Pharmacist Edition

External genital warts (EGW) are a common infection caused primarily by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11. This article discusses the pathogenesis of EGW, impact on patients, therapeutics, vaccination, and other topics.

The cosmeceutical industry has undergone phenomenal growth over the past decade, and much of this expansion can be attributed to an aging population wanting to sustain a youthful appearance. Keeping abreast of the latest findings and newest product offerings has become important for providing accurate advice to patients. Products supported by scientific research can be effective as an adjunct to therapy.

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™.

Herpes labialis (Cold sores), its diagnostic features, prevention techniques are discussed as well as its typical course. Treatment options, non-prescription and prescription that may speed up recovery are also covered.

Topical treatment is the mainstay for mild acne, and adjunctive to oral or hormonal therapy for moderate acne. This article explores recent formulary advances and offers clinical strategies that can encourage adherence and improve treatment outcomes.

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.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, waxing and waning, often symmetric inflammatory eruption that is characterized by pruritus and xerosis. This article discusses the role of creams in normalizing the barrier function early, and preventing inflammation processes from starting.

Patients suffering from scalp psoriasis frequently seek medical care because of the persistent discomfort due to itching and social embarrassment. This article explores some of the challenges that patients fact, current options and new advances in the topical management and strategies that may improve treatment outcomes.

A review of corticosteroids, including use, adverse effects, vehicle, generic vs brand name drugs. Physicians and pharmacists alike should be aware of the importance and the difference of various vehicles when prescribing topical corticosteroids.

Psoriasis, its diagnostic features, and impact on the patient's quality of life are discussed as well as the most common topical treatments for psoriasis.

Actinic keratoses (AKs), or solar keratoses, are pre-malignant cutaneous lesions that predominantly manifest in sun-exposed areas. This article covers treatment regimens, sun protection, and the role that physicians play in improving patient awareness.

The prevalence of eczema is increasing over the past 30 years, and is estimated to affect 20% of children in North America and Northern Europe. This article discusses eczema, incidence, clinical presentations, and management, as well as specific primary and second line therapies.

Sunscreens serve an important role in overall sun protection. Used in conjunction with other sun protection measures such as clothing, hats and sunglasses, they form an important layer of protection.

Itch is a very common feature in a variety of skin conditions. Idiopathic or non-specific itch is also common, and presents a challenge for dermatologists to manage. Diagnosis, treatment, and management strategies for various itch are discussed in this article.

This article focuses on topical D3 vitamin analogues for the treatment of psoriasis. Therapeutic efficacy, toxicity, patient adherence, combination therapy, and the family physician's role in psoriasis treatment are covered.

Headlice is extremely common, affecting 1 in 10 children. Appropriate treatment, counselling, and management techniques are discussed in this article as well as the most common causes of treatment failure.

Hand dermatitis (HD) is a common skin disorder affecting individuals of all ages. This article discusses diagnostics, individualizing treatments, lifestyle modifications, and outcomes.

There are many forms of hyperhidrosis, affecting a large proportion of the general population. Although historically challenging to manage, more treatment options are available these days. The pros and cons of various treatments are discussed.

A summary of a panel discussion between 4 established dermatologists at Dermatology Update in Whistler, British Columbia. An effort to establish a professional review process for OTC products, as the demand for clarity is increasingly demanded from consumers, and dermatologists are asked to opine on these non-prescription products more commonly.

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.

Human papillomavirus (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. Various treatments as well as new vaccines for HPV are discussed.

Increasingly, patients are seeking medical consultation for the management of photodamage, actinic keratoses (AKs), and nonmelanoma skin cancer (NMSC), which is now a global epidemic. A comparative analysis of various treatment modalities are shown.

Oral contraceptives (OCs) have been used for many years by dermatologists as a treatment option for women with acne. The proven therapeutic benefits of OCs extend a valuable alternative to physicians for the treatment of acne.

Atopic eczema is a chronic condition and a long view is necessary for disease control and management. This article discusses the important role of the skin barrier and how it may be a target for therapeutics in treating atopic eczema.

Personal care in Canada is a $5.0 billion industry that offers thousands of competing products, many of which make skin care-related claims. A new paradigm for reviewing non-prescription products.

This article delves into appropriate use of topical therapies for acne treatment. Appropriate agent selection, tolerance, adherence, follow-up, and considerations like complexity of treatment are discussed.

Condylomata acuminata (genital or venereal warts) pose a significant health concern, especially amongst young adults. Recent therapeutic advances such as topical immunomodulatory agents and a prophylactic vaccines have significantly broadened the options for management.

This article discusses the rationale behind various topical treatments for acne to increase adherence and optimize outcomes. Efficacy, safety, antibiotic resistance, onset of action, and combination therapies are covered.

Eczema is a chronic relapsing dermatitis and, as such, it is imperative to maintain the hydration and barrier function of the skin in these patients with daily moisturizer use. This article discusses TEWL, ceramide and urea based moisturizers, and other ways to maintain barrier function.