Yearly STL Archives: 2012
Update on Drugs and Drug News: November-December 2012
Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments. Poly-ureaurethane 16% nail solution (Nuvail™), Calcipotriene 0.005% foam (Sorilux™), Hyaluronic acid injectable gel (Restylane-L®) are covered.
A Practical Approach to Accurate Classification and Staging of Mycosis Fungoides and Sézary Syndrome
Cutaneous T-cell lymphomas are rare, distinct forms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, of which, mycosis fungoides and Sézary syndrome are two of the most common forms. This article focuses on a multi-disciplinary approach to workup, diagnosis, and treatment of these conditions.
Rosacea: Update on Management and Emerging Therapies
Rosacea is a common chronic skin disorder that has significant impact on the quality of life of affected individuals. Research interest has led to the development of other emerging therapies including topical ivermectin, brimonidine and oxymetazoline that hold promise for patients suffering from this condition.
Update on Drugs and Drug News: October 2012
Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments. Delayed-release prednisone tablets (Rayos®), Imiquimod 3.75% cream (Zyclara®), Lidocaine topical 5% patch, Clobetasol propionate 0.05% shampoo are covered.
Device-Based Therapies for Onychomycosis Treatment
Device-based therapies are promising alternatives for the treatment of onychomycosis because they can mitigate some of the negative factors associated with treatment failure. This article reviews the case for laser and light based therapies, for the treatment of nail fungus.
Antibiotic Resistance in Acne Treatment
Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is an anaerobic bacteria implicated in the pathogenesis of acne. Current treatment guidelines offer strategies to limit the potential for resistance while achieving optimal outcome in the management of inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne.
Update on Drugs and Drug News: September 2012
Update on Emtricitabine + tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Truvada®), Collagenase clostridium histolyticum (XIAFLEX®) and devices such as Computer-assisted system for hair follicle harvesting (ARTAS™ System), OTC HIV test (OraQuick® In-Home HIV), and Herpes simplex virus test (IMDx HSV-1/2 for Abbott m2000).
Prevention and Treatment of Pressure Ulcers
Pressure ulcer prevention and treatment remains a challenge for interprofessional teams in all health care sectors. This article looks at multi-disciplinary approaches that supports patients and their circle of care for treatment and management of pressure ulcers.
Dapsone 5% Gel: A New Option in Topical Therapy for Acne
Dapsone 5% gel for the topical treatment for acne represents the first new anti-acne agent to gain North American regulatory approval in the past decade. Dapsone's utility is attributable to its anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, with more prominent effects occurring in inflammatory lesions.
Update on Drugs and Drug News: July 2012
Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments. CIP-Isotretinoin (Absorica™), Tazarotene 0.1% foam (Fabior™), Butoconazole nitrate 2% vaginal cream, Multisource radiofrequency aesthetic device (Glow by EndyMed™), Low-level laser for circumferential upper arm reduction (Zerona®) are covered.
A Look at Epidermal Barrier Function in Atopic Dermatitis: Physiologic Lipid Replacement and the Role of Ceramides
This review summarizes and discusses the role and efficacy of moisturizers, particularly the more recently introduced ceramide-based formulations, in the skin care regimen of patients with both active and quiescent atopic dermatitis.
Biofilms in Dermatology
Biofilms are diverse communities of microorganisms embedded within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substance which are firmly attached to biotic or abiotic surfaces. Approximately 80% of all human infections are associated with biofilms.
Update on Drugs and Drug News: June 2012
Update on Taliglucerase alfa for injection (Elelyso™ Differin®) as well as devices like Nd:YAG surgical laser (Fotona® XP Laser), Q-switched laser for melasma (Spectra™), Diode hair removal laser (Advantage™), Low-level laser diode device for circumferential reduction (i-Lipo™), Multiwavelength diode laser (Evolve® HPD)
Age-related Percutaneous Penetration Part 2: Effect of Age on Dermatopharmacokinetics and Overview of Transdermal Products
Transdermal drug delivery allows for a constant rate of drug administration. This second part highlights the importance of elderly patient care, and consideration for patients who may be using multiple drug treatments.
Promising Therapies for Treating and/or Preventing Androgenic Alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) may affect up to 70% of men and 40% of women at some point in their lifetime. Here we briefly review current therapeutic options and treatments under active investigation.
Update on Drugs and Drug News: May 2012
Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments. Belimumab Adapalene (0.3% gel Differin®), Vemurafenib tablet (Zelboraf®), Wound care spray (Granulox®), as well as devices like the laser device for onychomycosis Harmony® XL are covered.
Excimer Laser Therapy for Hairline Psoriasis: A Useful Addition to the Scalp Psoriasis Treatment Algorithm
Scalp psoriasis, especially around the hairline, can cause significant impairment in quality of life due to its visibility. This articles makes a case for a combination of 308 nm excimer laser with clobetasol spray for the treatment of scalp psoriasis.
