Yearly STL Archives: 2011

Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments. Belimumab (Benlysta™), Tolnaftate 1% Cream (Tolnaftate-D™), Hydrocortisone 1% Cream (Hydrocortisone-D™), Ketoconazole 2% Foam are covered.

Patient adherence remains a serious challenge with acne patients. This article will review this problem and offer a number of suggestions, including dosing considerations and the use of laser/light devices, to better treat the non-adherent patient.

Since the elucidation of the concept of selective photothermolysis, quality-switched lasers have been the gold standard for tattoo removal. This article reviews appropriate device selection and technique, and the importance of patient education.

This article discusses the rationale behind various topical treatments for acne to increase adherence and optimize outcomes. Efficacy, safety, antibiotic resistance, onset of action, and combination therapies are covered.

This article focuses on topical D3 vitamin analogues for the treatment of psoriasis. Therapeutic efficacy, toxicity, patient adherence, combination therapy, and the family physician's role in psoriasis treatment are covered.

External genital warts (EGW) are a common infection caused primarily by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11. This article discusses the pathogenesis of EGW, impact on patients, therapeutics, vaccination, and other topics.

This paper focuses on a comprehensive and practical approach to classifying and managing scars in terms of colour and texture, and discusses topical treatments accessible to family physicians in more detail.

Atopic eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is a common inflammatory skin condition that dermatologists, pediatricians, family physicians, and primary-care providers see on a daily basis. Treatments, mechanism of action, preventative therapies, and the skin barrier are discussed.

External genital warts (EGW) are a common infection caused primarily by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11. This article discusses the impact of EGW on the patient, co-factors for other STIs, and therapies for EGW.

Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments. IncobotulinumtoxinA injection (Xeomin®), Vemurafenib tablets (Zelboraf™ cobas®), Icatibant injection (Firazyr®) are covered.

Acne vulgaris is a common chronic inflammatory cutaneous disease involving the pilosebaceous unit. This article discusses the multifactorial nature of acne pathophysiology, therapeutics, and mechanism of action.

Pregnancy is characterized by multiple physiologic changes. Herein, we review the complicated relationships between psoriasis and pregnancy.

Psoriasis and eczema, especially atopic eczema, are two of the most common cutaneous conditions seen by family physicians and dermatologists. This article discusses the etiology of psoriasis and eczema, immunologic abnormalities, and the role of immune mediators.

This paper examines the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, the skin barrier, and the role that ceramides can play in therapy.

Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory cutaneous disease involving the pilosebaceous unit. This article discusses pathophysiology, sebum production, keratinization, and the role of P.acnes in acne formation.

Update on Autologous cell therapy dermal filler [laVív® (azficel-T)], 5-fluorouracil cream 0.5% + Salicylic acid 10% (Actikerall®), Belimumab (Benlysta®), Ipilimumab (Yervoy™).

Several formulations of botulinum toxin type-A (BoNT-A) are on the market in North America. This article discusses formulations, and differences in pharmacokinetics, and how it affects indications.

Human papillomavirus (HPV) has a predilection for infecting epidermal and mucosal surfaces such as those of the anogenital region. This article discusses presentations of HPV infections, and the role of HPV vaccines.

(Reprint from STL FP 7.2) Facial hair can be a distressing, chronic problem for many women. This article discusses assessment, treatment options, side-effects, and costs. Combination therapy and its benefits are also covered.

Psoriasis is a chronic, recurrent, immune-mediated, papulosquamous skin condition characterized by rapid proliferation of keratinocytes. This article focuses on the role of vitamin D analogues in the treatment of psoriasis.

Acne vulgaris is a common disorder of the pilosebaceous follicle with multiple pathogenic factors. Topics like antibiotic treatment, antibiotic resistant, topical agents, are covered.

Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments. Human papillomavirus (HPV) test (Cobas® HPV Test Cobas® 4800 System), Betamethasone valerate 0.12% foam (Luxiq®) are covered.

The development of topical cosmetic anti-aging products is becoming increasingly sophisticated. This article reviews trials that look at the efficacy of cosmetic (OTC) products against prescription products.

Cosmetic products containing ultraviolet light filtering agents are rapidly being developed and entering the marketplace. This article reviews formulary attributes, effective photoprotection, adherence, and behavior modification.

Update on Peginterferon alfa-2b (Sylatron™), Imiquimod 3.75% cream (Zyclara®), experienced recurrence 12 weeks after therapy. (Adapalene 0.1% + benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel Tactuo™), Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (Xiapex®), and updates on generic drugs.

The common bedbug (Cimex lectularius) is increasingly prevalent and a source of concern and questions for patients. This article discusses entomology, clinical presentation, diagnostics and expedient identification.

Biologics plays an important role in treating moderate to severe psoriasis. This article looks at combination treatment with traditional systemics and topicals, and the possible benefits of this approach.

Hand dermatitis (HD) is a common skin disorder affecting individuals of all ages. This article looks into the challenges associated with therapy, side-effects of commonly used treatments, and long-term management plans for HD.

This article delves into appropriate use of topical therapies for acne treatment. Appropriate agent selection, tolerance, adherence, follow-up, and considerations like complexity of treatment are discussed.

Acne vulgaris is a disease of the pilosebaceous follicle characterized by non-inflammatory (open and closed comedones) and inflammatory lesions. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial - the interplay of hormonal, bacterial, and immunological (inflammatory) factors results in the formation of acne lesions.

Atopic eczema is a chronic condition and a long view is necessary for disease control and management. This article discusses the important role of the skin barrier and how it may be a target for therapeutics in treating atopic eczema.

Psoriasis is a chronic, inflammatory skin condition prone to periods of skin flaring. As our understanding of the etiology of psoriasis becomes clearer, the treatment regimes can be better tailored to control the disease and address psychological fears of patients.

Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments. Belimumab (Benlysta®), Ipilimumab (Yervoy™), Imiquimod 3.75% Cream (Vyloma™) are covered.

Propylene glycol (PG) is considered to be a ubiquitous formulary ingredient used in many personal care products and pharmaceutical preparations. This review guides clinicians in selecting suitable topical corticosteroids.

Emotional stress may influence the development and exacerbation of psoriasis. This article review the evidence for stress and its effects, the challenges in accurate measurements, as well as management strategies.

Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments. Gabapentin tablets GRALISE™(DM-1796), Oxychlorine compound (Epicyn™ HydroGel), Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (XIAPEX®) as well as drug news on HPV vaccines.

Alcohol is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality in our society and is implicated in multiple health conditions, including hepatic failure, neurological damage, and hematological disorders. Herein, we review the evidence concerning the influences of alcohol in skin conditions.

Cosmetics are an important cause of allergic contact dermatitis (ACD). Fragrances and preservatives are the two most clinically relevant allergens found in cosmetic products. Common cosmetic allergens are reviewed. Practical methods of allergen avoidance are also discussed.

Unwanted facial hair is a common, frustrating condition that affects up to 25% of women. This article review impact on patient QOL, treatment options ranging from shaving, waxing, threading, and bleaching to electrolysis, and laser therapy.

This article review the newer vehicles which include gel, foam, and spray preparations. The newer topical delivery agents have the potential to limit the progression of cutaneous disorders requiring oral systemic therapy, which can expose the patient to greater risk for adverse side-effects.