What are the differences between Tazorac and isotretinoin? Tazorac (tazarotene) and isotretinoin are medications used to treat acne. Tazorac is also used to treat psoriasis. A difference is that Tazorac is a topical medication (applied to the skin) and isotretinoin is taken orally. Tazorac was withdrawn from the U.S. market, but it is available on …
Read More »
Ketoconazole vs. Selenium Sulfide Ketoconazole and selenium sulfide are antifungal agents used to treat itching, flaking, scaling, and dry skin on the scalp due to dandruff. Ketoconazole and selenium sulfide are also used for treating seborrhea (a red, itchy rash) and tinea versicolor, a fungal infection of the skin. Brand names for ketoconazole include Nizoral, Nizoral A-D, Ketodan, Extina, Xolegel, …
Read More »
What is Augmentin (amoxicillin and clavulanic acid)? How does it work? Augmentin contains amoxicillin and clavulanic acid. Amoxicillin is an antibiotic of the penicillin type. It is effective against some bacteria such as H. influenzae, N. gonorrhea, E. coli, Pneumococci, Streptococci, and certain strains of Staphylococci. Chemically, it is closely related to penicillin and ampicillin. Amoxicillin stops bacteria from multiplying …
Read More »
What is PUVA? Share Your Story PUVA is an acronym. The P stands for psoralen, the U for ultra, the V for violet, and the A for that portion of the solar spectrum between 320 and 400 nanometers in wavelength. Psoralens are chemicals found in certain plants that have the ability to absorb ultraviolet light in the UVA portion of …
Read More »
What is tazarotene-topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? This medication was withdrawn from the US market on March 30, 2007, but it available on a very limited basis for restricted use. Women who would like to be considered for this medication should contact their doctor for an evaluation. Tazarotene is a topical acne and psoriasis medication. The …
Read More »
What is pramoxine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Pramoxine is a topical (used on the skin) anesthetic (numbing agent). Topical anesthetics are chemicals that interfere with the function of the nerves that sense pain. Pramoxine may be used in persons who are allergic to other local anesthetics such as lidocaine, procaine, or benzocaine. Is it available as …
Read More »
What is efalizumab, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Efalizumab is a synthetic (man-made) antibody that is used for the treatment of psoriasis. Psoriasis is a disease of the skin in which the cells of the skin reproduce more rapidly than normal. This increased reproduction is thought to be stimulated by activation of the immune system, in particular, …
Read More »
Summary Share Your Story Acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis is a skin condition characterized by fever, inflammation of the joints (arthritis), and painful skin lesions that appear mainly on the face, neck, back and arms. Although middle-aged women are most likely to develop this condition, it may also affect men, older adults and even infants. The exact cause of acute febrile …
Read More »
What is sun protection? Sun protection is simply guarding a body from the adverse effects of sunlight. Aside from the hazards of heat, the sun poses the danger of sunburn, which can permanently damage the skin and cause skin cancer, precancerous changes in the skin, as well as premature wrinkling and signs of aging. Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the …
Read More »
Introduction Laser resurfacing is a treatment to reduce facial wrinkles and skin irregularities, such as blemishes or acne scars. The technique directs short, concentrated pulsating beams of light at irregular skin, precisely removing skin layer by layer. This popular procedure is also called lasabrasion, laser peel, or laser vaporization. Who Is a Good Candidate For Laser Resurfacing? If you have …
Read More »