Dermatology

Herbs have been used in clinical medicine for thousands of years. However, it is only in recent times that we have been able to employ scientific methods to prove the efficacy of many of these herbs and to give us a better understanding of their mechanisms of action.

Moisturizers are widely used in various dermatologic and cosmetic skin therapies. Different classes of moisturizers are based on their mechanism of action, including occlusives, humectants, emollients and protein rejuvenators.

Learn about cannabinoids influence on skin growth control, homeostasis, melanoma, acne, pruritus, inflammation, atopic dermatitis, and other skin conditions.

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.

Increased accumulation of AGEs in human tissue has been associated with serious medical concerns including end stage renal disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and, recently, skin aging. In this review, we summarize the evidence supporting the role of glycation in skin aging.

A comprehensive review of Fabry Disease. Typical presentations, other signs and symptoms, differential diagnosis, as well as treatment options are discussed.

The formation of free radicals is a widely accepted pivotal mechanism leading to skin aging. Topical antioxidants are available in multivariate combinations through over-the-counter skin care products that are aimed at preventing the clinical signs of photoaging.

A triad approach to the treatment of acne and rosacea has been recommended. This integrated management approach includes patient education, selection of therapeutic agents, and initiation of an appropriate skin care regime. Appropriate skin care recommendations for patients with acne and rosacea will be discussed.

Moisturizers are widely used products that are important in many dermatologic and cosmetic skin therapies. They contain varying combinations of emollients, occlusives, and humectants to achieve their beneficial effects, and there is an overwhelming number of formulations available.

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.

Dermatology supplements, often marketed as “skin, hair, and nail” supplements, are becoming increasingly popular. However, many consumers lack an understanding of the science of dietary supplements or the specifics of the supplement industry.

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.

Topical metronidazole has been used for the treatment of rosacea for over 30 years. Several placebo-controlled trials have demonstrated its effectiveness in the treatment of moderate-to-severe rosacea.

Although the developing fetus was once considered protected from the outside world, we now know that it can potentially be affected by any medication given to the mother. Therapeutic options available for these patients will be discussed.

Vitiligo is a psychosocially debilitating disease requiring a multidisciplinary approach to treatment. Patients should be made aware of all of the options available geared at repigmentation and depigmentation prior to formulating a treatment plan.

Given our current options for the treatment of Seborrheic Keratoses include only more invasive, non-topical therapies, Hydrogen Peroxide Topical Solution (40%) fills a void in our therapeutic repertoire as the first FDA-approved topical therapy for SKs.

A number of research studies have documented the link between diet and skin aging. These results may be used to develop dietary recommendations that combat the forces of oxidation, inflammation, and glycation.

A review of studies, reviewing association between a high-glycemic-load diet, hormonal mediators, and acne risk.

The class of medications known as Janus kinase inhibitors block cytokine-mediated signaling via the Janus kinase-signal transducer and activator of transcription (JAK-STAT) pathway, which plays an important role in immunoregulation and normal cell growth.

Minoxidil is a Health Canada and US FDA-approved medication for hair loss in men and women. This article review recent Phase III clinical trials on Minoxidil efficacy for the treatment of female patter hair loss.

The elderly in North America is the fastest growing segment of the population and their most common skin complaint is pruritus. This article outlines the therapeutic challenges with this population.

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.

Current treatments for vitiligo are largely unsatisfactory. Topical corticosteroids and phototherapy (narrow-band UVB and psoralen+UVA) are the most prescribed, however, these therapies are often not effective and have important side-effect, especially when used for a long time.

Shingrix®, a new recombinant subunit vaccine, has shown a great deal of promise in the prevention of HZ in adults over the age of 50. The combination of zoster viral glycoprotein E and the AS01B adjuvant system make it a safe, efficacious option for the elderly as well as immunosuppressed individuals.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a recurrent, usually mild, skin disorder with typical clinical manifestations. This article will review the available treatments for this common dermatologic problem.

Use of azelaic acid was associated with a significant reduction in inflammatory lesions, which persisted beyond the active treatment phase. Overall, azelaic acid 15% gel is an appropriate initial topical therapy for the treatment of moderate facial rosacea.

In this article storage guidelines for common dermatology drugs are provided. We suspect that drug degradation is common due to improper storage and that improved patient instruction regarding storage will reduce degradation and alleviate some of the danger associated with improper storage and usage patterns.

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.

Urticaria is a common, mast-cell-driven disease, characterized clinically by the development of wheals, angioedema, or both. A large body of data has demonstrated that omalizumab, a biologic agent, is safe and effective in the treatment of H1- antihistamine refractory urticaria and should be considered as a third-line agent, with cyclosporin A reserved for fourth-line therapy.

Oral nicotinamide is an affordable over-the-counter supplement with demonstrated benefit in the treatment of a range of skin conditions, most notably AK and NMSC.

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.

Primary focal hyperhidrosis afflicts a significant number of patients in the United States and greatly impacts their quality of life. Treatment decisions should take into consideration disease location, severity and patient preference.

Pruritus, or itch, is a common sensation that causes a person to want to scratch. It is a complex process that may negatively impact quality of life. This overview provides information regarding the various management and treatment options for pruritus.

Molluscum contagiosum is a poxvirus infection of the skin that is commonly observed in children. This articles discusses the molluscum contagiosum virus (MCV), its pathogenesis, mechanism, and treatment modalities.

Vulvovaginal candidiasis is a common occurrence among women over 25 years of age. The likelihood of developing infection increases with pregnancy, the use of oral contraceptives or antibiotics, or immune disorders. However, in many cases, the etiology of the disorder is unknown.

The etiology of papulopustular rosacea (PPR) is not well understood yet appears to involve both the innate and adaptive immune response in addition to possible infestation with Demodex mites. This article reviews data on Ivermectin cream 1%, a new topical treatment for PPR.

Recent studies have demonstrated the role of Vitamin B Derivative (Nicotinamide), in both topical and oral forms, as a chemopreventive agent against skin cancer.

External genital warts resulting from HPV are a common sexually transmitted infection. This article reviews data on Sinecatechins 10% ointment (a Green Tea extract), a new botanically based patient-administered therapy for external genital warts.

Secukinumab demonstrates rapid and robust clinical improvement accompanied by a favorable short- term safety profile. The results of the phase III trials continue to reinforce the theory that the IL-17 pathway is an essential target in psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis treatment.

Disorders of hyperpigmentation are difficult to treat, particularly in dark-skinned individuals. The goal is to reduce the hyperpigmentation without causing undesirable hypopigmentation or irritation in the surrounding normally pigmented skin. The psychosocial impact caused by these disorders must be considered.