Patients use more topical medication when the medications come in a larger container.

INTRODUCTION: Research shows that individuals consume more calories when provided with a larger portion size. It is unclear if similar behavior translates to topical medication use. The impact of container size and provider instructions on patient usage of topical medications has yet to be assessed. METHODS: Data was collected from 128 participants in an IRB randomized, controlled trial. To a marked 3cmx8cm rectangle on the forearm, patients applied petroleum jelly from either a large container or a small tube. Pre and post application container weights were measured. RESULTS: Patients applied more topical medication from the large container compared to the small tube. CONCLUSION: Topical medication usage is influenced by the size of the container provided. It is beneficial to consider container size when prescribing topical medications and greater application is desired.

Morgellons disease: insights into treatment.

Morgellons disease is a disfiguring and distressing condition. Patients commonly present with multiple, non-healing, cutaneous wounds. Patients report protruding fibers or other objects as the source and often provide samples to the clinician. Originally the etiology of this condition was broad and debated ranging from infectious to psychiatric. This article reviews current treatments and details our approach to treatment, aiming to aid clinicians with useful pharmacotherapy and adherence techniques when treating patients with Morgellons disease. Although current opinions have consolidated to the psychiatric spectrum, Morgellons treatment remains difficult and unstandardized with most evidence from retrospective reviews and a handful of case reports. Having considerable overlap with delusions of parasitosis, treatments have consisted of various antipsychotics and antibacterial wound care. Many antipsychotics have been selected owing to additional antipruritic or analgesic benefits. Generally, low-doses are used to minimize the risk of side effects. Risperidone or trifluoperazine can provide relief to patients especially when paired with adjuvant therapies, strong doctor-patient relationships, and a multidisciplinary approach.

Asymptomatic cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa: treatment options and therapeutic guidelines.

Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa (CPAN) is a rare cutaneous small- to medium-vessel vasculitis of unknown etiology. Clinically it ranges in manifestation from livedo reticularis to large cutaneous ulcers and necrosis. Prognosis is favorable and progression to systemic polyarteritis nodosa is rare. There are multiple treatment options, none of which have proven to be definitively effective. Cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa has been associated with abnormal antibody testing with elevations of antiphospholipid cofactor antibody, lupus anticoagulant, anticardiolipin antibody, and anti-ß2-glycoprotein I-dependent cardiolipin antibodies, as well as elevated anti-phosphatidylserine-prothrombin complex antibody. These antibodies suggest increased risk for thrombosis and systemic diseases such as lupus or other autoimmune connective tissue disease. We present a case of asymptomatic CPAN and evaluate if treatment should be instituted for asymptomatic disease that presents with abnormal antibody findings.