Family Practice

Patients often seek natural approaches to treating skin disease. Colloidal oatmeal has been used for decades to improve atopic dermatitis and soothe other pruritic and xerotic dermatologic conditions.

In a small real-world patient case review study, dermatologists tested the efficacy, safety and patient preference of Enstilar®, a calcipotriol-betamethasone dipropionate (Cal/BD).

Recognition and appropriate treatment of these common bacterial skin infections, while at times challenging, can be very rewarding for both the physician and the patient. Selecting the right therapy from the beginning should help minimize complications, reduce the number of hospitalizations, and may also help reduce the climbing incidence of bacterial resistance.

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.

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.

Atopic dermatitis (AD), or eczema, is a common, chronic, relapsing, genetically determined inflammatory skin disorder. This article discusses the role of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) as a factor to consider.

(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.

The term “atopy” was first coined by Cooke and Coca in 1923, derived from the Greek word atopos, which means out of place and denotes an immune reaction that is “strange or eccentric”. Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, waxing and waning, often symmetric inflammatory eruption that is characterized by pruritus and xerosis.

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.

HPV is a very common sexually transmitted disease that is associated with a number of benign, premalignant, and frankly malignant lesions of the anogenital tract. The majority of HPV infections are asymptomatic and are spontaneously cleared by a predominantly cell-mediated immune response.

Since patient compliance is a concern, a great deal of attention must be given to the methods available to minimize the chance of irritation. In the opinion of the author, this may be the single most important factor influencing the success of topical therapy in acne.

Medical algorithms are created, yet there is a paucity of information about how such algorithms should be created and the optimal way to develop an excellent algorithm. Well constructed medical algorithms have the potential to improve and standardize medical decisions, enhance adherence to better guidelines and improve patient care.

This article delves into new development and research into cosmeceuticals, their potential role, and the importance of educating patients on realistic expectations. Various potential benefits are discussed using an evidence based vantage.

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.

This article reviews HSV infections around the lips (herpes labialis), and clinical trial data of a new formulation of topical 5% acyclovir with 1% hydrocortisone cream (Xerese®).

Red face is commonly seen, can be transient and come and go (flushing), or be persistent. Sometimes it can be scaly (dermatitis), or there may be papules and pustules (rosacea) present. Red face is occasionally seen in infants or neonates.

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.

Acne vulgaris is a multifactorial disease characterized by different types of lesions at various stages of development. Treatment options, such as light based therapy and systemic therapy, as well as CIS-Isotretinoin (Epuris™) that increases absorption are discussed as well as patient adherence.

There has been much discussion about the optimal treatment for onychomycosis. We propose a simple algorithmic approach to aid in the selection of therapy for dermatophyte toenail onychomycosis and present a balance between efficacy and risk of therapy.

Adherence to topical treatment for psoriasis remains a challenge as the daily application creates a significant treatment burden. New topical therapeutic options need to offer a combination of higher efficacy and better patient acceptability, including...

Eczema diagnosis, treatments, and management techniques are discussed. Diagnostic features, treatments both topical and oral, infection control, and a note on calcineurin inhibitors.

Condylomata acuminata (genital or venereal warts) pose a significant health concern, especially amongst young adults. External genital warts (EGWs) are caused by infection with the human papillomavirus (HPV), the same virus that causes the majority of cervical cancers.

Mild to moderate atopic dermatitis (AD) is often controlled by behavioral measures such as skincare and avoidance of triggers in addition to topical treatments such as topical corticosteroids (TCS), topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI), and crisaborole, a phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor (PDE4-I).

Rosacea is a common, chronic cutaneous condition that affects the face. This article reviews a variety of treatments for treatments for rosacea, including topical and systemic therapies.

Recently updated and revised international guidelines suggest a step-wise approach to the management of chronic spontaneous urticaria. These guidelines suggest that first-line therapy should be second-generation non-impairing, non-sedating H1-antihistamines such as bilastine (BLEXTEN®).

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, relapsing, pruritic, inflammatory condition involving the skin which can have a significant impact on the quality of life. This article will guide the family practitioner on how to manage adults with moderate-to-severe AD and when to refer for specialist management.

External genital warts (EGW) is a common sexually transmitted infection (STI) affecting millions of individuals worldwide. It is likely the most frequent STI in both Canada and the US. Treatment options and vaccination is discussed.

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.

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.

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.

Onychomycosis is a fungal infection of the nail caused by dermatophytes, yeasts, or non-dermatophyte molds. Here we discuss using topical Efinaconazole in the management of toenail onychomycosis.

In this article, we summarize a large body of literature on such a tool (a non-invasive adhesive patch based gene expression test for LINC and PRAME) and provide a guide to primary care physicians on how to use this tool to improve pigmented lesion management by biopsying less while at the same time reducing the chance of missing melanomas.

When prescribing brodalumab, or any other biologic agent, physicians should screen patients for psychiatric comorbidities. Assessment of risk versus benefit, and having an honest conversation with patients regarding the label, will help provide better patient care for both physical and mental health.

Management of the patients’ expectations and compliance are crucial aspects of acne treatment. Disease chronicity and long-term treatment should be discussed at length during the initial consultation.

Acne is a common dermatological condition found in about 85% of adolescents and young adults. Acne can have significant psychological, social or physical impacts. This article delves into the importance of patinet adherence and therapeutic strategies.

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.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) or eczema is a chronic, relapsing form of skin inflammation that is attributable to multiple pathogenic, genetic, and environmental factors, as well as a dysfunctional epidermal barrier. Immune responses involved in AD culminate in dry skin, pruritus, and IgE mediated sensitization to food and environmental allergens.

The cosmeceutical industry has undergone phenomenal growth over the past decade. Acquiring a basic knowledge of the major classes of active ingredients that are found in cosmeceuticals will enable healthcare professionals to provide accurate and educational information to consumers.

Topical retinoids are the cornerstone of acne therapy and they can be used across the entire spectrum of acne severity. Selecting the most suitable retinoid formulation, as well as dispensing proper advice in terms of drug application, can improve patient compliance.

Today, diagnosing and treating rosacea remains a challenge. More studies are necessary to provide additional insight on drugs currently available as well as possible future agents. The ultimate goal is to provide each patient with a treatment regimen best suited for his or her individual needs.