Preferred methods of excess hair removal in pediatric patients with lung transplantation

A review of hair removal modalities in pediatric patients: Ethical and clinical considerations

Unwanted hair is a common concern among patients presenting to pediatric dermatology clinics, and parents and patients alike inquire about the safety of methods employed for elective removal. Various methods of hair removal exist with different levels of invasiveness and permanence, from simple mechanical depilation to light-based therapies. All methods of hair removal appear to be safe and generally well tolerated in children, and there are no age restrictions to any modality. In this review, we aim to address the available literature on the safety and efficacy of hair removal modalities in pediatric patients and propose guidance on how to manage requests for at-home and in-office therapies within an ethical framework.

Cyclosporine and psoriasis: 2008 National Psoriasis Foundation Consensus Conference

BACKGROUND

Cyclosporine is a valuable option for the treatment of psoriasis. This report summarizes studies regarding the use of cyclosporine since the last guidelines were published in 1998.

OBJECTIVE

A task force of the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board was convened to evaluate treatment options. Our aim was to achieve a consensus on new updated guidelines for the use of cyclosporine in the treatment of psoriasis.

METHODS

Reports in the literature were reviewed regarding cyclosporine therapy.

LIMITATIONS

There are few evidence-based studies on the treatment of psoriasis with cyclosporine.

RESULTS

A consensus was achieved on the use of cyclosporine in psoriasis including specific recommendations on dosing, monitoring, and use of cyclosporine in special situations. The consensus received approval from members of the National Psoriasis Foundation Medical Board.

CONCLUSIONS

Cyclosporine is a safe and effective drug for the treatment of psoriasis. It has a particularly useful role in managing psoriatic crises, treating psoriasis unresponsive to other modalities, bridging to other therapies, and treating psoriasis within a rotational scheme of other medications. Appropriate patient selection and monitoring will significantly decrease the risks of side effects.