subject to completion of various local legal and regulatory obligations.

More information is available at www.pfizer.com.

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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.

The National Psoriasis Foundation is the world’s largest organization serving people with psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. Our mission is to find a cure for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis and to eliminate their devastating effects through research, advocacy and education. In addition to assisting more than 1.5 million people annually through educational programs and services, the Psoriasis Foundation is the largest charitable funder of psoriatic disease research and psoriasis patient advocacy organization worldwide. For more information, call the Psoriasis Foundation, headquartered in Portland, Ore., at 800.723.9166, or visit www.psoriasis.org.

Psoriasis Cure Now is a nonprofit organization fueled by a nationwide network of volunteers. Our focus is on accelerating the search for a cure by mobilizing people in support of increased research funding for psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. We also work to educate psoriasis patients about their treatment options, and educate the public about the seriousness of psoriasis. http://www.psoriasis-cure-now.org

The Dermatology Nurses' Association is a professional nursing organization comprised of a diverse group of individuals committed to quality care through sharing knowledge and expertise. The core purpose of the DNA is to promote excellence in dermatologic care.

The Society of Dermatology Physician Assistants (SDPA) is a non-profit professional organization that educates and advocates for its nationally certified physician assistants (PAs) who provide medical and cosmetic dermatologic care under the supervision of a Board Certified Dermatologist. PAs are health professionals licensed to practice medicine with physician supervision. PAs perform a comprehensive range of medical and surgical services to diverse populations in rural and urban settings. As part of their comprehensive responsibilities, PAs conduct physical exams, diagnose and treat illnesses, order and interpret tests, counsel on preventive health care, assist in surgery, and prescribe medications.

“For more than a decade, the AADA has been advocating that Congress repeal the flawed sustainable growth rate formula rather than continue to use temporary extensions,” stated dermatologist David M. Pariser, MD, FAAD, president of the AADA. “Our message has been clearly delivered by AADA members and patients who have taken their concerns directly to their representatives. Congress knows the correct answer to this problem and it is time for them to act.”

A federal law requires Medicare payments to physicians to be modified annually using the Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) formula. Because of flaws in how the law was designed, the formula has mandated physician fee cuts almost every year for the past decade. Short-term congressional fixes have stopped the cuts, yet without a permanent solution, the cuts grow deeper each year. The cost to fix the problem has skyrocketed, thereby jeopardizing access to high-quality care for Medicare patients.

Inaction by Congress threatens more than just patient access; it threatens jobs. The 21 percent cut may force physician practices to reduce professional and office staff, or permanently shut their doors.

The incidence of melanoma, the deadliest form of skin cancer, continues to rise, and people who are 55-75 years of age are most likely to be stricken by this disease. Untreated or late detection of skin cancer in the Medicare population will result in increased mortality and morbidity. “The impact of these cuts on Medicare patients could be devastating. It is critically important that seniors maintain access to timely, high-quality dermatologic care to ensure detection of skin cancer in its earliest, most treatable stages,” said Dr. Pariser.

The American Academy of Dermatology (Academy), founded in 1938, is the largest, most influential, and most representative of all dermatologic associations. A sister organization to the Academy, the American Academy of Dermatology Association, serves as a resource for government affairs and practice information for dermatologists, and works with policymakers to formulate policies that enhance the delivery of quality dermatologic care. 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. For more information, contact the Academy at 1 (888) 462-DERM (3376) or visit www.aad.org.