Dermatology

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

Finding a Solution to Inflamed, Itchy Skin Conditions

Topical corticosteroids are one of the oldest and most useful treatments for dermatologic conditions. There are many topical steroids avai l able, and they differ in potency and formulation. Hydrocortisone 17-butyrate is a non-fluorinated topical corticosteroid for use in psoriasis, eczema and other inflammatory dermatoses.

Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2022

For Psoriasis, Combination Treatment is Superior to Monotherapy

Psoriasisis a chronic inflammatory skin condition that usually affects the elbows, knees, scalp, back, face, palms and feet; but it can occur anywhere on the body. Patients typically have patches of raised, reddish skin covered by silvery-white scales. A topical medication combining calcipotriol and betamethasone dipropionate has proven more effective than monotherapy in a number of randomised controlled trials performed in patients with psoriasis.

Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2022

Break the Vicious Circle of Ringworm Transmission

The diagnosis of tinea corporis is usually clinical and should pose no problem to the doctor provided the lesion is typical. However, many clinical variants of tinea corporis exist, rendering the diagnosis difficult especially with prior use of medications, such as calcineurin inhibitors or corticosteroids. As such, doctors must be familiar with this condition so that an accurate diagnosis can be made and appropriate treatment initiated.

Modern Medicine – Issue 3 2022

Getting to the Root of Acne with Topical Creams

Azelaic acid cream or gel is useful in the treatment of mild-to-moderate acne, with an efficacy comparable to that of tretinoin, benzoyl peroxide and topical erythromycin. It has a favourable safety profile; it is not teratogenic, is not associated with systemic adverse events or photodynamic reactions. It also exhibits excellent local tolerability and does not induce resistance in P. acnes.

Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2022

Topical Treatment’s Deep Action in Skin Infections

Skin infections represent an important public health issue and cost-driver. Additionally, chronic skin lesions are sometimes colonised by Gram-negative species. Topical therapies are a key component in the management of mild-to-moderate skin infections. In such cases, topical antibiotics may be preferable to systemic treatment, since they maximise the effective doses at the site of infection while minimising the systemic side effects of the drugs.

Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2022

When It’s Not Acne: Papule and Pustule-Associated Rosacea

Rosacea is a chronic disorder that predominantly affects the central areas of the face (nose, forehead, cheeks and chin). It is characterised by frequent flushing, persistent erythema and telangiectasia, and episodes of inflammation during which swelling, papules and pustules are evident. These symptoms are frequently accompanied by periocular inflammation and are sometimes associated with the later development of cutaneous swellings known as phymas.

Modern Medicine – Issue 2 2022

Folliculitis: Diagnosis and management of subtypes

Folliculitis is a common disorder, although the exact prevalence is unknown. It presents as erythematous pustules surrounding hair follicles. It may be due to a superficial or deep infection of the follicle, or may be secondary to trauma. Deeper infections present as sycosis and folliculitis decalvans. Good grooming and hygiene are key to treatment and long-term resolution, alongside pharmacological therapies.

Modern Medicine – Issue 1 2022