Dermatology--24th Hawaii Seminar. 7-12 February 2000, Big Island, HI, USA

At this seminar, several encouraging developments were demonstrated in various areas of dermatology practice. Much attention was focused on topical tacrolimus, the US approval of which, for the treatment of atopic dermatitis is much anticipated. The general consensus from trials was that the drug is safe and effective, and it is hoped that it will be of use in pediatric cases. Additional data were presented regarding the use of cyclosporin in psoriasis patients, with some evidence that low doses could be delivered safely with adequate monitoring. Safety was an issue in many of the sessions, reflecting the increasing involvement of potentially toxic therapies within dermatology. The debate regarding the use of topical tretinoin during pregnancy continues, and pharmacokinetic evidence was presented to demonstrate that systemic absorption of the drug is minimal. The range of diseases treated by topical imiquimod may be expanded with data suggesting that it may have benefits in the treatment of basal cell carcinomas. Surgical dermatology also featured heavily in the meeting, reflecting the more interventional approaches favored by dermatologists today.