Yearly STL Archives: 2013

Update on Brimonidine tartrate 0.33% topical gel (Mirvaso®), Mechlorethamine gel (Valchlor™), OnabotulinumtoxinA for injection (Botox® Cosmetic), Ustekinumab (Stelara®), Certolizumab pegol (Cimzia®), Infliximab (Inflectra™), Efinaconazole 10% topical solution (Jublia®)

Chronic urticaria is defined as hives, typically occurring daily, for greater than 6 weeks duration. The associations between chronic urticaria, thyroid disease, and other autoimmune disorders, as well as the implications that this holds for therapeutic intervention are reviewed.

While biologics changed the way psoriasis is treated by providing effective targeted therapy, they are not without limitations. Small molecules are emerging therapeutic options for the treatment of psoriasis.

Vitiligo is a disease that presents with depigmented skin and is associated with significant psychosocial effects. Disease progression can be unpredictable and management is challenging. This article discusses etiology, management, and treatment options.

Parabens are preservatives used in a variety of personal care, cosmetic, pharmaceutical and food products. Discovery of parabens in the breast tissue of patients with breast cancer has raised public concern over their use. This article discusses the controversy, research, regulations, and possible alternatives.

Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial disease characterized by different types of lesions at various stages of development. The most frequently used therapeutic agents for acne are topical. This article focuses on the role of vehicles and advancements in this area.

Update on Dabrafenib mesilate capsule (Tafinlar™), Trametinib dimethyl sulfoxide tablet (Mekinist™), and Vismodegib capsule (Erivedge®)

Infantile hemangiomas are the most common tumors occurring in early childhood, with a prevalence of approximately 5-10% of infants. Discussions centres around β-blockers, which appear to be highly effective in treating IH are at the centre of discussion.

Current practice guidelines recommend administration of oral isotretinoin with high-fat meals, which may pose issues with patient compliance. This article discusses Isotretinoin-Lidose (Epuris™), pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and increased drug absorption rate, and how it may improve patient compliance.

There is a growing demand for the removal of unwanted facial and body hair in both men and women. This article reviews chemical depilatories and other modalities, their method of action, characteristics, advantages and disadvantages.

There are benefits and risks to sunlight exposure of the skin. This article covers a variety of topics, including the effects of UVA and UVB, vitamin D, skin tone, skin cancer risk, and SPF.

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a prevalent skin condition that warrants 5.2 million office visits in the US each year. Various treatments for AK, both local and field therapy, and their appropriate use are discussed in this article.

Update on Dabrafenib mesilate capsule (Tafinlar®), Trametinib dimethyl sulfoxide tablet (Mekinist™), and Vismodegib capsule (Erivedge®)

Parabens have been under scrutiny for some time with the very limited reports of paraben-induced allergic contact dermatitis. This article discusses the controversy, the data, and how the facts may not match up with the concern.

Administration of antibiotics, often for prolonged periods, has become the standard of care for acne. The authors provide current evidence to suggest that dermatologists should consider a departure from standard operating procedure by curtailing, if not discontinuing, the routine and regular use of antibiotics for acne.

Skin Treatments Introduced in 2012 including CIP-Isotretinoin capsule Epuris™(in Canada) Absorica™(in US), Lidocaine 7% + tetracaine 7% cream Pliaglis®, Collagenase clostridium histolyticum Xiaflex®, C1 esterase inhibitor (human) Cinryze®, Ipilimumab Yervoy™, and Vemurafenib tablets Zelboraf™.

Hair loss is a common dermatological problem that affects a large segment of the population both physically and psychologically. Currently, only one topical agent is approved for treatment of hair loss in men, although other treatments are being clinically investigated.

Acne is among the most common dermatological disorders seen by dermatologists, affecting approximately 85% of people between the ages of 12 and 24 years. The use of adjunctive cleansers and moisturizers can help mitigate treatment side effects and subsequently enhance therapeutic efficacy.

Update on Acyclovir 50 mg buccal tablets (Sitavig®), Acyclovir 5% + hydrocortisone 1% cream (Xerese®), Botulinum toxin type A for injection (Dysport®), Desoximetasone 0.25% topical spray (Topicort®), Carbinoxamine maleate extendedrelease oral suspension (Karbinal™ ER), and C1-esterase inhibitor (Berinert®)

Hair loss is a widespread complaint that carries a significant psychosocial burden for affected individuals. Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the predominant cause of hair loss seen in the dermatology clinic. This article reviews a range of therapies that are available for AGA treatment.

