Acta dermatovenerologica Croatica : ADC
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Acta Dermatovenerol Croat · Jan 2011
Review Case ReportsDelusion of parasitosis: case report and current concept of management.
Delusions of parasitosis (DP) is a primary psychiatric disorder, a type of monosymptomatic hypochondriac psychosis in which patients believe that 'bugs' or 'parasites' have infested their skin or that they have even spread into their visceral organs. Patients with DP usually approach different medical specialists, mostly dermatologists and primary care physicians because of symptoms presenting as crawling under their skin. Therefore, the exact prevalence of DP is unknown. ⋯ It is essential to distinguish primary from secondary disorder since the approach to these patients is different. Dermatologists who have good knowledge in diagnosis, both dermatologic and psychodermatologic, and who dare prescribe antipsychotics after consulting liaison-psychiatrist, can have good results in treating patients with DP. When treating patients with DP, multidisciplinary approach by collaboration between a dermatologist and a psychiatrist is necessary to provide complete and meaningful treatment for these patients.
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Acta Dermatovenerol Croat · Jan 2011
ReviewPhototherapy of psoriasis in the era of biologics: still in.
This article reviews recent literature on phototherapy for psoriasis, particularly narrowband UVB. The efficacy, safety, tolerability and acceptance of phototherapy are discussed. It focuses in detail on how to improve the efficacy and safety in practice by trying to optimize the protocols, using combination therapy, monitoring the cumulative dose and providing skin cancer surveillance. ⋯ It represents a valuable treatment, which deserves more utilization and research. Although not so dynamic as in systemic drugs, research into phototherapy is ongoing. Even in the era of biologics, phototherapy remains an important therapeutic modality for psoriasis and other dermatoses and represents an essential part of modern dermatological therapy.