Family Practice

Actinic keratosis, a common cutaneous lesion with the potential to transform into squamous cell carcinoma. Recently, a topical formulation Actikerall, combining 0.5% 5-fluorouracil with 10% salicylic acid (5-FU-SA) has been made commercially available in Canada. We discuss their merits.

Since multiple factors are involved in the pathophysiology of acne, treatment that counteracts the majority of them can be expected to achieve the best results. When considering the options for reducing the P. acnes population, it is best to choose those that do not encourage resistance patterns.

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.

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.

An overview to AD care and focus our review to topical agents used in AD including topical corticosteroids (TCS) and topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCI) and discuss the newest topical agent accessible in the physician's armamentarium, crisaborole.

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.

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.

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.

(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.

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.

Lice have developed resistance to some pediculicides and it is expected that with ongoing use, these pediculicides will probably become less effective.

This article reviews the various subtypes of rosacea, their clinical presentations, and the considerations in choosing the optimal therapeutic options. The importance of tailored treatment is discussed as well as topical therapies.

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.

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

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.

Acne vulgaris remains a therapeutic challenge, in large part due to its multifactorial pathophysiology. Evidence for improved and quicker efficacy with safety and longer remission has been noted with combination therapies.

In this article, we provide a guide to address a growing need by primary care physicians to have a logical and practical approach to treating various forms of acne.

The skin has evolved to protect us from the harmful effects of ultraviolet light. Sunscreens were first developed to prevent sunburns by blocking UVB; they allowed us to prolong our time in the sun, but that resulted in increased exposure to UVA.

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.

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.

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.

This article review the newer vehicles which include gel, foam, and spray preparations. The newer topical delivery agents have the potential to limit the progression of cutaneous disorders requiring oral systemic therapy, which can expose the patient to greater risk for adverse side-effects.

Psoriasis and eczema can at times be recalcitrant to conservative topical treatment. This article focuses on corticosteroid strength and their appropriate uses for various presentations.

A recently published clinical pathway for Toe Onychomycosis is used as the basis for the management strategy presented here, and follows a pathway reflective of the therapeutic options available in Canada.

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.

Psoriasis and eczema, especially atopic eczema, are two of the most common cutaneous conditions seen by family physicians and dermatologists. This article discusses the etiology of psoriasis and eczema, immunologic abnormalities, and the role of immune mediators.

Patients suffering from scalp psoriasis frequently seek medical care because of the persistent discomfort and social embarrassment caused by the visible flakes that are shed onto clothing. However, the presence of hair makes it challenging to apply medication to the scalp.

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.

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic and pruritic inflammatory disease that affects a wide age range of patients causing significant impact on their quality of life. There has been a recently updated consensus paper on the treatment of mild-to-moderate AD published by an expert panel of dermatologists and pediatricians. Family physicians are well equipped to manage...

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

A group of dermatologists with extensive experience in managing pediatric and adult patients with atopic dermatitis developed practical recommendations for the management of atopic dermatitis based on expert consensus opinion and the best available medical evidence.

Atopic eczema (or atopic dermatitis) is a common inflammatory skin condition that dermatologists, pediatricians, family physicians, and primary-care providers see on a daily basis. Treatments, mechanism of action, preventative therapies, and the skin barrier are discussed.

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.

Personal care in Canada is a $5 billion industry that offers thousands of competing products, many of which make skin care-related claims. Advertisers inundate us with messages about what their products can do for us, but how can we be sure that the products we buy will actually live up to their claims?

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.