This article discusses the role that dermatologists can play in recognizing the cutaneous manifestations linked with some systemic conditions. Identifying the underlying disorder will contribute to appropriate diagnosis and improved management.

Skin Treatments Introduced in 2012. Adapalene 0.1% + benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel (Epiduo®), Adapalene 0.3% gel (Differin®), Tazarotene 0.1% foam (Fabior™), CIP-Isotretinoin capsule Epuris™ (in Canada) Absorica™ (in US), Ingenol mebutate gel (0.015%, 0.05%) Picato®and more are covered.

Acne vulgaris (AV) is among the most common dermatological disorders seen by dermatologists. Emerging evidence suggests that acne is associated with epidermal barrier impairments, and this article reviews the role of moisturizing, sun protection, and patient specific skincare advice for acne patients.

Hair loss is a common dermatological problem that affects a large segment of the population both physically and psychologically. This article focuses on androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or male pattern hair loss, as well as the common treatments, Minoxidil and other topical treatments.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic inflammatory, xerotic and pruritic skin disease of increasing prevalence affecting 15-30% of children and 2-10% of adults. AD and its associated health consequences present significant challenges to patients, particularly children and their families.

Update on Ingenol mebutate gel (0.015%, 0.05%) Picato™, Adapalene 0.1% + benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel (Epiduo®), and Hydrogel for skin and wound care (Vashe® Skin and Wound Hydrogel)

Methotrexate has been used for over half a century to treat a wide spectrum of skin conditions. This article delves into research on the pharmacogenetic properties of the drug as well as the variety of skin conditions that Methotrexate is used to treat.

Dermatitis herpetiformis is an autoimmune, pleiomorphic, papulovesicular disorder associated with celiac disease and gluten sensitivity. This article will provide a comprehensive review of Dermatitis herpetiformis, including its epidemiology, clinical and pathological findings, diagnostic evaluation, and management.

An overview and update of skin treatments introduced in 2012: Quick overview of drug name, indications and regulatory status. Adapalene 0.1% + benzoyl peroxide 2.5% gel (Epiduo®), Adapalene 0.3% gel (Differin®), Tazarotene 0.1% foam (Fabior™), CIP-Isotretinoin capsule Epuris™ (in Canada) Absorica™ (in US) and more drugs are covered.

February 2013: Update on drugs, approval dates, and comments. Varicella zoster immune globulin (human) injection (Varizig®), Lidocaine 7% + tetracaine 7% cream (Pliaglis®), Isotretinoin capsule (Epuris™) are covered. Devices such as Laser hair therapy iGrow® Hair Growth Platform and LED device for acne Celluma™ are also covered.

It is hypothesized that the estrogenic properties of parabens may play a role in breast cancer development. At this point, there is an insufficient amount of data suggesting serious consequences from paraben use and exposure to warrant drastic avoidance measures or government regulations.

The exact role of biologics in the treatment of pediatric psoriasis remains undefined but evolving. This article will provide a summary of the cumulative pediatric safety and efficacy data for the anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) agents and interleukin (IL)-12 and IL-23 (IL12/23) pathway inhibitor.

Update on Tofacitinib citrate tablets (Xeljanz®), Lidocaine 7% + tetracaine 7% cream (Pliaglis®), Calcipotriene 0.005% + betamethasone dipropionate 0.064% topical suspension (Taclonex®), Tocilizumab (Actemra®), C1 esterase inhibitor (human) (Cinryze®), and Doxycycline monohydrate 40 mg capsules (Apprilon®)

Urticaria and angioedema and some forms of this disorder may be increasing in both prevalence and severity due to changes in medications, environment and other factors. This review focuses on a rational approach to differential diagnosis and therapy of the most common forms of urticaria and angioedema.

Skin cancer in organ transplant recipients is a serious problem that manifests as increased squamous cell carcinoma in long-term patients. Education, surveillance, and management of skin cancers in high risk patients are discussed in this article.