Complementary and Alternative Medicine
Abstract Various forms of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) are commonly utilized by patients with skin disorders. Because CAM encompasses a wide range of systems and treatments, it is not…
Glucocorticoids
Abstract Glucocorticoids are among the most commonly utilized topical, intralesional, and systemic therapies for cutaneous diseases. A thorough understanding of their mechanisms of action, formulations, administration, and potential adverse effects…
Sunscreens and Photoprotection
Abstract The incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer (NMSC) and cutaneous melanoma is increasing in the US and in many countries around the world. At the same time our aging population…
Other Topical Medications
Abstract Topical medications provide effective treatment for a wide range of dermatologic conditions. Delivery of the drug directly to the skin reduces the risk of systemic side effects. This chapter…
Other Systemic Drugs
Abstract This chapter reviews systemic medications commonly used in dermatology that are not discussed elsewhere in this text. For each drug, a historical overview is provided followed by the mechanism…
Antimicrobial Drugs
Abstract Bacterial, fungal, and viral infections of the skin and soft tissue are common, and a wide variety of topical and systemic treatments are available. Selection of appropriate treatment depends…
Skin Barrier and Transdermal Drug Delivery
Abstract Human survival depends on the ability to function effectively within a dry external environment. The epidermis functions as a barrier that maintains body hydration and excludes harmful external agents….
Drug Interactions
Abstract Interactions between or amongst multiple therapies may lead to increased toxicity, decreased efficacy, or both. Knowledge of the interactive properties of drugs can help prevent serious adverse drug interactions….
Systemic Immunomodulators
Abstract Systemic immunomodulators that are used to treat dermatologic disorders include interferons, intravenous immune globulin, and a variety of agents that target specific proteins (e.g. TNF, IL-17) involved in disease…
