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” →

Did you know that 1 in 10 Australian women of childbearing age have polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)? PCOS is one of the most common endocrine (hormone-related) disorders, and reportedly up to 70% of women with the condition remain undiagnosed [1]. From hormonal imbalances to metabolic changes such as increased production of insulin and androgens, many symptoms of PCOS can be difficult to pinpoint or diagnose in its earliest stages [2]. Initial diagnosis and management usually occur in primary care settings. Continue reading “[5 min read] Medical nutrition therapy for PCOS” →

Despite all the advancements in modern medicine and sexual education, Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) remain a public health concern. In most cases, primary care physicians are at the diagnostic forefront. But, they have a difficult task considering that STIs are often asymptomatic. Continue reading “[5 min read] Cutaneous symptoms of sexually transmitted infections” →

Medicinal cannabis use during pregnancy is a topical issue for both practitioners and patients to address. As medical cannabis prescriptions increase around the globe, the necessity to have a deeper understanding of the impact and risks of cannabinoids on fertility, pregnancy and postnatal health is of supreme importance. Continue reading “[9 min read] Medicinal cannabis and pregnancy” →

Delusions of parasitosis is a rare condition that presents as a false but fixed belief in infection by parasites, bacteria, mites, fungi, worms, or other organisms. Most delusions of parasitosis patients report dermatological symptoms. They believe they have a skin manifestation of a parasitic infection. However, the disorder is psychiatric and requires a cautious approach. Continue reading “[5 min read] How to manage patients with delusions of parasitosis” →

When patients present with lacklustre skin that’s missing that healthy glow, there are many things doctors at the primary care level can do to help them. The options range from simple skincare advice to minimally invasive aesthetic medicine procedures. Continue reading “[5 min read] How to treat dull skin in primary care” →

Complementary medicines and alternative therapies have long been used alongside traditional medicine to tackle women’s health issues, including menopause, urinary tract infections, mental health issues, sexual problems, cyclical mastalgia, and to support women before and during pregnancy. Continue reading “[6 min read] Complementary medicines to support women’s health” →

Nutrition research review: Role of dietary fibre in promoting immune health – An EAACI position paper. 

Dietary fibre is an important factor in determining the gut microbiome and influence the immune system. Dietary fibre-derived metabolites are involved in immune cell decision-making processes, giving rise to the suggestion that the trend over time towards lower intakes of dietary fibre is contributing to the rise in allergic and hypersensitivity disorders.
Continue reading “Research summary: Role of dietary fibre in promoting immune health” →

This month we consider skin self-examination for skin cancer detection. In the latest Melanoma Practice Review my eye was drawn to a paper published in Dermatology reporting on the sensitivity and specificity of self-examination for melanoma.
Continue reading “Research summary: Self-examination for skin cancer detection” →

Did you know that dementia affects over 400,000 people living in Australia and almost 50 million people worldwide [1]? Dementia is a term used to describe abnormal changes in the brain. It describes the loss of memory, reasoning, and cognitive abilities, with the most common form being Alzheimer’s disease (AD). Eventually, the symptoms can become so severe they prevent the person from managing even essential daily functions.  Continue reading “[5 min read] The MIND diet – Nutrition for dementia” →