Dear Physician Assistant:
October is Eczema Awareness Month. The event will likely coincide with an uptick in the number of patients who present to dermatology practices for treatment of atopic dermatitis. As the weather cools, the air becomes more arid, and drying indoor heaters get put to use, patients prone to eczema invariably experience flares.
While moderate to severe eczema can be quite challenging clinically, management of most cases of mild to moderate disease should be relatively straightforward. As detailed in this month’s cover story, available topical therapies can be quite effective for these presentations. However, patient counseling and education are key.
PAs in dermatology have established themselves as effective and skilled communicators. Today’s patients and parents have easy access to more health-related information than ever before, but they may need guidance from a medical professional to truly understand and apply what they learn. Increasingly, clinicians are using the Internet to support patient education and communication, but virtual interactions with patients can be tricky. We address that topic in this edition, as well.
As you can see, we continue to try to provide information to support your daily practice. I thank Coria Laboratories, a division of Valeant, for supporting this program, and I wish you success in your endeavors.
Best wishes, Coyle S. Connolly, DO, Medical Editor
TOP 5 ARTICLES FROM 2011
- Exploring the Versatility of Topical Tretinoin
New findings question commonly held perceptions about tretinoin and suggest that, in the right formulation, the drug can be more patient-friendly than previously thought.
By Coyle S. Connolly, DO
- SDPA Membership Benefits
Whether you’re already a member or thinking of joining, you should consider all that the SDPA has to offer.
By A Q&A with Jacki Kment, MPAS, PA-C
- Education and Skin Care: Key Components in Management of Mild to Moderate Acne Vulgaris
By Joseph Bikowski, MD, FAAD
- Exam Prep: Vacation Vaccination for a 24-year-old Honeymooner
To help PAs stay sharp for the certification exam, this new feature of DermPerspectives tests your knowledge of medical and/or surgical subjects.
- Letter From The Editor
Sides Media