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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:

  • Ointments

  • Creams

  • Lotions

  • Baths/soaks

  • Foams

  • Solutions

  • Powders

  • Gels

​

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

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