S W Farnes | PubMed Health

PubMed1992

Retinoid therapy for aging skin and acne.

Primary care physicians should be familiar with the effects and appropriate uses of retinoids. Topical tretinoin (Retin-A) can reverse photoaging of the skin, although some transient, undesirable side effects usually occur. In patients with acne vulgaris, topical tretinoin and systemic isotretinoin (Accutane) are the only agents that act upon the apparent underlying causes. Recurrence is unlikely after successful results are achieved. Chronic hypervitaminosis A presents insidiously, and physicians must maintain a high index of suspicion. Complete history taking should always include questions about the patient's use of vitamin supplements.

Acne Vulgaris↗

PubMed1990

Serologic tests for syphilis.

Not since the early 1950s has the number of new cases of syphilis been as high as it is now. The infectious agent, Treponema pallidum, is extremely difficult to culture in vitro and almost impossible to see by conventional light microscopy. A nonspecific antibody test is used for screening and a specific treponemal antibody test for confirmation. Because of the complexity of the disease, the sensitivity and specificity of a given test can vary according to disease stage. The physician must understand the limits imposed on testing by the disease process and the special circumstances that prevail in testing patients for prenatal and congenital syphilis as well as neurosyphilis. With early detection and treatment, cure can be achieved and long-term complications avoided.

False Negative Reactions↗