Ep 59 – Primary care dermatology: improving care by getting back to basics

Dermatology is a vast subject and accounts for a significant proportion of the workload in general practice. Managing dermatological conditions can be a challenge and staying up-to-date is equally so. In this episode, Dr James Waldron and Dr Thuva Amuthan (GP with an Extended Role in Dermatology) discuss topics such as: getting into dermatology as a specialist interest; improving patient engagement and adherence; improving eczema care; acne; psoriasis and the impact of dermatology on mental health.

Thanks to Dr Thuva Amuthan for his time. All information in the episode is based on the personal experience of the presenters.

Resources

• Dr Amuthan's Twitter profile
• Black Country Skin Club

Key take-home points

• Check the patient’s daily routine.
• Advise patients with eczema to stop using soap – it has a drying effect on the skin and can perpetuate dry skin conditions.
• If you are struggling to get on top of a patient’s skin condition, go back to basics.
• Encourage patients to use emollients, and ensure they are using them!
• Consider the psychological impact of dermatological conditions.
• Treat acne attentively and escalate therapy to prevent long-term complications.
• With thick plaques in psoriasis, consider urea-containing creams to help other medications work.
• Be cautious about giving oral steroids to patients with psoriasis as this can cause a rebound flare.
• Educating patients about their condition is key.