Academy and NPF release new psoriasis guidelines on systemic therapies
The American Academy of Dermatology and the National Psoriasis Foundation have released new joint care guidelines for the management of psoriasis with systemic non-biologic therapies. The guidelines address multiple systemic treatment options ranging from widely used immunosuppressive agents to newer immunomodulating medications, and cover clinical questions about the efficacy, effectiveness, and adverse effects of 12 oral-systemic, non-biologic medications. Learn more and view the guidelines.
DW Insights and Inquiries: Anterolateral leg alopecia
Periodically over the years, several male patients noticed that they have lost hair along the sides of the lower extremities. I was unaware that this condition had a title, nor could I give anyone an adequate explanation. I would just shrug my shoulders and mumble a banality to the effect that I see this quite a bit, and don’t know what to make of it. Theories regarding the pathogenesis of anterolateral leg alopecia abound ranging from leg crossing, trouser-rubbing, friction, an association with androgenetic alopecia, associated autoimmunity, or as a variant of normal. No theory has been substantiated. Keep reading!
Choose a Dermatologist: Participate in the AAD’s new social media campaign
No one can champion the specialty like you. Tell the public why they should #chooseadermatologist. Every month, download and share tools, graphics, and resources on your social media channels to help show the education, training, and expertise of board-certified dermatologists.
Amid coronavirus outbreak, FDA takes steps to ensure quality of imported products
The FDA recently issued a statement describing its efforts to ensure the quality of imported products from areas affected by the coronavirus. While the FDA’s inspections in China have been put on hold due to the State Department’s travel advisory, the agency indicated that it is utilizing several other tools to complement its inspections, such as requesting records from firms “in advance or in lieu of” drug surveillance inspections in China.
Additionally, the FDA indicated that it will continue to work with U.S. Customs and Border Protection “to target products intended for importation into the U.S. that violate applicable legal requirements for FDA-regulated products, which may come from a variety of sources, such as first time importers unfamiliar with regulatory requirements or repeat offenders trying to skirt the law.” Finally, the FDA indicated that “there is no evidence to support transmission of COVID-19 associated with imported goods and there have not been any cases of COVID-19 in the United States associated with imported goods.”
In terms of managing the effects of the coronavirus on manufacturing, the FDA released a statement about drug, device, and other shortages, noting that there has been one reported shortage of a drug manufactured in a coronavirus-affected area. The FDA is also monitoring the status of medical supplies , such as "surgical gowns, gloves, masks, respirator protective devices, or other medical equipment. "The FDA has heard reports of increased market demand and supply challenges for some of these products." However there are currently no reported shortages for essential medical devices within the U.S. market.
Read more about the cultural factors at play in the re-emergence of infectious disease in Dermatology World.
Several large U.S. health insurers that have recently acquired health care facilities are encouraging patients to use the insurers’ clinics for health care services. Groups like UnitedHealth’s Optum — which has acquired physician practices, surgery centers, and urgent-care clinics — and Aetna — which was acquired by CVS and has MinuteClinics — are developing insurance plans that offer incentives for utilizing health care services at their facilities such as free primary care visits or no copays.
Read more about alternate sources of dermatologic care in Dermatology World.
Use your personalized online voting link or your voting access code to cast your vote for the AAD election March 21 through April 4.
Available via AAD emails, the personalized online voting link will take you directly to the AAD voting site where you can view the ballot book and cast your vote. The voting access code can be used when you log in to www.esc-vote.com/aad along with your AAD member ID number to cast your vote.
Get to know the 2020 candidates. Visit the AAD Election Connection to learn about this year’s candidates and to interact with them on top issues via the online Ask the Candidates forum.
Members who wish to receive a PDF of the 2020 AAD Election ballot book by email may request it at candidates@aad.org.
Members who wish to vote by mail may print their online secure voting ballot beginning March 21. NOTE: All ballots must be received by April 4 at 11:59 PM (ET).
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