Rash Decisions

Viral Infections (Part 2) - More than just measles

We’ve gone viral!  
Join Dr George Moncrieff and Dr Roger Henderson as they discuss paraviral rashes, where the rash is an immune response to the virus.  
They’ll be covering: 
Measles
Rubella
Fifth disease
Pityriasis rosea
Hand, foot and mouth disease
Herpangina 
Tune in to hear tips for diagnosis, the available treatment options and some potentially serious complications. 
Plus, the two hosts will be discussing why they think the MMR vaccine uptake is falling, resulting in rising cases of measles.  
Thank you to our kind sponsor AproDerm, who provide a comprehensive range of quality emollients designed for the management of dry skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis.  
To simplify the process of finding the most suitable emollient for each patient, they have developed a remarkable solution: the AproDerm Emollient Starter Pack. This pack conveniently combines all four of their emollients in a single prescription, enabling patients to identify their ideal emollient more efficiently, aiding both compliance and adherence.  
Find out more: https://aproderm.com/aproderm-emollient-starter-pack/   
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fontus-health-ltd/  
Got some feedback for us? Please rate and review Rash Decisions to help us keep creating educational podcasts for you.  
Is there a dermatology topic you’d like us to explore? Email us at info@aproderm.com, and we’ll do our best to cover it. 
The views expressed in this podcast are of Dr George Moncrieff and Dr Roger Henderson. Fontus Health has not influenced, participated, or been involved in the programme, materials, or delivery of educational content. 

Viral Infections (Part 1) - Viral wisdom

Dr George Moncrieff and Dr Roger Henderson share their wisdom on viral infections. In the first of three episodes on this topic, they’ll cover cytopathogenic rashes, where the virus is present in the skin lesion.  
Along with sharing their top six viral facts, they’ll talk you through: 
Viral warts 
Herpes simplex infections 
Chickenpox 
Shingles 
Orf 
Molluscum contagiosum 
For each of these conditions, they’ll discuss what the virus is up to, share their experiences on the available treatments and complications that you should be aware of in primary care. 
Thank you to our kind sponsor AproDerm, who provide a comprehensive range of quality emollients designed for the management of dry skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis.  
To simplify the process of finding the most suitable emollient for each patient, they have developed a remarkable solution: the AproDerm Emollient Starter Pack. This pack conveniently combines all four of their emollients in a single prescription, enabling patients to identify their ideal emollient more efficiently, aiding both compliance and adherence.  
Find out more: https://aproderm.com/aproderm-emollient-starter-pack/   
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fontus-health-ltd/
Got some feedback for us? Please rate and review Rash Decisions to help us keep creating educational podcasts for you.  
Is there a dermatology topic you’d like us to explore? Email us at info@aproderm.com, and we’ll do our best to cover it. 
The views expressed in this podcast are of Dr George Moncrieff and Dr Roger Henderson. Fontus Health has not influenced, participated, or been involved in the programme, materials, or delivery of educational content. 

Bacterial Infections (Part 3) - Flesh-eating bugs, Lyme disease and more!

In this episode, your hosts Dr George Moncrieff and Dr Roger Henderson are joined by Consultant Clinical Microbiologist Dr Marina Morgan to discuss some of the potentially very serious bacterial skin infections... 
Delving straight in with necrotising fasciitis, the trio cover how patients come to get this bacterial infection and, as it's so easy to miss this diagnosis, the signs and symptoms you should be looking out for in primary care. 
They then move onto discussing the secrets to diagnosing Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL). Spread by close skin contact, they will be imparting key tips that you can share with your patients to reduce the risk of them passing on this devastating staphylococcus aureus infection. 
Ending with Lyme disease, which is now endemic in many parts of the UK, they discuss the likelihood of catching this tick-bourne infection, along with how you should treat someone who presents to you with the associated erythema migrans rash. 
But, if that isn’t enough, this episode also explores antibiotic resistance, and why primary care physicians should be reserving antibiotics for the more serious infections. 
Thank you to our kind sponsor AproDerm, who provide a comprehensive range of quality emollients designed for the management of dry skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis.  
To simplify the process of finding the most suitable emollient for each patient, they have developed a remarkable solution: the AproDerm Emollient Starter Pack. This pack conveniently combines all four of their emollients in a single prescription, enabling patients to identify their ideal emollient more efficiently, aiding both compliance and adherence.  
Find out more: https://aproderm.com/aproderm-emollient-starter-pack/   
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fontus-health-ltd/  
Got some feedback for us? Please rate and review Rash Decisions to help us keep creating educational podcasts for you.  
Is there a dermatology topic you’d like us to explore? Email us at info@aproderm.com, and we’ll do our best to cover it. 
The views expressed in this podcast are of Dr George Moncrieff and Dr Roger Henderson. Fontus Health has not influenced, participated, or been involved in the programme, materials, or delivery of educational content. 
Episode Resources:  
The Lee Spark NF Foundation Education Video: https://nfsuk.org.uk/education/severe-group-a-streptococcal-infections-leading-to-necrotising-fasciitis/ 
The Lee Spark NF Foundation: https://nfsuk.org.uk/ 
Morgan, M. (2005) 'Hospital management of animal and human bites', The Journal of Hospital Infection, 61(1), pp. 1-10.  
Morgan, M. et al. (2024) 'Group A beta-haemolytic streptococcal infection in children', BMJ, 385 (8426), doi:  https://doi.org/10.1136/bmj-2023-077561

