AAD releases list of skin-related procedures not always necessary

The American Academy of Dermatology has released a list of five skin-related procedures and treatments dermatologists have determined are not always necessary for patients’ effective care.

The recommendations, identified by a group of board-certified dermatologists as those areas with the greatest potential for overuse or misuse, are part of “Choosing Wisely,” an initiative of the ABIM Foundation, according to a news release.

The procedures include not:

prescribing oral antifungal therapy for suspected nail fungus without fungal infection confirmation
performing sentinel lymph node biopsy or other diagnostic tests for evaluating early, thin melanoma because they do not improve survival
using Mohs micrographic surgery to treat uncomplicated, nonmelanoma skin cancer less than 1 cm in size on the trunk and extremities
using oral antibiotics to treat atopic dermatitis without clinical evidence of infection
routinely using topical antibiotics on a surgical wound

Brett M. Coldiron

“The American Academy of Dermatology is strongly committed to dermatologists serving as effective stewards of limited health care resources by assisting patients in making informed health care decisions,” Brett M. Coldiron, MD, FAAD, incoming president of the academy, said in the press release. “This Choosing Wisely list can help patients save time and money by avoiding medical treatments and tests their conditions may not require.”

The AAD’s Council on Science and Research and its board of directors approved the final list.