Abstract
InnovAiT is produced on a 3-year cycle. However, many articles do not significantly go out of date in that time. This section of InnovAiT summarises articles from the previous cycle of InnovAiT that GPs and GPs in training might still find useful today.
Acne vulgaris
Dr Duncan Shrewsbury
InnovAiT 2015 8(11): 645–652
More than 80% of 11 to 30-year-olds are affected by this potentially disfiguring skin condition. This article reviews the main features and step-wise approaches to treatment aimed at preventing scarring and significant psychological morbidity.
Contact dermatitis
Dr Sara Ahmed
InnovAiT 2015 8(11): 653–659
This article considers both the more common irritant contact dermatitis (CD) and the allergic variant caused by a type-4 T-cell mediated hypersensitivity reaction. The two variants can co-exist and occupational CD accounts for up to 70% of industrial skin disease. Referral for patch testing is required if treatment fails or an occupational cause is suspected. Identification and avoidance of the causative agent is the key to management. The dermatitis should be treated with soap substitutes and appropriately potent topical steroids.
Blistering skin conditions
Dr Vibhuti Gupta
InnovAiT 2015 8(11): 660–666
These conditions pose a diagnostic challenge as their clinical presentations can be similar. They present commonly in primary care and there is a wide variety of causes including infective, traumatic, inflammatory, non-immune, auto-immune and idiopathic aetiologies. The history and morphological appearance help with diagnosis and hence treatment. Auto-immune causes may need referral to secondary care.
Refugee health
Dr Anushka Mehrotra
InnovAiT 2015 8(11): 668–676
Since a GP is often the first point of contact with the community for refugees and asylum seekers, it is important to have an understanding of common issues for this vulnerable group of patients. This article considers the holistic, biopsychosocial approach needed to address common and complex issues including post-traumatic stress disorder, physical illnesses, infections and social problems.
Social anxiety disorder
Dr Hani Zakri
InnovAiT 2015 8(11): 677–684
Social anxiety disorder (SAD), or social phobia, is one of the most common mental health problems, exceeded in primary care only by depression. As such GPs face the challenges of diagnosing and managing SAD with limited resources. This article considers it under-diagnosed and under-treated despite effective treatments with cognitive behavioural therapy and pharmacotherapy. Treatment depends on functional impairment and following a stepwise approach based on National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) guidance.
Eating disorders
Dr Melvyn Zhang and Dr Tracey Wing
InnovAiT 2015 8(11): 685–691
Eating disorders, commonly anorexia nervosa and bulimia nervosa, are increasingly prevalent. This article considers assessment, initial investigations, diagnosis and management. Age-appropriate management is essential and with life-threatening complications emergency admission can be necessary.