Bacterial Infections (Part 2) - A deep dive into skin infections

Can you tell the difference between erysipelas and cellulitis? Or wondered whether you’re looking at venous eczema or bilateral cellulitis? Deep bacterial skin infections can be elusive but worry not... 
In this jam-packed episode, Dr George Moncrieff and Dr Roger Henderson share their top tips for spotting some common and not so common deep bacterial skin infections along with their differential diagnosis. In just 20 short minutes they will be covering a staggering 17 bacterial infections, including:  
Erysipelas 
Cellulitis 
Venous Eczema 
Lymphangitis 
Erythrasma 
Henoch-Schönlein Purpura 
Scarlet Fever 
Syphilis 
Not only will this episode help you to identify these conditions, but it will also leave you with Dr George Moncrieff and Dr Roger Henderson's tried and tested treatment options.  
Thank you to our kind sponsor AproDerm, who provide a comprehensive range of quality emollients designed for the management of dry skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis.  
To simplify the process of finding the most suitable emollient for each patient, they have developed a remarkable solution: the AproDerm Emollient Starter Pack. This pack conveniently combines all four of their emollients in a single prescription, enabling patients to identify their ideal emollient more efficiently, aiding both compliance and adherence.  
Find out more: https://aproderm.com/aproderm-emollient-starter-pack/   
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fontus-health-ltd/  
Got some feedback for us? Please rate and review Rash Decisions to help us keep creating educational podcasts for you.  
Is there a dermatology topic you’d like us to explore? Email us at info@aproderm.com, and we’ll do our best to cover it. 
The views expressed in this podcast are of Dr George Moncrieff and Dr Roger Henderson. Fontus Health has not influenced, participated, or been involved in the programme, materials, or delivery of educational content. 

Bacterial Infections (Part 1) Top facts about bacterial skin infections

The human body is outnumbered by bacteria almost 10 to 1, and in general, we live in harmony with them. It’s a truly symbiotic relationship, however, what happens when we get an imbalanced microbiome? 
In this episode, your hosts Dr George Moncrieff and Dr Roger Henderson will answer just that, as they cover some of the common and rarer bacterial infections seen in primary care. Listen along to hear:  
Their top six facts about bacteria
How to spot common bacterial infections including, impetigo, folliculitis and furuncles along with the not so common ones like carbuncles, Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome and ecthyma 
Their management and treatment strategies, along with their prescribing choices 
General tips and advice for patients 
Thank you to our kind sponsor AproDerm, who provide a comprehensive range of quality emollients designed for the management of dry skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis.  
To simplify the process of finding the most suitable emollient for each patient, they have developed a remarkable solution: the AproDerm Emollient Starter Pack. This pack conveniently combines all four of their emollients in a single prescription, enabling patients to identify their ideal emollient more efficiently, aiding both compliance and adherence.  
Find out more: https://aproderm.com/aproderm-emollient-starter-pack/   
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fontus-health-ltd/  
Got some feedback for us? Please rate and review Rash Decisions to help us keep creating educational podcasts for you.  
Is there a dermatology topic you’d like us to explore? Email us at info@aproderm.com, and we’ll do our best to cover it. 
The views expressed in this podcast are of Dr George Moncrieff and Dr Roger Henderson. Fontus Health has not influenced, participated, or been involved in the programme, materials, or delivery of educational content. 

