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BPJ 23 September 2009

Best Practice Journal

Topical corticosteroid treatment for skin conditions

Topical corticosteroids are used to treat many skin conditions. They should be used at the lowest potency possible for the shortest amount of time to gain control of symptoms. View Article

The treatment of psoriasis in primary care

Psoriasis is an emotionally and physically debilitating disease which can significantly affect quality of life. Support with psychosocial factors and advice on lifestyle interventions is important. Topical treatments are first choice for mild psoriasis. Systemic treatments are used for severe symptoms and are usually initiated in secondary care. View Article

Managing eczema

Eczema can have a significant impact on the lives of patients and their families. The aims of treatment are to identify and minimise exposure to irritants, maintain the barrier function of the skin using emollients and use anti-inflammatory treatment to control exacerbations. View Article

Having a senior moment?

Differentiating normal age-related memory loss from early onset dementia
Normal age-related memory loss affects everybody. Assessing cognitive impairment can be complex but a simple place to start is to differentiate between normal age-related cognitive decline and early stage dementia. Cognitive screening tools can be used, but implications should be carefully considered first. Simple reassurance and lifestyle advice is appropriate for most patients having a “senior moment” View Article

Cervical smears - achieving equity

After the introduction of the National Cervical Screening Programme, rates of cervical screening increased and the overall incidence of cervical cancer has decreased dramatically. However many women are still not being screened. Consider barriers in your practice which may be preventing women from accessing cervical smears. Target Māori, Pacific and Asian women, women from areas of high deprivation and women aged over 30 years who have never had a cervical smear. View Article

Upfront: Waste Not Want Not. Reducing wastage

Deals with the cost of wasted medicines with some practical advice on how to prescribe to help reduce it. View Article

Management of acute exacerbations of COPD in primary care

An update on COPD; acute exacerbations management, adapted from COPD-X Guidelines; April 2009 revision

There is newer/updated information related to this article: The optimal management of patients with COPD

 View Article

Quiz feedback: How to treat acne

In BPJ 20 (April 2009) we published an article on the treatment of acne. GPs were invited to complete a quiz on this topic and the responses were discussed with our GP panel. Dr Amanda Oakley, Specialist Dermatologist and Clinical Associate Professor, Tristram Clinic, Hamilton, provided expert commentary on several key issues that were highlighted. View Article

Practice tips: PPIs and Paraffin

All about PPIs, Fire hazard with paraffin View Article

Correspondence: Impetigo

View Article