Variety is key in therapeutic modalities

When it's time for dermatologic therapy, having an array of treatments from which to choose is vital, according to Stephen P. Stone, M.D., Southern Illinois University School of Medicine. Some of his pearls include the following suggestions:

• When it comes to acne excorieé Dr. Stone suggests using topicals, even if you don't think they help. "Topicals give the patient some way to touch their face without guilt - and without picking," he says.
• Another alternative treatment and one which may raise the dander on some dermatologists, is the use of cyclosporine (CsA) in treating psoriasis in children.
• Dr. Stone also mentioned an unconventional use of KOH for treating molluscum contagiosum.

While some of these treatment modalities have received formal U.S. Food and Drug Administration approval, others have not-and all are currently off label.