The Patient's Guide to Psoriasis Treatment. Part 4: Goeckerman Therapy.

BackgroundThe Goeckerman regimen remains one of the oldest, most reliable treatment options for patients with moderate to severe psoriasis. Goeckerman therapy currently consists of exposure to ultraviolet B light and application of crude coal tar. The details of the procedure can be confusing and challenging to understand for the first-time patient or provider.ObjectiveTo present a freely available online guide and video on Goeckerman treatment that explains the regimen in a patient-oriented manner.MethodsThe Goeckerman protocol used at the University of California-San Francisco Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center as well as available information from the literature were reviewed to design a comprehensive guide for patients receiving Goeckerman treatment.ResultsWe created a printable guide and video resource that covers the supplies needed for Goeckerman regimen, the treatment procedure, expected results, how to monitor for adverse events, and discharge planning.ConclusionThis new resource is beneficial for prospective patients planning to undergo Goeckerman treatment, healthcare providers, and trainees who want to learn more about this procedure. Online media and video delivers material in a way that is flexible and often familiar to patients

The Patient's Guide to Psoriasis Treatment. Part 2: PUVA Phototherapy.

BackgroundPUVA treatment is photochemotherapy for psoriasis that combines psoralen with UVA radiation. Although PUVA is a very effective treatment option for psoriasis, there is an absence of patient resources explaining and demonstrating the process of PUVA. Studies have shown that patients who viewed videos explaining the treatment procedures for various medical conditions had a greater understanding of their treatment and were more active participants in their health.ObjectiveTo present a freely available online guide and video on PUVA treatment designed for patient education on PUVA.MethodsThe PUVA treatment protocol used at the University of California-San Francisco Psoriasis and Skin Treatment Center as well as available information from the literature was reviewed to design a comprehensive guide for patients receiving PUVA treatment.ResultsWe created a printable guide and video resource that reviews the benefits and risks of PUVA, discusses the three types of PUVA (hand-foot soak, full body soak, and systemic), demonstrates the PUVA process, and provides practical tips for safe use.ConclusionOnline media and video delivers material in a way that is flexible and often familiar to patients. This new format is beneficial for prospective patients planning to undergo PUVA treatment, health-care providers, and trainees who want to learn more about this treatment

Barriers to and Resources for Asthma Management in Vermont Elementary Schools

Introduction. Asthma is a chronic obstructive lung disease that causes wheezing, coughing, and shortness of breath, and is a cause of school absenteeism. School nurses play an integral role in asthma care for elementary-aged children.https://scholarworks.uvm.edu/comphp_gallery/1189/thumbnail.jp

Impact of the Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule (PLLR) on Practicing Dermatologists

On June 30th 2015, the FDA instituted a new system for the categorization of drug safety during pregnancy and lactation, known as the Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule (PLLR), which replaces the “A, B, C, D, X” pregnancy labeling categories. The new rule will apply to all newly approved prescription medications, with a staggered phase-in for prescription drugs approved prior to the effective date. In this article, we provide a brief description of the major changes introduced by the PLLR and discuss the major implication of this new categorization system for clinical dermatologists

Recent advances in phototherapy for psoriasis [version 1; referees: 2 approved]

Phototherapy involves repeated exposure of the skin to ultraviolet light to treat various inflammatory skin conditions such as psoriasis. Recent studies have identified specific immunologic effects of phototherapy that may underlie phototherapy efficacy. Furthermore, recent advancements have been made in developing safe and effective targeted phototherapy modalities for difficult-to-treat areas such as scalp psoriasis. Targeted phototherapy in the form of the excimer laser holds potential for more aggressive, effective treatment and long-lasting remission of psoriasis. Phototherapy is now also used successfully with biologic agents as combination therapy to treat recalcitrant psoriasis. Therefore, though one of the oldest therapeutic modalities for psoriasis, phototherapy remains a mainstay treatment with promise for further advancement

Impact of the Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule (PLLR) on Practicing Dermatologists

On June 30th 2015, the FDA instituted a new system for the categorization of drug safety during pregnancy and lactation, known as the Pregnancy and Lactation Labeling Rule (PLLR), which replaces the “A, B, C, D, X” pregnancy labeling categories. The new rule will apply to all newly approved prescription medications, with a staggered phase-in for prescription drugs approved prior to the effective date. In this article, we provide a brief description of the major changes introduced by the PLLR and discuss the major implication of this new categorization system for clinical dermatologists