Topical Help for Clearing Rosacea, a Common Skin Disorder
Recognised as one of the most common and clinically characteristic facial skin disorders, rosacea is an inflammatory dermatosis with a reported prevalence of at least 10% among white adults. Ivermectin 1% cream has been shown to be an effective, well-tolerated, and safe treatment for papulopustular rosacea in adults in several randomised, controlled trials of subjects with moderate-to-severe disease.
Modern Medicine – Issue 1 2022
Topical Fusidic Acid Gets Stuck into Skin Infections
Topical antibacterial therapy is an important component in managing skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs). Fusidic acid, a narrow-spectrum antibiotic active against Staphylococcus aureus, has shown good skin permeability and low allergenic potential.
Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2021
Common skin problems in children Managing atopic dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is common in children, with severity ranging from trivial to life-ruining. Itch and associated sleep loss impact quality of life. Environmental modification, topical emollients and topical corticosteroids are key, but corticosteroid phobia impedes treatment. Allergy testing is often requested, but is usually unnecessary and does not change management. When a child fails to respond to treatment , consider noncompliance, infection, allergy or combination with another dermatosis, most often psoriasis. The prognosis for AD is good, with most children recovering by the end of primary school.
Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2021
Safety of Azelaic Acid for Treating Acne during Pregnancy
Acne vulgaris is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the pilosebaceous unit and is characterised by noninflammatory (comedones) and inflammatory lesions (papules, pustules, and nodules) that can cause scarring and psychological distress. In women who are planning pregnancy or who are pregnant, this condition can be particularly bothersome given the physiologic changes as well as the unpredictable nature of acne during this time. Azelaic acid shows benefits in the treatment of patients with acne vulgaris, rosacea, and perioral dermatitis.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2021
Enhancing Immune Response to Cutaneous Malignancies with Imiquimod
Imiquimod is a synthetic imidazoquinolone amine, which has potent immune response modifier activity when used topically. This characteristic property of imiquimod has led to its use in a number of applications in dermatology, particularly in cutaneous malignancies, where it has been found to be effective and safe. Currently it is used to treat actinic keratosis (AK), basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and external genital warts.
Modern Medicine – Issue 5 2021
Imiquimod Targets Non-Melanoma Skin Cancer
Actinic keratosis (AK) appears as a rough, dry, scaly patch or growth on the exposed skin. If it is left untreated, AKs may turn into squamous cell carcinoma or in some cases it may turn into basal cell carcinomas, the most common form of skin cancer. Topical imiquimod is approved for the treatment of AK, superficial basal cell carcinoma, and external genital warts.
Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2021
Meeting the Challenges of Onychomycosis
Onychomycosis is an increasingly common fungal nail infection, chiefly caused by dermatophyte fungi. The disease is notoriously difficult to treat due to the deep-seated nature of fungi within the nail plate, prolonged treatment requirements due to poor nail plate absorption, poor patient adherence and frequent recurrences. Given the poor efficacy of currently available topical and systemic therapies, there is a renewed interest in exploring alternative treatment modalities for onychomycosis.
Modern Medicine – Issue 3 2021
Common and Important Skin Rashes in Primary Care
Skin conditions are the 4th largest cause of nonfatal disease burden across the world. Patients can present to primary care with skin problems ranging from autoimmune and inflammatory conditions to dermatological emergencies. Autoimmune and inflammatory problems include dermatitis, psoriasis and acne. Infectious diseases such as tinea, cellulitis and scabies are also common. Occasionally, patients may present with dermatological emergencies such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis. It is important that GPs are aware how to diagnose and manage these conditions, and know when to refer patients.
Modern Medicine – Issue 6 2020
Considerations when Prescribing Topical Corticosteroids
Topical corticosteroids are one of the oldest and most useful treatments for dermatologic conditions. There are many topical steroids available, and they differ in potency and formulation. Successful treatment depends on an
accurate diagnosis and consideration of the steroid’s delivery vehicle, potency, frequency of application, duration of treatment, and side effects.
Modern Medicine – Issue 4 2020
Manage Trying Fungal Nail Infections Expand Treatment Options with Essential Oils
Onychomycosis is one of the most common nail disorders in adults. The management of onychomycosis requires the correct mycological identification where possible, assessing disease susceptibility and risk factors and deciding what therapy options are most suitable for the clinical form of onychomycosis and aetiological agent. Currently, only a few new drugs are being developed. However, the high cost and toxicity of available drugs as well as the emergence of fungal resistance, justify, the search for new classes of antifungals or innovative therapeutic strategies. Resources of the plant world in terms of active substances used for therapeutic purposes are vast and as yet, are underestimated.
Modern Medicine – Issue 3 2020
