TREATMENT APPROACHES
A simplified introduction to common treatment options in dermatology.
TOPICAL
Topical drugs are often the first-line of treatment for many disorders and can exist in various kinds of preparations including:
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Ointments
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Creams
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Lotions
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Baths/soaks
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Foams
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Solutions
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Powders
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Gels
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Review the following resources for a deeper understanding of the various treatment vehicles available:
ORAL
Many times, oral treatment options are also necessary to manage various skin conditions. To brush up on key oral treatments often prescribed in the clinic, review the following resources:
prescribing
Feeling ready to prescribe? This resource outlines six common mistakes made in the management of dermatologic conditions and easy ways to avoid them!
Content developed by: Caden Carver
Edited by: Taylore Miller, Lauren Fraess, Iryna Savinova
SKIN BIOPSY
Skin biopsies are an important component of dermatological practice. With the help of dermatopathologists, these biopsies are used to diagnose various skin cancers and conditions. It may also provide dermatologists with greater knowledge of the lesions’ pathology, which may guide their treatment plan. For a introduction and overview on skin biopsies review the resource below.
Watch the videos below to see how these common types of biopsies are done!
A shave biopsy is used for small, superficial lesions on the skin. It will collect the epidermis and a portion of the dermis using a pliable razor tool.
An excision biopsy is usually performed on lesions or masses of greater size. Using a scalpel, the area of irregularity as well as an area of a healthy skin border are excised. This biopsy collects the epidermis, dermis, and oftentimes a portion of the hypodermis.
A punch biopsy is used in cases where the lesion is thought to extend into the deeper layers of the skin. A round-tipped cutting tool will collect portions of the epidermis, dermis, and a portion of the hypodermis.
An incisional biopsy is done by taking only a portion of a lesion or mass using a scalpel. This type of biopsy is often done when uncertainty remains regarding the lesion in question and the results are used to guide subsequent tests and/or treatments.
Ensuring proper care of a biopsy site following the procedure can help reduce infection and scarring, as well as speed up the healing process. Check out the linked resource to learn how to best care for biopsy sites.
Content developed by: Olivia MacIntyre
Edited by: Mirha Zohair, Lauren Fraess, Iryna Savinova
MOHS Micrographic Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery (MMS) is a specialized surgical technique used for the treatment of skin cancers, most commonly basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), particularly in tumors that are recurrent, large, aggressive, or located in anatomically or functionally critical areas. It combines precise surgical excision with immediate microscopic examination of the entire peripheral and deep tumor margins. This allows for maximal tissue conservation while achieving the highest cure rates for skin cancer.
These references provide an overview of Mohs micrographic surgery.
This reference reviews non-melanoma skin cancer epidemiology,
These references provide a step-by-step explanation of the Mohs procedure and outline potential complications.
These references provide an overview of what to expect during Mohs surgery and the post-operative care process.
Content developed by: Raquel Lazarowitz
Edited by: Sargam Sakhuja, Juliette Charbonneau