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Each issue, Dermatology Net Guide highlights some of the best online
dermatology resources for patients. The Dermatology Net Guide
Editorial Board reviews each selection, so physicians can confidently refer their
patients to these destinations secure in the knowledge that these sites
contain only the most reliable healthcare information.
AcneNet
This highly-recommended site is a subdivision
of SkinCarePhysicians.com, an outstanding educational resource created
by the American Academy
of Dermatology. Visitors can access “Acne Updates” for
recent developments in the care of acne, “What is Acne?” for
more essential reference information, or “Social Impact of Acne” to
read the personal stories of sufferers. Other sections of the site
variously dispel five common acne myths, answer frequently-asked questions,
and explain the causes of acne scarring. All material is supplemented
with a number of full-color photographs and illustrations.
www.skincarephysicians.com/acnenet
American Academy of Dermatology
The nation’s most respected professional organization for dermatologists
also offers an impressive array of resources for patients at its
home site. Specifically, visitors can browse a listing of dermatologists
in their area (with detailed profiles of each one), learn about “Camp
Discovery,” a summer program for children with skin diseases,
read the AAD’s consumer magazine, Dermatology Insights, or
link to any of seven extremely detailed condition-specific sites.
www.aad.org
Eek! It’s Eczema!
Don’t let the lighthearted title
fool you; this brief article from KidsHealth.org actually covers
the symptoms and treatment of
eczema in a clear and detailed fashion, using language appropriate
for younger children. Advice and tips on living with the disease
are provided, along with links to additional information about potentially
unfamiliar terms.
http://kidshealth.org/kid/health_problems/skin/eczema.html
FamilyDoctor.org: Skin Disorders
Through this website, the American Academy
of Family Physicians distributes useful information on each of 16
common skin disorders; detailed
information on etiology and symptoms is omitted in favor of practical
advice for the already-diagnosed. Visitors with complaints of unknown
origin can also search the site by symptom. Supplemental reading
material includes “Saving Your Skin from Sun Damage,” “Reduce
the Risk of Skin Cancer,” and “Men Who Care About Their
Skin Protect It.”
http://familydoctor.org/x5413.xml
NINDS Shingles Information
This site serves as a central clearinghouse of information from
a variety of sources on the subject of shingles (and treatment
of same).
After reading a brief overview of the disease, visitors can view
a list of open clinical trials focusing on shingles from clinicaltrials.gov,
visit any of four professional organizations with an interest in
this topic, or download pamphlets and educational material from
the NINDS. Finally, patients can link to MEDLINE Plus for disease
overviews,
pictures and diagrams, statistics, news, and much more.
www.ninds.nih.gov/health_and_medical/disorders/shingles_doc.htm
Psoriasis for Parents
Parents and other family members charged with the care of a child
with psoriasis might consider a visit to this website, which begins
by enumerating the medical facts about the condition in a concise
question-and-answer format. Parents can also learn how to communicate
with their children about the disease in an age appropriate fashion,
or read treatment information. Finally, an active message board is
available to enable networking with other patients and parents. All
resources are provided by the National Psoriasis Foundation.
www.psoriasis.org/youth/parents
Rosacea Patient Diary Checklist
A number of environmental and lifestyle factors may affect the severity
and frequency of rosacea outbreaks; this form, designed to be completed
on a daily basis, attempts to quantify the impact of diet, weather,
daily activities, medication compliance, and exposure to a variety
of allergens on the individual patient.
www.rosacea.org/patients/materials/diary.html
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