Age-related Percutaneous Penetration Part 1: Skin Factors
Changes in the skin that occur in the elderly may put them at increased risk for altered percutaneous penetration from pharmacotherapy along with potential adverse effects. This overview discusses the current data of studies to evaluate the impact of skin factors in age-related percutaneous penetration.
What’s New in Acne Treatment in Canada?
Acne vulgaris is the most common skin disorder affecting children and young adults in North America. This article discusses combination therapy, and simplifying treatment plans in order to increase patient adherence, which is often a critical problem in treating acne.
Modifying the Course of Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin condition. It has a relapsing course characterized by flare-ups of acute eczema on a background of chronically dry skin. The association of atopic dermatitis (AD) with asthma and allergic rhinitis is referred to as the atopic triad.
Update on Drugs and Drug News: April 2012
Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments. Ivermectin 0.5% lotion (Sklice™), Ipilimumab (Yervoy™), Vemurafenib (Zelboraf®), are covered, as well as the Cellulite removal laser device Cellulaze™ Cellulite Laser Workstation.
The Role of Imiquimod 3.75% Cream in the Treatment of External Genital Warts
Imiquimod 3.75% cream has recently been approved by both the FDA and Health Canada for the treatment of external genital warts. This article is an overview of EGW, phase 3 clinical trials leading to the approval of imiquimod 3.75% cream, and comparison with imiquimod 5% cream.
Biologic Therapy and Risk of Infection
Biologic compounds are being used more frequently to treat a multitude of systemic inflammatory conditions. This article discusses the increased risk of opportunistic infections of tuberculosis, herpes zoster, Legionella pneumophila, and Listeria monocytogenes.
Update on Drugs and Drug News: March 2012
Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments. Ingenol mebutate gel (0.015%, 0.05%) Picato® and Vismodegib capsule (Erivedge™) are covered.
Silk Fabrics in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis
Many factors may worsen atopic dermatitis including sweating, skin infections, food, inhalant allergens, climatic conditions, stress, and chemical or physical irritants. This article delves into the role of clothing and fabrics that contact the skin in the management of atopic dermatitis.
Management of Scabies
Scabies is a common contagious parasitic dermatosis. This article discusses transmission vectors like direct contact, as well as fomites like infected bedding or clothing, and management strategies.
Update on Drugs and Drug News: February 2012
Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments. Adapalene 0.1% + benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel (Epiduo®), Hyaluronic acid-based dermal filler (Belotero® Balance), Drospirenone 3 mg + ethinyl estradiol 0.02 mg (Vestura™) are covered.
Diagnostics and Devices Introduced in 2011
An overview and update of diagnostics and devices introduced in 2011: HPV RNA detection kit APTIMA® HPV Assay, HPV DNA detection kit cobas® HPV Test cobas® 4800 System, Microwave-based device (miraDry®) for hyperhydrosis and many more drugs and devices are covered.
Skin Treatments Introduced in 2011
An overview and update of skin treatments introduced in 2011: Adapalene 0.1% + benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel (Tactuo™), 5-fluorouracil cream 0.5% + salicylic acid 10% (Actikerall®), Autologous cell therapy dermal filler laVív® (azficel-T) and more drugs are covered.
Laser Management of Acne Scarring
Acne scarring is often challenging to manage. This article discusses various laser treatments that are helpful in addressing abnormal color and texture in order to improve the appearance of an acne scar as well as review the appropriate use and side-effects of these treatments.
Ingenol Mebutate: An Introduction
The incidence of nonmelanoma skin cancer continues to increase. This article discusses ingenol mebutate, its history, mechanism of action, and recent trial evidence for this emerging therapy are discussed.
A New Paradigm Shift in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis (Pediatric Edition)
This article reviews atopic dermatitis, and its shift in the philosophy behind treatment and management. Preventative therapy, long-term strategy, and focus on quality of life.
Atopic Dermatitis: The Skin Barrier and the Role of Ceramides (Pediatric Edition)
This article discusses atopic dermatitis, its pathogenesis, and general treatment principles as well as specific therapeutic options.
Update on Drugs and Drug News: January 2012
Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments. Dimethicone 50% topical solution (Nyda®), Radiofrequency aesthetic device (EXILIS Focused RF™), Skin barrier protectant (Neosalus® Lotion) are covered.
Pediatric Psoriasis
Several variants of psoriasis are seen in children, the most prevalent types include plaque, guttate, and psoriatic diaper rash; pustular and erythrodermic psoriasis are less frequently observed. This article discusses genetic susceptibility, and environmental triggers are discussed.
UVA1 Phototherapy: A Concise and Practical Review
High intensity long-wavelength ultraviolet A (340-400 nm; UVA1) lamps were developed as skin research tools; over time they have proven useful for treating numerous dermatoses. This article discusses the evidence evidence for its use in other skin diseases, including cutaneous T-cell lymphoma and mastocytosis.