Herpes Labialis (Cold Sores)
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 Approaches in Combination Therapy for Acne (Pharmacist Edition)
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.
New Evidence for the Treatment and Management of Actinic Keratoses (Pharmacist Edition)
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.
New Developments in Hormonal Therapy for Acne (Pharmacist Edition)
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.
The Management of Itchy Skin
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.
Skin Barrier Repair in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis (Pharmacist Edition)
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.
A Review of Corticosteroids for the Treatment of Psoriasis
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.
A New Paradigm Shift in the Management of Atopic Dermatitis (Pharmacist Edition)
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.
Optimizing Topical Acne Therapy (Pharmacist Edition)
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.
Management of Eczema
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.
External Genital Warts (Pharmacist Edition)
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.
Topical Acne Therapy: Current and Advanced Options for Optimizing Adherence
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.
Skin Care as an Adjunct Treatment for Skin Disease
This article describes how pharmacists can play an important role in providing for patients with their skin concerns and counselling patients on effective management and behavioral strategies as well as prescribing. Reactive and proactive communication approaches are described.
New Seal of Approval Relieves Consumer Doubt About Skin Care Product Claims (Pharmacist Edition)
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.
Topical Therapy of Psoriasis Vulgaris
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.
Sunscreens
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.
Therapeutic Update on External Genital Warts (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.
Topical Vitamin D Analogues in Psoriasis Treatment (Pharmacist Editon)
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.
Moisturizers: An Essential Component in Eczema Management (Pharmacist Edition)
The role and importance of moisturizer in managing and controlling the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. As atopic dermatitis is a chronic condition, successful management requires a multipronged approach that includes lifestyle modification, adaptations to skin care practices, and medical intervention.
Cosmeceuticals: A Panel Discussion About Educating the Public (Pharmacist Edition)
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.
Update on Topical Approaches for Managing Scalp Psoriasis (Pharmacist Edition)
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.
Hyperhidrosis: Treatment Options
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.
Treatment of Head Lice
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.
Adjunctive Skin Care for Acne (Pharmacist Edition)
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.
Head Lice: A Review of Topical Therapies and Rising Pediculicidal Resistance (Pharmacist Edition)
Head lice infestation is a common problem for children in Canada. Diagnosis, and treatment are discussed as well as the problem of heritable resistance, and alternate treatments.
Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of Topical Agents for Hair Growth Promotion (Pharmacist)
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.
A Review of Therapeutic Options for Genital Warts (Pharmacist Edition)
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.
Skin Treatments Introduced in 2012
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™.
Therapeutic Moisturizers in Eczema and Xerosis Management (Pharmacist Edition)
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.
