A high-intensity, narrow-band blue light (ClearLight -Lumenis) approved by the FDA for treatment of moderate inflammatory acne vulgaris has been featured in some stories in fashion magazines. This review describes the etiology and treatment of acne, as well as the mechanism of action, clinical studies, adverse effects, dosage and cost of the drug.

The text that follows reviews some common bacterial infections and their empiric treatment pending the results of culture and susceptibility testing. The recommendations made here are based on the results of susceptibility studies, clinical trials, and the opinions of Medical Letter reviewers. Tables 1 and 2 list the usual dosages of antibacterial drugs.

The FDA has approved the selective alpha_1A-adrenergic receptor agonist oxymetazoline as a 1% cream (Rhofade – Allergan) for topical treatment of persistent facial erythema of rosacea in adults. Brimonidine, a selective alpha₂-adrenergic receptor agonist, was approved in 2013 as a 0.33% gel (Mirvaso) for the same indication. Like Mirvaso, Rhofade is not indicated for treatment of inflammatory lesions of rosacea. Oxymetazoline has been available over the counter for many years as a nasal decongestant spray (Afrin, and others).

The FDA has approved a 5% ophthalmic solution of lifitegrast (Xiidra – Shire), a lymphocyte function-associated antigen-1 (LFA-1) antagonist, for treatment of the signs and symptoms of dry eye disease. Lifitegrast is the first LFA-1 antagonist to be approved for any indication in the US.

The FDA has approved a 10% nanoemulsion gel formulation of the porphyrin-based photosensitizer aminolevulinic acid hydrochloride (ALA; Ameluz – Biofrontera) for use in combination with a narrowband red light photodynamic therapy (PDT) lamp (BF-RhodoLED) for treatment of actinic keratoses (AKs) of mild to moderate severity on the face and scalp. A 20% ALA solution (Levulan Kerastick) approved for use in combination with blue light PDT (BLU-U) has been available in the US since 2002.

The FDA has approved cyclosporine 0.09% ophthalmic solution (Cequa – Sun) to increase tear production in patients with keratoconjunctivitis sicca (dry eye disease). Restasis, a 0.05% cyclosporine emulsion, was approved in the US in 2003 for the same indication.

The FDA has approved Cabtreo (Bausch Health), a gel containing the retinoid adapalene, the oxidizing agent benzoyl peroxide, and the antibiotic clindamycin, for treatment of acne vulgaris in patients ≥12 years old. Cabtreo is the first three-drug topical formulation to become available in the US for treatment of acne.

With increasing travel, immigration, use of immunosuppressive drugs and the spread of AIDS, physicians anywhere may see infections caused by parasites. The table in this document lists first-choice and alternative drugs for most parasitic infections.

Claims for the superiority of various calcium supplements are now appearing on television and in the print media. A high calcium intake combined with vitamin D can increase bone density and reduce the incidence of fractures in older women and probably also in men.

Concerns have arisen anew about possible use of biological weapons. The pathogens considered most likely to be used for this purpose are discussed in this article. A good source for additional information is www.usamriid.army.mil/education/bluebook.html.