Topical Steroid Concerns (Part 2) - When topical steroids bite back

In this episode on Topical Steroid Concerns, Dr George Moncrieff and Dr Roger Henderson will educate and upskill you on Topical Steroid Withdrawal, also known as Red Skin Syndrome. They will be sharing their experiences and covering:  
What Topical Steroid Withdrawal is?
Who it affects
Symptoms of Topical Steroid Withdrawal
The impact that the healthcare profession has had and is continuing to have by not being alert to this condition
What needs to be done urgently to help individuals who are experiencing this devastating condition
MHRA updates following the reports to the Yellow Card Scheme 
They are also fortunate enough to be joined by Briana Banos, to get a patient-perspective on Topical Steroid Withdrawal. This raw and emotional episode is not to be missed. 
Useful resources and links: 
MHRA: Topical corticosteroid and withdrawal reactions: https://www.gov.uk/guidance/topical-corticosteroids-and-withdrawal-reactions 
MHRA: Topical steroids: introduction of new labelling and a reminder of the possibility of severe side effects, including Topical Steroid Withdrawal Reactions, available at:  https://www.gov.uk/drug-safety-update/topical-steroids-introduction-of-new-labelling-and-a-reminder-of-the-possibility-of-severe-side-effects-including-topical-steroid-withdrawal-reactions# 
ITSAN – www.itsan.org 
Scratch That – https://scratchthat.org.uk 
Thank you to our kind sponsor AproDerm, who provide a comprehensive range of quality emollients designed for the management of dry skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis. 
To simplify the process of finding the most suitable emollient for each patient, they have developed a remarkable solution: the AproDerm Emollient Starter Pack. This pack conveniently combines all four of their emollients in a single prescription, enabling patients to identify their ideal emollient more efficiently, aiding both compliance and adherence. 
Find out more: https://aproderm.com/aproderm-emollient-starter-pack/ 
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fontus-health-ltd/ 
Thank you for listening. We hope you find this podcast interesting and helpful, please leave us a review or email info@aproderm.com with any feedback on this episode or suggestions for what you would like to hear about in future podcasts. 
The views expressed in this podcast are of Dr George Moncrieff and Dr Roger Henderson. Fontus Health has not influenced, participated, or been involved in the programme, materials, or delivery of educational content. 

Topical Steroid Concerns (Part 1) - The power and pitfalls

While topical steroids are indispensable in dermatology, understanding their powers and pitfalls is essential for healthcare professionals. Listen along to hear: 
The impact of topical steroids on the skin barrier, from the thinning of the stratum corneum to the disruption of the all-important “acid mantle”. 
Insights into the accelerated absorption from long-term use and its consequences in the deeper layers of the dermis. 
Considerations for children, exploring absorption rates in relation to their body surface area to weight ratio. 
How the language we use can increase the risk of poor clinical response and treatment failure. 
The statistics around steroid allergies, and how this is often underrecognised. 
How the immune suppressing effect of topical steroids can be a real problem in the presence of skin infections.
Tune in for valuable insights that balance the power and pitfalls of topical steroids, the dermatological cornerstone for managing so many skin conditions. 
Thank you to our kind sponsor AproDerm, who provide a comprehensive range of quality emollients designed for the management of dry skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis. 
To simplify the process of finding the most suitable emollient for each patient, they have developed a remarkable solution: the AproDerm Emollient Starter Pack. This pack conveniently combines all four of their emollients in a single prescription, enabling patients to identify their ideal emollient more efficiently, aiding both compliance and adherence. 
Find out more: https://aproderm.com/aproderm-emollient-starter-pack/ 
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fontus-health-ltd/ 
Thank you for listening. We hope you find this podcast interesting and helpful, please leave us a review or email info@aproderm.com with any feedback on this episode or suggestions for what you would like to hear about in future podcasts. 
The views expressed in this podcast are of Dr George Moncrieff and Dr Roger Henderson. Fontus Health has not influenced, participated, or been involved in the programme, materials, or delivery of educational content. 

Melanomas (Part 3) - The art of melanoma spotting

In this third episode of the Rash Decisions melanoma series, Dr George Moncrieff and Dr Roger Henderson guide you through "The Art of Melanoma Spotting" in primary care. They’ll upskill you on the essential techniques for early melanoma detection, emphasising the key role of dermatoscopy and mole mapping. Our experts also share their thoughts on UVA and UVB exposure whilst exploring the complexities of sunblock usage, debunking common myths and providing practical advice for you to pass on to your patients. 
Tune in to gain the expertise needed to spot early melanomas confidently and improve patient outcomes in your practice.  
Thank you to our kind sponsor AproDerm, who provide a comprehensive range of quality emollients designed for the management of dry skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis.  
To simplify the process of finding the most suitable emollient for each patient, they have developed a remarkable solution: the AproDerm Emollient Starter Pack. This pack conveniently combines all four of their emollients in a single prescription, enabling patients to identify their ideal emollient more efficiently, aiding both compliance and adherence.  
Find out more: https://aproderm.com/aproderm-emollient-starter-pack/   
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fontus-health-ltd/  
Got some feedback for us? Please rate and review Rash Decisions to help us keep creating educational podcasts for you.  
Is there a dermatology topic you’d like us to explore? Email us at info@aproderm.com, and we’ll do our best to cover it. 
The views expressed in this podcast are of Dr George Moncrieff and Dr Roger Henderson. Fontus Health has not influenced, participated, or been involved in the programme, materials, or delivery of educational content. 
Episode Resources:  
Reduced Melanoma After Regular Sunscreen Use: Randomized Trial Follow-Up: https://ascopubs.org/doi/10.1200/JCO.2010.28.7078  

