Nutritional dermatoses are a group of skin conditions caused by a deficiency or imbalance of specific nutrients in the diet. These conditions can range from mild to severe, impacting a patient’s quality of life. Primary care doctors need to be aware of these conditions and how to assess and treat them. Continue reading “[5 min read] How to manage nutritional dermatoses” →

This month we look at some skin cancer surgery options. Many of you will be aware of the recent publications of the UQ Flap, and now a further paper have been presented with a Modified UQ Flap, as an alternative to the rhomboid flap.
Continue reading “Research summary: The Modified UQ Flap: An alternative for other flaps” →

Doctors in primary care often hear their patients’ concerns about age-related skin changes. In most cases, these are only body-image issues, and there are no medical indications for treatment.

However, what starts as insecurity about one’s physical appearance can quickly translate into depression, anxiety, a decrease in social and physical activity, and a lower quality of life. Luckily, contemporary cosmetic treatments can improve ageing concerns in most patients, and most are adequate for a primary care setting. Continue reading “[5 min read] How to manage patients with ageing concerns” →

Did you know that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease affects at least 1 in 4 people worldwide (1)? The condition is reversible in patients who implement lifestyle changes such as medical nutrition therapy, and primary care physicians are in a pivotal position for prevention, screening, and care. Continue reading “[4 min read] Medical nutrition for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease” →

The risk of cancer, particularly breast and ovarian cancers, can cause significant anxiety among women presenting to the general practitioner. Therefore, it is essential to understand the risk factors associated with these cancers and to be able to explain these risks to women.
Continue reading “[5 min read] How to assess risk of breast and ovarian cancers” →

Did you know over 16 per cent of GP consultations involve a skin problem?* In this short video, dermatologist Dr Christopher Ross talks about the most common skin complaints seen in the primary care setting in Australia. Continue reading “[2 min watch] Most common skin presentations in primary care” →

Squamous cancers are very common in the primary care population in Australia, as we all know. And, depending on our location in Australia and the population we are caring for, SCC can be the commonest cutaneous malignancy.
Continue reading “Research summary: What clinicians need to know about aggressive head & neck SCC” →

Did you know that 1 in 7 people are affected by Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS)? IBS is a functional disorder with severity that often changes over time– it doesn’t cause lasting damage nor contribute to the development of serious bowel conditions, such as cancer or colitis. Various management strategies exist for IBS, including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, and drug-free approaches involving medical nutrition therapy (4).
Continue reading “[4 min read] Irritable Bowel Syndrome & the low FODMAP diet” →

Pockets of stubborn fat on the face or body are a common aesthetic issue, especially for non-overweight individuals. Since the excess fat tissue does not respond well to diet and exercise, many people consider a more radical solution. Until recently, only surgical options were available. But now, several effective non-surgical techniques are available at the primary care level. Continue reading “[5 min read] How to treat patients with unwanted fat pockets on the face and body” →

In this month’s article we look at the latest update on melanoma management from Europe. Why? Because we are still waiting for an update on the Australian guidelines, and for those of us that do skin cancer full-time or as a specific interest, we have a responsibility to be across the latest advancements, developments, and advice. Continue reading “Research summary: Latest European melanoma management guidelines” →