Family Practice

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.

Hand Dermatitis can have a significant impact on quality of life. It may interfere with activities both at work and in the home and can be associated with social and psychological distress. This article provides helpful practical guidance for the general practitioner in the management of patients with Hand Dermatitis.

The focus of this review is to delve deeper into the use of Biacna® Gel, a fixed-dose clindamycin/tretinoin combination product, for the treatment of acne.

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.

Adopting a comprehensive approach that takes into account individual preferences, properties of available treatments, and disease severity can encourage patient adherence and lead to improved treatment outcomes. The key to gaining adherence, is the attention devoted by physicians to establishing effective communication with the patient.

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.

Vitiligo is a disease that presents with depigmented skin and is associated with significant psychosocial effects. Disease progression can be unpredictable and management is challenging. This article discusses etiology, management, and treatment options.

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 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.

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.

Topical retinoids are the cornerstone of acne therapy and they can be used across the entire spectrum of acne severity. Selecting the most suitable retinoid formulation, as well as dispensing proper advice in terms of drug application, can improve patient compliance.

External genital warts (EGW) are a common infection caused primarily by human papillomavirus (HPV) types 6 and 11. This article discusses the impact of EGW on the patient, co-factors for other STIs, and therapies for EGW.

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.

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.

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.

Malassezia are lipophilic yeasts that are normal commensals on the skin surface. There are seven species of these yeasts, which were previously called Pityrosporum. The conditions described in this article are either caused by the Malassezia itself or from some kind of immunological or toxic reaction to the organism.

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.

The proven therapeutic benefits of OCs offer a valuable option to physicians for the treatment of acne. The accumulating evidence on the efficacy and safety of recently available drospirenone-containing hormonal preparations provides dermatologists with a new option for the treatment of acne and other hyperandrogenic disorders.

Hand dermatitis (HD) is a common skin disorder affecting individuals of all ages. This article looks into the challenges associated with therapy, side-effects of commonly used treatments, and long-term management plans for HD.

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.

Diagnosis of onychomycosis can only be established with a positive culture or observation of fungus in the nail clippings. Consideration should be given to cost and possible complications before starting treatment. Recurrent disease is a problem even after a complete cure.

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.

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.

Novel uses of old medications and new formulations of systemic medications have broadened the therapeutic armamentarium for treating rosacea patients. It is of primary importance to offer patients safe and effective therapies for this chronic and incurable condition, improving both the clinical and psychosocial consequences of rosacea.

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.

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.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common cutaneous disorder occurring in at least 3%–5% of the population. We discuss new treatment formulations and protocols.

Actinic keratosis (AK) is a prevalent skin condition that warrants 5.2 million office visits in the US each year. Various treatments for AK, both local and field therapy, and their appropriate use are discussed in this article.

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.

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.

This paper focuses on a comprehensive and practical approach to classifying and managing scars in terms of colour and texture, and discusses topical treatments accessible to family physicians in more detail.

Bilastine has a proven, long-term safety record with use by over 71 million patients in over 104 countries. This article describes the evolution from first generation antihistamines, second generation antihistamines, and where Bilastine comes in.

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).

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.

The best approach is a pragmatic one. The patient with few AK lesions is most conveniently and cost effectively treated with a destructive technique (cryosurgery or curettage with light desiccation). Those with many AKs are candidates for medical therapy (such as 5-fluorouracil, imiquimod or diclofenac).

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®).

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.

Onychomycosis, also known as tinea unguium, is a progressive fungal infection of the nails resulting in discoloration, nail plate thickening, and onycholysis. Efinaconazole 10% solution is an effective and convenient topical antifungal treatment for onychomycosis, with toenail mycological cure rates between 53.4% and 55.2% and complete cure rates between 15.2% and 17.8%.

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.

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.