Doug Brunk is a San Diego-based award-winning reporter who began covering health care in 1991. Before joining the company, he wrote for the health sciences division of Columbia University and was an associate editor at Contemporary Long Term Care magazine when it won a Jesse H. Neal Award. His work has been syndicated by the Los Angeles Times and he is the author of two books related to the University of Kentucky Wildcats men's basketball program. Doug has a master’s degree in magazine journalism from the S.I. Newhouse School of Public Communications at Syracuse University. Follow him on Twitter @dougbrunk.
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Certain opioids hold promise for treating itch
Difelikefalin is the first FDA-approved treatment for uremic pruritus associated with dialysis.
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Validity of commercial serologic tests for dermatomyositis still questionable
“The testing in research laboratories is not widely available and the results are often delayed by weeks to months.”
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Rosacea is in the eye of the beholder, expert says
As for treating papules and pustules with oral agents, the strongest evidence favors oral tetracyclines and isotretinoin.
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Topical options for acne patients continue to expand
In 2020, clascoterone cream became the first topical androgen receptor inhibitor approved for the treatment of acne in patients aged 12 years and...
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Cannabinoids being studied for a variety of dermatologic conditions
Recent research shows that the endocannabinoid system is involved in modulation of the CNS and in immune function, particularly skin homeostasis...
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What are the legal risks of practicing laser cutaneous surgery?
“The best way to avoid complications is to trust your eyes – not the laser,” Dr. Mathew M. Avram said.
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Expert shares eye protection tips for cutaneous laser surgery
Only use eyewear designed for the specific laser wavelength you are using and check the optical density yourself prior to firing the laser, Dr....
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Evaluations of novel approaches to treating NF-1 tumors are underway
“We need a way to inhibit the cutaneous neurofibromatosis early in life and prevent disfigurement that occurs when kids become adults.”
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One of the keys to success on social media? Entertain and educate the public
“Dermatologists have something to teach the world because we are experts on skin, hair, and nails. You want to impart this knowledge in a way that...
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Treatment with novel laser in acne studies targets sebaceous glands
“It’s pretty much a color-blind laser, so we can treat darker skin types safely, with no side effects,” said Dr. Fernanda H. Sakamoto.
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Selective cooling technology being used to remove age spots
The amount of heat extracted from the device ranged from 107 to 166 kJ/cm2. No long-term dyschromia was observed, and some patients had...
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Disinclined to offer laser hair removal? An expert makes the case to think otherwise
As for future directions in the field, Dr. Omar A. Ibrahimi predicted that hair removal devices for home use will continue to improve and become...
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How the pandemic prompted one clinic to embrace digital innovation
In a half day of practice, Dr. Olga Afanasiev sees about 20 patients via video visits scheduled every 15 minutes.
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Study finds plume generated during laser tattoo removal generally viewed as safe
Of the 40 million-plus Americans with tattoos, 17% have “tattoo regret,” and many turn to dermatologic surgeons for removal.
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Fecal microbiota transplants may improve resistance to melanoma immunotherapy
“The big question that’s lacking is why and how does FMT work, and how can we make the response better?”