Principles of Therapy of Skin Diseases
January 2012
TLDR Use the least toxic, most specific treatments for skin diseases, considering side effects and individual patient needs.
The 2012 document provides a comprehensive overview of the therapeutic approaches for skin diseases, advocating for the least toxic and most specific treatments. It covers the use of topical and systemic therapies, detailing the importance of selecting the appropriate vehicle for topical medications and the side effects of systemic treatments like glucocorticoids. Various drugs are discussed for specific conditions, such as gold for pemphigus vulgaris, colchicine for leukocytoclastic vasculitis, and antifungal, antiviral, and antiparasitic agents for respective infections. The document also addresses the use of immunomodulatory drugs, phototherapy, laser therapy, and dermatologic surgery for conditions including psoriasis, vitiligo, and skin tumors. Hair transplants are mentioned as a treatment for alopecia, while sunscreens and cosmetics are discussed for skin protection and camouflage. The document emphasizes evidence-based therapy and the careful consideration of side effects and patient-specific factors in treatment planning.
