Dermatology

Actinic Keratosis: An Update on Management

Actinic keratoses (AKs) are potentially premalignant cutaneous lesions that occur on chronically sunexposed regions of the body. Left untreated, a small proportion of AKs will transform into invasive squamous cell carcinomas. Treatment for AKs is broadly classified as lesion-directed therapy, and includes cryotherapy or curettage and cautery, or field treatment, which includes topical (eg 5-fluorouracil and imiquimod) and light-directed therapies. Photodynamic therapy involves application of either methyl aminolevulinate or 5-aminolevulinic acid, followed by light activation, either by red light for seven to nine minutes or continuous daylight for two hours. Ingenol mebutate is no longer considered a therapeutic option.

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2023

Tailor Eczema Treatment to the Individual Patient

Although emollients can be sufficient to manage mild atopic dermatitis, acute flares resulting in moderate- to-severe symptoms require treatment with anti- inflammatory agents, such as topical corticosteroids. Different formulations of methylprednisolone aceponate have been shown to provide rapid, reliable and highly effective treatment of eczematous disorders, with excellent local and systemic tolerability.

Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2022

Patient Preference is Key when Choosing Psoriasis Topical Treatments

Fixed combination calcipotriol (50μg/g) plus betamethasone (50μg/g); as dipropionate), available in gel and ointment formulations, is a recommended first-line treatment for mild-to- moderate psoriasis vulgaris. Patients with psoriasis have diverse needs and different preferences for topical treatment. This knowledge may help prescribers to choose the right formulation for the right patient.

Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2022

Scalp Pruritus Scratching for answers

Scalp itch is common in people of all ages. Treatment depends on an accurate diagnosis. Causes range from everyday skin conditions such as seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis and head lice to rare disorders such as dermatitis herpetiformis andtrigeminal trophic syndrome.

Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2022

Stop the Cycle of Acne Formation

Acne vulgaris is an inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit, with a generally self-limiting chronic course. It is a very common skin disorder which can present with inflammatory and non-inflammatory lesions, chiefly on the face, but can also occur on the upper arms, trunk, and back. Azelaic acid is a naturally occurring dicarboxylic acid analogue with antimicrobial and keratinisation-normalising properties that interfere with acne formation.

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2022

Summer is Coming – and so is Impetigo

Bacterial impetigo is one of the most common paediatric skin infections around the world, in particular among children aged 2–5 years, with a peak in tropical areas and low-income settings. Poor hygiene, high humidity, maceration, skin lesions with disruption of the epidermis barrier (eg, scabies, atopic dermatitis, insect bites), comorbidities and adverse reactions (rash, itch) associated with drug administration are well-established risk factors for impetigo.

Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2022

Treating Teenage Acne Early Builds Better Self-esteem

Acne vulgaris is a common skin condition which affects most adolescents. It has a major impact on quality of life and psychosocial well-being. Azelaic acid is a non-antibiotic topical acne treatment that is available as a 20% cream and a 15% gel, and it is often used as an adjuvant acne treatment. Azelaic acid has comedolytic, antimicrobial and anti – inflammatory properties.

Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2022

Ridding Patients of Discomfort Caused by Fungal Skin Infections

Superficial fungal infections (SFIs) are among the most common skin diseases worldwide, affecting nearly one billion people annually. Clinical features of the condition include skin irritation, redness, itching, swelling, and blisters around the affected area. These symptoms, particularly skin itching, peeling, and redness are commonly experienced by individuals with SFIs. If left untreated, persistent scratching due to itching may accelerate tissue damage and delay healing, potentially leading to secondary infections.

Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2022

Counteract Secondary Bacterial Skin Infections in Eczema

Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) have an increased risk of bacterial skin infections, which cause significant morbidity and, if untreated, may become systemic. Staphylococcus aureus colonises the skin of most patients with AD and is the most common organism to cause infections.

Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2022

COVID Manifestations in the Skin

Skin changes are seen in up to 20% of patients with COVID and vary widely in presentation. The most common include maculopapular erupt ions, ‘COVID toes’, urticaria and most concerningly vaso-occlusive rashes, such as livedo reticularis and retiform purpura. Some of these skin signs are indicators of disease progression or severity.

Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2022