Family Practice

As baby boomers get older, they have shown an increasing interest in maintaining a youthful appearance. As a result, there has been a corresponding increase in topical antiaging formulations, which are commonly referred to as cosmeceuticals.

Acne vulgaris is a disease of the pilosebaceous follicle characterized by non-inflammatory (open and closed comedones) and inflammatory lesions. Its pathogenesis is multifactorial - the interplay of hormonal, bacterial, and immunological (inflammatory) factors results in the formation of acne lesions.

Implementing basic proper hair care is essential to maintaining healthy hair. Furthermore, minimizing exposure to chemical agents, inadvisable grooming techniques, and prolonged exposure to environmental elements, will promote healthier hair and avoid unnecessary hair loss.

The panelists for cosmeceuticals at Dermatology Update 2008 included 4 dermatologists: Jeffrey Dover, MD, Charles Lynde, MD, Catherine Zip, MD, and Jason Rivers, MD, who discussed cosmeceuticals and the role they play in current dermatology practice.

Psoriasis is a chronic inflammatory cutaneous disorder that can significantly affect patient quality of life (QoL). This article discusses immunologic abnormalities, immune mediators, and the possible pathogenesis of psoriasis.

Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, and melasma are common problems that dermatologists see. Various bleaching options are considered.

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.

For decades, skin care has primarily been considered to be the domain of women, but recently, an increasing number of men are involved. This article delves into similarities and differences in gender as it relates to skincare, and the complexities of skincare for men.

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.

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.

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.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) or eczema is a chronic, relapsing skin condition that can lead to xerosis, pruritus, and patches of dermatitis. Coping with the physical and emotional aspects of AD can significantly impact the quality of life. It is most common in childhood, as many patients seem to outgrow the condition by adulthood.

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.

Physicians will be particularly reassured if the suggested guidelines are supported by scientific evidence. This new Canadian clinical guideline for the treatment of acne was developed taking into account new data published up to March 2015, as well as expert opinion and clinical experience.

This paper examines the pathogenesis of atopic dermatitis, the skin barrier, and the role that ceramides can play in therapy.

For the purposes of this article, the focus will be on the topical treatment of post-adolescent mild to moderate acne. A selection of over-the-counter and prescription based topical treatments are discussed below.

There have been important advances in our understanding of acne scarring. Acne scars can resolve, and their evolution is determined by a balance between matrix repair and degradation. Timely, effective management of acne can minimize risk of subsequent acne scarring.

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.

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.

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.

Acne treatment success involves a comprehensive approach that addresses diagnostic confounders, appropriate therapeutic options and patient adherence. Ongoing education and counselling will assist in meeting patient expectations and establishing a favourable rapport that promotes adherence.

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.

Truncal acne refers to AV affecting the chest and/or back, a common presentation in acne patients. This article offers guidance in clinical differentiation of truncal acne from other acneiform diseases and provides management recommendations.

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.

Almost everyone at some point in his or her life will be troubled with mild acne. It can be related to athletic activities, travel, cosmetics, or hormonal changes. Various treatment options are discussed.

A new topical retinoid, trifarotene, the first fourth-generation retinoid, is now available in Canada for the treatment of moderate facial and truncal acne.

Psoriasis and eczema, especially atopic eczema, are two of the most common cutaneous conditions seen by family physicians and dermatologists. This article focuses on corticosteroids of varying strengths and their suggested indications.

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.

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®).

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.

Educate and counsel. Most patients with acne are teenagers who are very self-conscious about their looks and expect immediate treatment results. However, adult acne is becoming more common, and can be very distressing as well.

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 common nail disorder for which successful treatment can be clinically challenging. Diagnosis, treatment, and management using various modalities are discussed.

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.

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).

(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.

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.

Psoriasis has a greater mental and physical impact than myocardial infarction, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, arthritis, and cancer; only depression had a greater mental impact, and congestive heart failure a greater physical impact.

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.

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®).