Pharmacotherapy in Dermatology: Acne, Psoriasis, Eczema and Other Skin Conditions

Pharmacotherapy in dermatology plays a crucial role in managing a wide range of skin conditions, from common inflammatory disorders such as eczema and psoriasis to chronic infections and pigmentary anomalies. This CE course for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) is meticulously designed to build practical knowledge and clinical confidence in diagnosing and managing dermatologic conditions through appropriate pharmacologic interventions.

With a focus on individualizing patient care, learners will gain an in-depth understanding of treatment protocols for various dermatological conditions, including acne, rosacea, alopecia, bacterial infections, and pigmentary disorders. Key learning modules include identifying eczema subtypes, evaluating psoriasis epidemiology and treatment strategies, and understanding the mechanisms and risks of various pharmacologic agents.

Whether you’re treating atopic dermatitis with corticosteroids or prescribing biologics for plaque psoriasis, this course empowers you with up-to-date pharmacotherapeutic insights to ensure safe, effective, and evidence-based patient care. Additionally, the course explores common side effects of medications and highlights precautionary measures to mitigate patient risks. Participants will complete this course better equipped to implement dermatology-specific protocols within primary care, outpatient clinics, or specialty practices, aligning with evolving clinical guidelines and state-specific license renewal mandates.

Educational Objectives

• Differentiate among common eczema subtypes, including seborrheic, discoid, and irritant eczema, and describe their clinical features.
• Summarize the underlying pathophysiology and epidemiological trends of psoriasis, with attention to triggers and onset variations.
• Implement individualized treatment plans for psoriasis, incorporating topical therapies, systemic agents, biologics, and phototherapy.
• Identify pharmacologic options used to treat skin conditions such as rosacea, alopecia, pigmentation disorders, and skin infections.
• Evaluate adverse effects, drug interactions, and long-term safety concerns of common dermatologic pharmacotherapies.

Who Should Do This Course?

This course is designed for Nurse Practitioners (NPs) and Registered Nurses (RNs) seeking to fulfill mandatory pharmacology or pharmacotherapeutics continuing education (CE) requirements for license renewal in the following states:

• Advanced Pharmacology: Ohio, Alaska
• Pharmacotherapeutics: Hawaii, Louisiana, Oklahoma, West Virginia, Connecticut, Arkansas, Illinois, Nebraska, South Carolina, Texas, Washington, Wisconsin
• Pharmacology: Alabama, Indiana

Did You Know?

• According to the National Eczema Association, over 31 million Americans live with some form of eczema.
• Psoriasis affects approximately 7.5 million people in the U.S., with most patients developing symptoms between the ages of 15 and 35.
• Rosacea is estimated to affect more than 16 million Americans and often goes undiagnosed.
• Biologic therapies for dermatology have revolutionized the treatment of moderate to severe plaque psoriasis and atopic dermatitis.
• Proper patient education and early pharmacological intervention can significantly reduce flare-ups and improve skin-related quality of life.