What is clotrimazole, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Clotrimazole is an anti-fungal medication related to fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), itraconazole (Sporanox), and miconazole (Micatin, Monistat). It prevents growth of several types of fungi by preventing interfering with the production of the membrane that surrounds fungal cells. It is used topically on the …
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What is azelaic acid gel, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Azelaic acid is a topical (applied to the skin) medication used for treating acne. Its exact mechanism of action is unknown. Azelaic acid may work as an antibacterial agent that blocks protein synthesis and therefore growth of Propionibacterium acnes and other bacteria on the surface of the …
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Keratosis pilaris (KP) facts Picture of Keratosis Pilaris Atrophicans Keratosis pilaris is a very common, benign skin disorder that affects adolescents and adults. Keratosis pilaris causes numerous small, rough, tan or red little bumps around hair follicles on the upper arms, thighs, buttocks, and cheeks. Keratosis pilaris creates the appearance of gooseflesh, goose bumps, or chicken skin. Keratosis pilaris may …
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What are the definitions of mild and severe sunburns? What are their symptoms and signs? Readers Comments 4 Share Your Story Picture of acute sunburn Sunburn is the result of too much exposure to the sun, or a sun-equivalent (such as a tanning bed or other UV source). Sunburn is most common during the summer when the sun’s rays are …
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What is ketoconazole? What are the uses for ketoconazole? Ketoconazole is an azole antifungal medication used to treat certain serious fungal infections. Ketoconazole is in the same family of drugs as fluconazole (Diflucan), itraconazole (Sporanox), and miconazole (Micatin, Monistat). It prevents growth of several types of fungi by preventing production of the membranes that surround fungal cells. The FDA approved …
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What is itraconazole? What are the uses for itraconazole? Itraconazole is an anti-fungal drug used to treat fungal infections of the toenails. It is in the same class of drugs as fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral), and miconazole (Micatin, Monistat). It prevents growth of several types of fungi by preventing the fungi from producing the membranes that surround the fungal cells. …
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What is famciclovir? What are the uses for famciclovir? Famciclovir is an antiviral drug which is active against the Herpes viruses, including herpes simplex 1 and 2 (cold sores and genital herpes) and varicella-zoster (shingles and chickenpox). It belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside analogs that mimic one of the building blocks of DNA. It stops the spread …
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What is etanercept? What is etanercept used for? Etanercept is an injectable drug that is used for treating rheumatoid arthritis, ankylosing spondylitis, psoriatic arthritis and plaque psoriasis. It works by blocking tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha). Other drugs that block TNF alpha include adalimumab (Humira), certolizumab (Cimzia), golimumab (Simponi), and infliximab (Remicade). TNF alpha is a protein that the …
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Tinea versicolor facts Readers Comments 64 Share Your Story Tinea versicolor is a common fungal skin infection affecting primarily healthy people caused by a fungus found on normal human skin. There seems to be a genetic predisposition to develop tinea versicolor, the nature of which is poorly understood. Doctor easily identify tinea versicolor by examining skin scrapings under the microscope. …
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Ketoconazole cream vs. Lamisil: What’s the difference? Ketoconazole cream and Lamisil (terbinafine) are antifungal medications used to treat fungal infections such as jock itch and athlete's foot. Ketoconazole cream is also used to treat ringworm, dandruff, and tinea versicolor. Brand names for ketoconazole include Nizoral, Nizoral A-D, Ketodan, Extina, Xolegel, and Kuric. Lamisil is available as a generic and over-the-counter …
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