Yearly STL Archives: 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.

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 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, 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 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.

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 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).

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 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, 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.

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 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 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)

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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, 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.

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 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, approval dates, and comments. Ingenol mebutate gel (0.015%, 0.05%) Picato® and Vismodegib capsule (Erivedge™) are covered.

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.

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, 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

This article discusses atopic dermatitis, its pathogenesis, and general treatment principles as well as specific therapeutic options.

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.

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.

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.