Dermatology Topic Homepage
Dermatology Overview
Dermatology is the branch of medicine that deals with the skin, mucous membranes, hair and nails.
The skin is the largest and heaviest organ of the body.1 It plays several key roles such as; protection against external substances, control of temperature, synthesis (vitamin D) and it also has a immune function.1 The skin has three layers; the epidermis (which is in permanent renewal) the dermis and the...
... hypodermis which provide the fibrous framework.2 Skin color, texture and the arrangement of folds is also undeniably a psychosocial feature.1
Acne, psoriasis and eczema (atopic dermatitis) are the most common skin diseases.2 Their psychological impact can be important as skin diseases affect body image and interfere heavily in social life.2
Skin cancer is the most common cancer in white populations.3 Skin cancers are classified into three types; basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma and melanoma.1 The frequency of skin cancers is steadily increasing in white populations.3 Exposure to ultraviolet radiation is the main environmental risk factor. However, other elements of risk are described, such as; light skin phototypes, advanced age, family history of skin carcinoma, light eyes and blonde hair, and immunosuppression.3
Basal cell carcinoma is the most common skin cancer and its incidence has increased in recent decades.3 Its high prevelance is a significant burden for the health system, making the disease a public health problem.3 Despite the low mortality rates and the rare occurrence of metastases, the tumor may be locally invasive and relapse after treatment, causing significant morbidity.3
Preventing skin cancer is based on knowledge of risk factors, early diagnosis and treatment, as well as the adoption of specific measures, especially in high-risk populations.3
1. Graham-Brown R et al. Lecture notes: Dermatology. Blackwell Publishing. Ninth edition. 2007 : 217 pages.
2. Beers M.H. et al. The Merck manual of medical information. Merck research laboratories. Second home edition. 2003 : 1185-1241.
3. Chinem V.P. et al. Epidemiology of basal cell carcinoma. Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia. April 2011 ; 86 (2) : 292-305
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Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis is a chronic inflammatory non-communicable skin disorder characterised by periods of exacerbations, interspersed with periods of apparent remission. This highly prevalent disease has a significant impact on the quality of life of both patients and carers.
The current understanding of atopic dermatitis is that there are two forms, extrinsic and intrinsic. The cause of the former is best understood. A hypersensitivity reaction to environmental allergens (food, air-borne particles, soaps, perfumes and fabrics) generates an inflammatory response which in turn generates the release of histamine that contributes to the development of pruritus. Intrinsic atopic dermatitis causes identical symptoms in the absence of an initial hypersensitive response.
The evidence available that supports disease modification in atopic dermatitis has been well documented; however currently there is no clear definition of disease modification in atopic dermatitis.
Clinical management of atopic dermatitis is dependent on the severity of patient’s symptoms, however all patients should receive help and advice to aid in lifestyle changes that will decrease the risk of a disease flare. In addition to this, treatment with non-pharmaceutical products such as emollients and pharmaceutical agents such as topical corticosteroids is standard practice.
The Atopic Dermatitis Knowledge Centre is developed in collaboration with Astellas Pharma Europe Ltd.
Enter the Atopic Dermatitis Knowledge Centre
August 2012 DERM/12/0009/EUd
Clinical Case Studies
Animal Bite-related Infection
Infection: Skin and Skin Structure InfectionsMarina Morgan, Consultant Medical Microbiologist
Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
Case History
A 73-year-old lady attended the emergency department nine hours after being bitten on the hand by a stray cat. She complained of severe pain in the wrist and the small puncture wounds seen near the wrist joint were reddened with accompanying lymphangitis and swelling.
Community-acquired MRSA
Infection: Skin and Skin Structure InfectionsMarina Morgan, Consultant Medical Microbiologist, Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital, Royal Devon and Exeter NHS Foundation Trust, Exeter, UK
Case History
A 19-year-old student was admitted for the fourth time in six weeks for incision and drainage (I&D) of a recurrent large abscess, this time located in the left groin. The lesion demonstrated early necrosis at the centre and was incredibly tender.
Drug News
BMS success with nivolumab + ipilimumab in Melanoma
05-06-2013
Study 004, a dose-ranging Phase 1 trial (n=86) evaluating the safety and anti-tumor activity of investigational PD-1 receptor blocker, nivolumab, combined either concurrently (n=53) or...
Amgen announced Phase III detailed results of talimogene laherparepvec in Melanoma
02-06-2013Amgen has announced detailed results from a pivotal Phase III trial evaluating talimogene laherparepvec in patients with unresected stage IIIB, IIIC or IV Melanoma compared to...
FDA approves Tafinlar (Glaxo Smith Kline) for BRAF V600E Metastatic Melanoma
31-05-2013The FDA has approved Tafinlar (dabrafenib), from Glaxo Smith Kline, as a single-agent oral treatment for unresectable Melanoma or Metastatic Melanoma in adult patients with BRAF V600E mutation....
