Dermatology

Biofilms are diverse communities of microorganisms embedded within a self-produced matrix of extracellular polymeric substance which are firmly attached to biotic or abiotic surfaces. Approximately 80% of all human infections are associated with biofilms.

Despite a rising prevalence, effective and safe therapeutics for patients with moderate-to-severe AD are limited due to toxicity and side effects. Dupilumab, an interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 antagonist that limits type 2 T helper (Th2) driven inflammatory activity, is a promising therapeutic option.

This article reviews topical corticosteroids (TCS) and topical calcineurin inhibitors (TCIs) to manage inflammatory conditions, its risks with long-term use, and the role of moisturizing as important therapeutic adjuncts.

The scalp is involved in up to 80% of individuals with psoriasis. Topical treatment with corticosteroids with or without vitamin D3 analogues is the mainstay of treatment, but other therapies such as light treatment and systemic drugs including biologics are discussed.

Many options exist for the treatment of rosacea, including topical and systemic therapies, laser and light-based therapies, and surgical procedures. The goals of therapy include reduction of papules, pustules, erythema, physical discomfort, and an improvement in quality of life.

Ichthyosis management requires a multimodal approach, including topical and oral agents in addition to lifestyle modifications.

As baby boomers get older, they have shown an increasing interest in maintaining a youthful appearance. This paper reviews the more common cosmeceutical ingredients.

Vulvovaginal diseases commonly are inadequately diagnosed and treated. This article discusses the important role dermatologists play in identifying irregular presentations, recognizing skin problems, and addressing itch, pain, and inflammation.

The choice of facial cleanser is important for people with normal skin, as well as for those people with sensitive skin and skin diseases such as atopic dermatitis and acne. Read this overview of all cleanser types for helpful recommendations.

Most people with mild-to-moderate psoriasis manage their disease with topical therapies. However, adherence to topical treatment remains a challenge.. Read about new topical therapeutic options.

Crisaborole represents a novel and efficacious therapeutic approach for the treatment of mild to moderate Atopic Dermatitis and demonstrates early and continued decrease in pruritus, which improves quality of life and reduces the potential risk of infection and scarring.

Twenty-two percent of women in North America have unwanted facial hair, which can cause embarrassment and result in a significant emotional burden. Eflornithine 13.9% cream can be used in combination with other treatments such as lasers and IPL to give the patient the best chance for successful hair removal.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most common endocrine disorder in reproductive aged women. This article will review the treatments for acne due to androgen excess in PCOS women.

The forehead flap is a useful technique to reconstruct deep and large nasal defects. It can safely be performed under local anesthesia in an outpatient setting. Advantages of this flap include the fact that it provides an excellent color and texture match to the missing nasal skin.

Hyperpigmentation disorders of the skin are common and can be the source of significant psychosocial distress for patients. Topical applications are the mainstay of treatment and include phenols, retinoids, corticosteroids, and their combinations.

Antidepressant drugs can be an important component of the dermatologist’s armamentarium. Specific guidelines, side effect profile, drug-drug interactions, and the current indications should always be obtained for any particular antidepressant agent before it is prescribed.

In this review, we summarize the most common immunosuppressant medications currently used in dermatology, and provide recommendations for infection screening prior to initiating treatment.

Plasma skin regeneration technology uses energy delivered from plasma rather than light or radiofrequency. Plasma skin regeneration technology can be used at varying energies for different depths of effect, from superficial epidermal sloughing to deeper dermal heating.

Benzoyl peroxide is one of the most widely used topical agents for acne. This article discusses the anti-inflammatory and comedolytic effects of benzoyl peroxide.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common superficial dermatosis, characterized by red, flaking areas of the skin, which may in some cases be covered with yellowish flakes. The most commonly affected areas are the nasolabial folds, ears, eyebrows, scalp and chest.

Chronic pruritus remains a difficult condition to treat with many non-specific therapeutic options. Recent scientific discoveries have elucidated the physiology associated with pruritus.

Recent advances in the treatment of hereditary angioedema, particularly in the last decade has been promising. This paper reviews the mechanisms, efficacy, and adverse reactions associated with these new treatment medications. 

Use of medications by breast-feeding mothers is not uncommon. Information regarding the safety of common dermatological medications during lactation will be reviewed. Based on this information, treatment recommendations will be made.

This article is a general overview of hair removal practices, which have evolved from utilizing waxes and blades, to advanced lasers and electrolysis, with further advancements still being studied

Methotrexate has been used for over half a century to treat a wide spectrum of skin conditions. This article delves into research on the pharmacogenetic properties of the drug as well as the variety of skin conditions that Methotrexate is used to treat.

The discussed cases reflect the panels’ real-world clinical experience with crisaborole for the treatment of patients with AD and the off-label treatment of irritant dermatitis.

Novel therapeutics are currently being explored for the treatment of Prurigo Nodularis. Nemolizumab and dupilumab both demonstrate promise in inhibiting specific central nervous system pathways responsible for transmission of the pruritic sensation.

Currently, JAK inhibitors are only FDA approved for dermatologic, rheumatologic, and hematologic conditions. Recent studies show the utility of JAK inhibitors in treating atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, vitiligo, and alopecia areata.

Interleukin (IL)-17 is important in the pathophysiology of psoriasis and has proven to be an effective therapeutic target. As brodalumab enters the marketplace, a review of this important biologic, its safety profile, and discussion of possible adverse effects is in order.

Psoriasis is a common chronic inflammatory skin disease that is mediated, in part by the body’s T-cell inflammatory response mechanisms. Current data regarding the efficacy of these agents show they may have the potential to become the new clinical gold standard for biologic therapy to treat psoriasis.

Propionibacterium acnes (P. acnes) is an anaerobic bacteria implicated in the pathogenesis of acne. Current treatment guidelines offer strategies to limit the potential for resistance while achieving optimal outcome in the management of inflammatory and non-inflammatory acne.

This review details the rosacea phenotype approach to diagnosis and classification, and summarizes current evidence-based treatment recommendations for individual features.

Psoriasis is a chronic condition that affects the well-being and quality of life of patients. The disease is associated with an increased risk of depression and suicidality, which may not be fully understood by the general population.

Parabens have been under scrutiny for some time with the very limited reports of paraben-induced allergic contact dermatitis. This article discusses the controversy, the data, and how the facts may not match up with the concern.

Scabies is a common contagious parasitic dermatosis. This article discusses transmission vectors like direct contact, as well as fomites like infected bedding or clothing, and management strategies.

Seborrheic dermatitis is a common inflammatory skin disease, affecting between 1% and 3% of immunocompetent adults. While its cause is unknown, a number of predisposing factors have been reported, including the implications of Malassezia yeasts.

Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory skin disease affecting children and adolescents worldwide. This articles reviews the potential relationship of atopic dermatitis to diet and the effectiveness of elimination diets and diet supplementation in the management of AD.

A topical formulation combining 0.5% 5-fluorouracil with 10% salicylic acid (5-FU-SA) was introduced in Europe under the trade name Actikerall™ for the treatment of AKs. Now commercially available in Canada, 5-FU-SA represents a patient applied therapeutic option. Clinical trial data is considered.

Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus is a significant clinical symptom affecting more than 50% of patients on hemodialysis. Treatment of Chronic kidney disease-associated pruritus should be undertaken according to individual benefit-risk ratio assessments.

Sirolimus, also known as rapamycin (SRL, Rapamune®), was approved in 1999 by the US Food and Drug Administration to prevent graft rejection in renal transplantation. This articles reviews Sirolimus, its pharmacokinetics, mechanism of action, and indication.