Family Practice

Biologics are one of the more effective and relatively safe options for long-term control of psoriasis. They have reduced the time needed to clear the signs of chronic disease, and are effective in maintaining a disease-free state for longer durations. Biologics can safely be used with other treatment modalities (i.e., methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin and hydroxyurea).

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.

The National Advisory Committee on Immunization (NACI) recently released its recommendations for the use of the quadrivalent vaccine, which include: For use in females 9-26 years of age. The recommendations for the use of the bivalent vaccine will be available following its approval in Canada.

Hyperhidrosis is characterized by sweating in excess of the physiological needs to maintain thermal homeostasis. No formal definition exists but for practical purposes any degree of sweating that interferes with activities of daily living, can be viewed as hyperhidrosis. This disease is much more common than once thought and greatly impacts upon quality of life (QOL).

Hormonal agents are important, effective therapeutic options for women across the spectrum of acne severity. The three preparations approved in Canada for this indication have safety profiles similar to conventional oral contraceptives.

TCIs have an important place in the therapeutic armamentarium for AD. They are approved as second line agents for individuals >2 years of age, and have a good safety profile when used short-term or intermittently long-term.

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.

Cold sores can be an embarrassment. They can provide a source of herpes that can autoinoculate into the eye as well as infect others. In atopic dermatitis it can be become very widespread and can also produce erythema multiforme.

The goal of this novel publication is to improve both diagnostic and therapeutic skills among primary care practitioners with regard to diseases and disorders of the skin, hair, and nails. The Editor and publishers feel that this is a critical educational endeavor, and one designed to improve overall patient care.

Advancements in topical antipsoriatic therapies have provided safer and more effective treatment options, especially when used in combination. Consequently, much research is underway to investigate novel treatment combinations for psoriasis in the hope that it will provide further enhancements in efficacy.

Drug Treatments for Skin Disease Introduced in 2010. Adapalene 0.1% lotion (Differin®), Drospirenone / ethinyl estradiol / levomefolate calcium + levomefolate calcium tablets (Beyaz™) and many other drugs are covered.

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.

A fixed combination halobetasol propionate and tazarotene lotion (HP/TAZ) was launched in Canada in 2020, to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis in adults. With the use of polymeric emulsion technology, there is uniform distribution of HP and TAZ and excipients on the skin and improved skin moisturization.

Hirsutism can cause embarrassment and lead to anxiety and depression. There are a limited number of treatments available that vary in efficacy, degree of discomfort and cost. It is very important to make sure that the patient is aware of all the available treatment modalities, since no one method is effective for all patients or body locations, and results from therapy may not always be satisfactory.

Topical retinoids are recommended as first-line therapy for most patients with acne. Tazarotene 0.045% lotion is a novel formulation that utilizes polymeric emulsion technology to improve tolerability and epidermal penetration.

While the incidence of cervical cancer is decreasing in females, the incidence of oropharyngeal and other HPV-driven cancers is increasing at an alarming rate, especially in males. As such, vaccination efforts should be aimed at addressing...