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Interactive quizzes are based on material found in Best Practice Journal and Best Tests. Initially, quizzes are posted out with journals and GPs are invited to submit their answers for CME credits.
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Scabies is a highly contagious skin infestation that can often rapidly spread through households before it is detected. The characteristic... View Article
Lesion thickness is the strongest predictor of prognosis in patients with a primary cutaneous melanoma. Therefore, identifying... View Article
Post-treatment follow-up and long-term surveillance of people with a history of melanoma improves the likelihood that recurrence... View Article
Emollients form the basis of treatment for all patients with eczema. Emollients and topical corticosteroids are effective at preventing... View Article
Topical corticosteroids are one of the key medicines used in the management of childhood eczema. However, adherence is typically... View Article
Impetigo is a highly contagious, bacterial infection of the skin, most commonly seen in children. It is typically diagnosed clinically,... View Article
Cyanobacteria, also referred to as blue-green algae, are micro-organisms that live in freshwater and marine environments. Under... View Article
Limiting UV radiation exposure through sun smart behaviour is the key to preventing melanoma. However, incidence and mortality... View Article
Identification of melanoma at the earliest possible clinical stage improves outcomes; lesion thickness is the strongest predictor... View Article
Encouraging progress has been made by prescribers in New Zealand in reducing the use of topical antibiotics such as fusidic acid;... View Article
Since publication of our article on Zostavax vaccine in March, 2018, we have received feedback from several readers seeking clarification... View Article
Zostavax is a herpes zoster (shingles) vaccine that will become fully subsidised from 1 April, 2018 for people aged 65 years.... View Article
From 1 May, 2017, 4% dimethicone lotion can be prescribed fully subsidised for the treatment of head lice, which adds another... View Article
Clinical indications for the use of topical antibiotics are continuing to narrow, driven by increasing resistance rates in New... View Article
In the community, many patients have skin and soft tissue infections that are relatively minor, e.g. scrapes and scratches or... View Article
Most patients with psoriasis have chronic plaque psoriasis, the majority of whom can be managed in primary care. Emollients can... View Article
Finding a treatment that works for patients may require trial and error. Topical medicines include emollients, potent or very... View Article
Patients with moderate to severe psoriasis are usually managed in secondary care with treatments including phototherapy, methotrexate,... View Article
Isotretinoin is recommended for patients with moderate acne that produces scarring or distress, or for acne that persists following... View Article
Fluorouracil and imiquimod creams are fully subsidised topical treatments, suitable for some patients with non-melanoma skin cancers;... View Article
Rosacea is an inflammatory facial skin disease that can cause patients embarrassment and reduce their quality of life. There are... View Article
Valaciclovir is an antiviral medicine which can be used for the treatment of Herpes simplex infections and herpes zoster. As of... View Article
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Adults and children with uncomplicated cellulitis can usually be managed in the community if they are clinically stable. Oral... View Article
The Australasian Society of Infectious Diseases (ASID) annual scientific meeting | Discontinuation of topical erythromycin View Article
Increasing rates of resistance to topical antibiotics continues to change the use of these medicines in primary care. Topical... View Article
Emollients, topical corticosteroids and avoidance of triggers remain the mainstays of treatment in children with eczema. Under-use... View Article
Tinea pedis is a common fungal foot infection that is often associated with high rates of treatment failure or recurrence. This... View Article
Plantar warts, also known as plantar verrucae, are manifestations of infection with human papillomavirus. They can be painful... View Article
Acral melanoma is a subtype of cutaneous melanoma, which manifests on the palms, wrists and soles of the feet (including the nail... View Article
The best method for treating patients with an ingrown toenail has long been debated. Non-surgical options are generally preferred... View Article
Cracked heels are most often caused by a lack of moisture in the skin. Fissures generally occur on the back of the heel and usually... View Article
This article has been archived. If you would like access to the original article please contact: editor@bpac.org.nz View Article
Low-dose methotrexate is commonly used in the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis and other rheumatologic diseases,... View Article
Topical antibiotics in general have been excessively used in New Zealand in recent years. The increasing prevalence of resistance... View Article
Age-related changes in women can result in an increased occurrence of vulvovaginal dermatological conditions such as vulval dermatitis... View Article
As skin ages, increased transepidermal water loss leads to dry skin (xerosis) and reduced barrier function. Dry skin is often... View Article
In the final instalment of the rural series we present a round-up of infections that may be seen in patients living in, working... View Article
Contributed by: Dr Lissa Judd, Occupational Dermatologist, Wellington View Article
Herpes zoster (shingles) is a self-limiting condition caused by reactivation of the Varicella zoster virus. Shingles most frequently... View Article
When a patient presents with a suspicious skin lesion the first step is to assess the likelihood of melanoma being present and... View Article
New evidence is increasingly suggesting that isotretinoin may be best prescribed using a lower daily dose, with the regimen tailored... View Article
Most cases of “red eye” seen in general practice are likely to be conjunctivitis or a superficial corneal injury, however, red... View Article
Oral isotretinoin is a highly effective treatment for severe acne, however it is associated with a number of adverse effects,... View Article
Identifying and managing infection in wounds is an important aspect of primary care practice. However, many issues relating to... View Article
Acne is a common dermatological condition that affects most people at some stage in their life. Because acne is regarded as “normal”... View Article
Compared to other developed countries, New Zealand has one of the highest rates of serious skin infections, particularly among... View Article
Urticaria is a common condition, which is usually non-allergenic, but in the majority of patients a specific cause will not be... View Article
Symptoms relating to the vulvovaginal area such as abnormal discharge, itch and pain are common, particularly for women of reproductive... View Article
Fungal infections of the skin, nails and hair are caused by dermatophytes. In many cases, diagnosis of infection is made by clinical... View Article
New Zealand has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world. Melanoma is the most common cancer among New Zealand men aged... View Article
Serious skin infections such as cellulitis, abscesses and impetigo are an increasingly common reason for hospital admission in... View Article
Tumour necrosis factor (TNF) inhibitors are used in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis,... View Article
Topical corticosteroids are used to treat many skin conditions. They should be used at the lowest potency possible for the shortest... View Article
Psoriasis is an emotionally and physically debilitating disease which can significantly affect quality of life. Support with psychosocial... View Article
All about PPIs, Fire hazard with paraffin View Article
Eczema can have a significant impact on the lives of patients and their families. The aims of treatment are to identify and minimise... View Article
Acne is a common skin condition that affects most people at some stage in their life. The aims of acne treatment are to reduce... View Article
There are two major safety concerns with isotretinoin : • It is teratogenic at all therapeutic doses and durations of exposure... View Article
Scabies manifests as an itchy skin rash, as a result of an allergic reaction to the female scabies mite. Infection is easily spread... View Article
Impetigo is a highly contagious, bacterial infection of the skin, most commonly seen in children. It is typically diagnosed clinically... View Article
Fungal nail infection (onychomycosis) accounts for around 50% of all nail disease. Laboratory diagnosis is recommended before... View Article
The management of two conditions that commonly, but unnecessarily, lead to discontinuation of breastfeeding are outlined. View Article
Imiquimod enhances the immune response to viral infections and tumours by stimulating the immune system to release interferon... View Article
Head lice are non-discriminatory in who they affect, however outbreaks among school children are most common. We discuss treatments... View Article