Advances in non-invasive techniques as aids to the diagnosis and monitoring of therapeutic response in plaque psoriasis: a review.

Plaque psoriasis is a common, chronic, inflammatory disease with a multifactorial etiopathogenesis. Although its diagnosis is often based on clinical features, in ambiguous cases a biopsy with histopathologic confirmation may be necessary. Advanced high-definition imaging techniques may be useful in the study of skin properties in vivo and may facilitate therapeutic monitoring.

Successful treatment and management of large superficial basal cell carcinomas with topical imiquimod 5% cream: a case series and review.

Basal cell carcinoma (BCC) is the most common non-melanoma skin cancer in the Caucasian population and its incidence is increasing worldwide. Although surgical procedures show a high cure rate with acceptable morbidity, non-surgical, pharmacotherapeutic approaches have been regarded as appropriate alternatives, and/or first-line treatments, in selected cases. Imiquimod (IQ) is a synthetic imidazoquinoline amine that locally enhances, through cytokine induction, both innate and acquired immune pathways, resulting in immunomodulating, antiviral and antitumor effects.