Free Dermatology CME

Target Audience: Physicians focusing on Allergy, Dermatology

Target Audience: Physicians focusing on Allergy or Dermatology

Activity Description / Statement of Need:

In this online, self-learning activity:

Psoriasis, characterized by chronic inflammation of the skin and hyperproliferation and abnormal differentiation of the stratified epidermis, is one of the most common autoimmune diseases in the US. With a clinical presentation of red, scaly plaques on the skin that range in severity from minor, localized lesions to complete body coverage, it is also associated with inflammation of the joints and enthesial attachments and has potential of articular destruction—a complication known as psoriatic arthritis that affects up to 30% of those with the disease. Aside from its direct effects on the skin, it is also reduces quality of life associated with cardiac and psychiatric comorbidities. Over half of patients with psoriasis are unsatisfied with their disease management, and half of patients with mild disease are untreated while the same is true for a fifth of patients with severe disease.

This activity has been designed to bring HCPs’ knowledge of current and emerging screening and treatment strategies for psoriasis up to date and to improve their competence and performance in treating it. This program has also been designed to review treatment strategies and raise awareness of gaps in care of patients with psoriasis and review strategies to promote adherence.

Target Audience:

HCPs specializing in: Dermatologists and primary care physicians; physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists who practice in dermatology; and any other healthcare professionals with an interest in or who clinically encounter patients with psoriasis.

Activity Description / Statement of Need:

In this online, self-learning activity:

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a chronic, highly pruritic inflammatory skin disease that is one of the most common skin disorders in children but may develop at any age. It affects 15-30% of children and two to ten percent of adults in developed countries, and between 10-30% of children who have the condition continue to experience it in adulthood. AD is thought to arise from a complicated interplay between multiple genes and environmental triggers, with known risk factors including family history and loss of function mutations in filaggrin. Complications include food allergy, asthma, and allergic rhinitis, and aside from genetics, its pathophysiology involves T-cell mediated inflammation and epidermal dysfunction. The disease is associated with a considerable healthcare burden placed on patients and their families; pruritis aside, patients not uncommonly suffer a loss of sleep and experience secondary infections, anxiety, and depression.

Target Audience:

The following HCPs: Pediatric and adult dermatologists, allergists, and internists; physician assistants, nurse practitioners, and pharmacists who treat patients with dermatologic conditions; and any other HCPs with an interest in or who diagnose, treat, or manage patients with AD.

Acne is one of the most common skin conditions treated by physicians, affecting 40 to 50 million people in the U.S. Although the disease can affect patients at any age, acne occurs most commonly during the adolescent years, with a prevalence as high as 85%. In 20% of cases, the acne is severe, resulting in permanent physical scarring as well as a mental health burden. That burden may include increased prevalence of mood disorders, psychiatric hospitalizations, school absenteeism, unemployment, and suicidality.

Acne is a multifactorial inflammatory disease affecting the hair follicles of the skin. While an understanding of acne pathogenesis is one that is continuously evolving, key pathogenic factors include follicular hyper-keratinization, microbial colonization, sebum production, and complex immune and inflammatory mechanisms. Other research suggests that neuroendocrine regulatory mechanisms, diet, and genetic and factors all may contribute to the multifactorial process of acne pathogenesis. Professional guidelines for the treatment of acne vulgaris in adolescents and adults highlight the roles of topical and systemic pharmacotherapies as well as non-pharmacologic treatment modalities, including lasers and photodynamic therapy. However, in the time since the guidelines were published, newer medications have been approved or entered late stage clinical investigation. Communicating related information to HCPs in a timely manner is a demonstrated need.