Melanomas (Part 2) - Cracking the Melanoma Code

Do you use ABCD to diagnose malignant melanomas? You may be contributing to the 84% of obviously benign melanomas that are referred to secondary care. Or even worse, you could be missing over two thirds of melanoma. 
Dr George Moncrieff and Dr Roger Henderson scrutinise ABCD in this podcast episode, working through each letter of the acronym to decipher the helpfulness of distinguishing malignant melanomas from benign lesions in primary care and explaining how much more useful E, F and G are.  
When you finish this episode you’ll feel more confident in your diagnosis with Dr Moncrieff’s comprehensive diagnostic criteria. In addition, you’ll find out when you need to decide the next steps on a lesion immediately and where you have 3 to 4 months to make a decision.
Thank you to our kind sponsor AproDerm, who provide a comprehensive range of quality emollients designed for the management of dry skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis.  
To simplify the process of finding the most suitable emollient for each patient, they have developed a remarkable solution: the AproDerm Emollient Starter Pack. This pack conveniently combines all four of their emollients in a single prescription, enabling patients to identify their ideal emollient more efficiently, aiding both compliance and adherence.  
Find out more: https://aproderm.com/aproderm-emollient-starter-pack/   
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fontus-health-ltd/  
Got some feedback for us? Please rate and review Rash Decisions to help us keep creating educational podcasts for you.  
Is there a dermatology topic you’d like us to explore? Email us at info@aproderm.com, and we’ll do our best to cover it. 
Episode Resources:  
Survival with nonmelanoma skin cancer in Germany: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26676514/  
The views expressed in this podcast are of Dr George Moncrieff and Dr Roger Henderson. Fontus Health has not influenced, participated, or been involved in the programme, materials, or delivery of educational content. 
 

Melanomas (Part 1) - Think you know melanomas? Think again!

“Over half of all our referrals to dermatology are for suspected skin cancer.  But this is the alarming thing, only 6% of those referrals turn out to be either a melanoma or a squamous cell carcinoma...” Dr George Moncrieff. 
So, as primary care physicians, how can we help to reduce the percentage of benign melanoma referrals? 
You can start by listening to this podcast where your hosts Dr George Moncrieff and Dr Roger Henderson discuss:  
The current incidence statistics for malignant melanomas and how these have changed over the past 5 decades 
Who is actually at risk? Looking at genetic make-up, age, gender, skin colour, hair colour and family history 
External risk factors, including ultraviolet light, explaining the difference between UVA and UVB 
Our approach to diagnosis, questioning if ABCDE is dangerously flawed. 
“Everyone expects us to get this one right”, (Dr Moncrieff), so this podcast episode is not one to be missed! 
Thank you to our kind sponsor AproDerm, who provide a comprehensive range of quality emollients designed for the management of dry skin conditions, including eczema, psoriasis and ichthyosis.  
To simplify the process of finding the most suitable emollient for each patient, they have developed a remarkable solution: the AproDerm Emollient Starter Pack. This pack conveniently combines all four of their emollients in a single prescription, enabling patients to identify their ideal emollient more efficiently, aiding both compliance and adherence.  
Find out more: https://aproderm.com/aproderm-emollient-starter-pack/   
LI: https://www.linkedin.com/company/fontus-health-ltd/  
Got some feedback for us? Please rate and review Rash Decisions to help us keep creating educational podcasts for you.  
Is there a dermatology topic you’d like us to explore? Email us at info@aproderm.com, and we’ll do our best to cover it. 
The views expressed in this podcast are of Dr George Moncrieff and Dr Roger Henderson. Fontus Health has not influenced, participated, or been involved in the programme, materials, or delivery of educational content. 
Episode Resources:  
International Prevalence of Indoor Tanning: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4117411/ 
An Exploration of the Use and Impact of Preventive Measures on Skin Cancer: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9025621/  
Association of UV Radiation Exposure, Diagnostic Scrutiny, and Melanoma Incidence in US Counties: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9531098/