Calcipotriene Therapeutic Cheat Sheet
Calcipotriene is a synthetic Vitamin D3 analogue with various functions, including promoting cellular differentiation and reducing inflammatory cytokines. The unique mechanism of action of calcipotriene has expanded its utility beyond psoriasis to off-label uses for other dermatologic conditions. Calcipotriene is well tolerated and can be used in conjunction with other treatment modalities. We con …
Calcipotriene is a synthetic Vitamin D3 analogue with various functions, including promoting cellular differentiation and reducing inflammatory cytokines. The unique mechanism of action of calcipotriene has expanded its utility beyond psoriasis to off-label uses for other dermatologic conditions. Calcipotriene is well tolerated and can be used in conjunction with other treatment modalities. We con … 
Pentoxifylline is a methyl-xanthine derivative traditionally used to treat symptoms of peripheral vascular disease and has emerged as a valuable therapeutic agent in dermatology for its anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties. We continue our series, Therapeutic Cheat Sheet, with a closer look at pentoxifylline, which is FDA-approved for the treatment of intermittent claudication and is … 
Alopecia areata (AA) is a nonscarring alopecia driven by autoreactive cytotoxic CD8 T cells against hair follicle antigens. With an unpredictable clinical course, which can include alopecia totalis and universalis, AA can be debilitating to patients’ quality of life. Historically, glucocorticosteroids, cyclosporine, methotrexate, and azathioprine were used off-label for non-targeted immunosuppre … 
HealthCentral recently highlighted new research out of Harvard Medical School on the role of Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in itch. Researchers found S. aureus can trigger itch in mice and human cells through communication with sensory neurons.
For an expert’s take, I reached out to Gil Yosipovitch, MD, professor, Stiefel Chair of Medical Dermatology and director of the Miami Itch Center … 
Metronidazole is a nitroimidazole with antiprotozoal, antibacterial, and anti-inflammatory properties and is available in oral and topical formulations. The diverse mechanisms of action of metronidazole have expanded its utility across various dermatologic conditions. Topical metronidazole is well tolerated and has demonstrated improvements in inflammatory papules and pustules of rosacea. We conti … 