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Patient Education News
Actinic Keratoses Can Lead to Skin Cancer
January 27, 2012
Actinic keratoses (AKs) are dry, scaly patches that form on sun exposed areas of the skin, including the scalp, face, forearms, and back of the hands. A single lesion is called an "actinic keratosis" or "solar keratosis".
Actinic keratoses are considered PRECANCEROUS and have the potential to become a type of skin cancer called squamous cell carcinoma (SCC). In fact, 40-60% of squamous cell skin cancers begin as untreated AKs.
Therefore, your doctor will be diligent in diagnosing, treating, and monitoring actinic keratoses. Also, since actinic keratoses result from chronic sun exposure, those with AKs are at risk for developing other types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma or melanoma.
Fortunately, actinic keratoses are treatable when detected in the early stages. People at risk for actinic keratoses and skin cancer can reduce that risk by performing frequent skin self-exams and seeing their doctor for regular screenings.
Contact Dermatitis Symptoms
January 18, 2012
Contact Dermatitis is an extremely itchy rash that develops when someone comes into contact with a substance to which he or she is allergic. The rash of contact dermatitis may start as soon as several hours after contact with the allergen. And it can take days to weeks to heal even after the allergen is removed from the skin.
The symptoms of allergic contact dermatitis might be treated with one or more of the following:
- Anthistamines to control the itching
- Moisturizers, to heal damaged skin and provide a barrier
- Topical corticosteroids
- Oral steroids, such as prednisone, used for a short period for severe cases
- Topical immunomodulators (Elidel, Protopic)
Oracea Treats the Lesions of Rosacea, Not Bacteria
October 19, 2011
Unlike traditional doxycyclines (antibiotics), Oracea® does not work by killing bacteria. Instead, it has a lower dosage designed to help reduce the inflammatory lesions of rosacea. That's important because:
- Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory condition — not a bacterial infection
- In many cases, rosacea requires long-term management, and in clinical studies, Oracea® has not shown to contribute to bacterial resistance
Oracea® (doxycycline) is an oral therapy that reduces the inflammatory lesions (red bumps, blemishes, and pustules) of rosacea. It will not lessen the facial redness caused by this condition.
Please be aware that there are no generic equivalent medications for Oracea®.
Stelara® Treats Plaque Psoriasis
October 7, 2011
Stelara® (ustekinumab) is a "biologic" medication prescribed for moderate to severe plaque psoriasis. Stelara is the first of a new type of biologic medication that effectively treats psoriasis symptoms with infrequent dosing. Stelara® is approved by the FDA to treat adults 18 years and older who have psoriasis that involves large areas or many areas of their body, and who are candidates for other systemic treatments, such as cyclosporine, methotrexate, or phototherapy.
Stelara® (ustekinumab) treats psoriasis through a unique mechanism of action, which blocks two proteins that are part of the immune system. These proteins can lead to inflammation. Reducing the activity of these proteins reduces inflammation in the skin and slows the growth of skin cells.
Isotretinoin for Acne (Accutane, Sotret)
September 23, 2011
Isotretinoin is a medication used to treat severe acne that has failed to respond to other acne treatments. Isotretinoin is taken by mouth and is available by prescription only. Despite concerns about side effects, isotretinoin remains an important treatment option for severe acne. It can clear up acne that resists all other forms of treatment, including oral antibiotics. Isotretinoin is commonly known by the former brand name Accutane, but Accutane is no longer available. Other brand names of isotretinoin include Amnesteem and Sotret.
Isotretinoin is dispensed quantities to last 30 days. A prescription refill is required for the next 30 days. A doctor must have assurances that ALL patients are following the iPledge program before approving the refill. This includes women needing to have 2 negative pregnancy tests before the approving the refill.
Biologics for Psoriasis
September 1, 2011
Biologics are a class of medications that have become an important treatment option for people with moderate to severe psoriasis.
In the last decade, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several biologics for the treatment of psoriasis and psoriatic arthritis. There are currently five biologics approved for psoriasis: Amevive® (alefacept), Enbrel® (etanercept), Humira® (adalimumab), Remicade® (infliximab), and Stelara® (ustekinumab).
Most medications are synthesized from chemicals. Biologics, however, are derived from natural proteins found in living cells. Currently, all biologics used for the treatment of psoriasis must be injected. They cannot be taken by mouth because the protein molecules are too large to be absorbed by the intestine or are too fragile to withstand the stomach acid.
Biologics work by targeting the underlying cause of psoriasis - excessive skin cell growth due to an overactive immune system. Although biologics can often provide long periods of clear skin, they are not a cure for psoriasis and ongoing treatment remains necessary.
Dermatology Medication Rebates and Refills
The Medication Rebates handout has a variety of medication rebates. Also find information about prescription refills and a pharmacy directory.
Find a Dermatologist Who Cares About Patient Education
Find a leading dermatologist who specializes in the treatment of acne, eczema, psoriasis, rosacea, skin cancer, as well as wrinkles and other signs of aging skin.
Learn more about each doctor to find a dermatologist who is board-certified by the American Board of Dermatology and has been licensed to practice medicine by your state medical board.
Some dermatologists include the professional suffix "F.A.A.D." (or "FAAD") with their name. This means that they area "Fellow" of the American Academy of Dermatology. Being a Fellow means that the dermatologist is certified by the American Board of Dermatology or Royal College of Physicians & Surgeons of Canada and has completed an evaluation designed to assess the knowledge, experience and skills necessary to provide high quality dermatology care.
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