Dermatology Drug Data - A-Z
Possible searches include drugs or medicines (by brand, generic ingredient or drug class), diseases, conditions and more.
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Recent Drug Updates
Aqueous Calamine Cream BP
26-02-2013For relief of the symptoms of mild sunburn and other minor skin conditions....
Differin Cream
26-02-2013Differin Cream is proposed for the cutaneous treatment of mild to moderate acne vulgaris where comedones, papules and pustules predominate. Differin Cream is best suited for use on dry and fair...
Protopic 0.03% ointment
17-01-2013Protopic 0.03% ointment is indicated in adults, adolescents and children from the age of 2 years. Flare treatment Adults and adolescents (16 years of age and above) Treatment of moderate to severe...
Clinical Guidelines
Psoriasis - Assessment and management of psoriasis
Oct 2012This guideline aims to provide clear recommendations on the assessment and management of psoriasis..
... for all people with psoriasis. The diagnosis of psoriasis has not been included within the scope, partly for pragmatic reasons given that to cover psoriasis management itself is a considerable task, but also because there are no agreed diagnostic criteria or tests available and accurate diagnosis remains primarily a clinical one. In considering which specific aspects of psoriasis management to address, the guideline development group have focussed on areas most likely to improve the management and delivery of care for a majority of people affected, where practice is very varied and/or where clear consensus or guidelines on treatments are lacking.
British Association of Dermatologists’ guidelines for the management of bullous pemphigoid 2012
Sep 2012The overall objective of the guideline is to provide up-to-date, evidence-based recommendations for..
... the management of bullous pemphigoid (BP).
BP is an autoimmune subepidermal blistering disease that typically affects the elderly but may rarely present in children and younger adults. Autoantibodies of IgG type (and less commonly IgA, IgM and IgE) attack components of the adhesion complex of the basement membrane zone (BMZ) and result in subepidermal blistering.
Online CME
Sunburn
Apr 2013
... different management strategies
MIMS Dermatology Conference: Diagnosis of Skin Cancer
Apr 2013
... and non-melanoma skin cancers, including the NICE guidance on outcomes for people with skin tumours including melanoma and the DH revised guidance on the role of GPSIs.
Clinical Trials
A Phase 1b Open Label, Dose Escalation Study of PLX3397 in Combination With Vemurafenib in V600-mutated BRAF Melanoma
01-04-2013The purpose of this research study is to test the safety of an investigational new drug called PLX3397 when used in combination with Vemurafenib (Zelboraf™) at different dose levels. Vemurafenib has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment..
... of a specific category of unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
A Phase 1b Open Label, Dose Escalation Study of PLX3397 in Combination With Vemurafenib in V600-mutated BRAF Melanoma
01-04-2013The purpose of this research study is to test the safety of an investigational new drug called PLX3397 when used in combination with Vemurafenib (Zelboraf™) at different dose levels. Vemurafenib has been approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA)/European Medicines Agency (EMA) for the treatment..
... of a specific category of unresectable or metastatic melanoma.
Medical Videos
Medical Journal Abstracts
Epidemiology and clinical characteristics of bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (keratinolytic ichthyosis) in Japan: Results from a nationwide survey
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Nov 2012
Background: Detailed nationwide surveys of the epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of bullous congenital ichthyosiform erythroderma (BCIE) (novel synonym: keratinolytic ichthyosis) in a large population have not been performed previously to our knowledge. Objective: We sought to estimate the number of patients..
Unknown primary Merkel cell carcinoma: 23 new cases and a review
Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology
Nov 2012
Background: Knowledge is limited regarding unknown primary Merkel cell carcinoma (UPMCC). Objective: We sought to document the characteristics and behavior of UPMCC, and determine the most appropriate treatment. Methods: A multicenter, retrospective, consecutive study reviewing patients given a diagnosis of UPMCC..
Medical Apps
At hand - Dermatology checklist - £27.49
Dermatology Core Journals - Free
The animated pocket dictionary of Dermatology - Free
Fitzpatrick's color atlas - £50.36
Social Media
US Task Force says no point in screening for oral cancers
on doc2doc... the patient's awareness should be rised for cancers like Oral, Skin, Genito-urinary, Colon, Breast, whilst clearly indicating the signs and symptoms ...
To vitamin D or not to D? That is the question!
on doc2doc... is that the risc of deficieny is greater for the persons with dark skin who have migrated in the north. Some years ago i ...
To vitamin D or not to D? That is the question!
on doc2doc... for dark-skinned people, and extra especially for sb who covers his/her skin, e.g. for religious reasons. I believe most other people get by ...
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