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,...
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...
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 This medication was withdrawn from the US market on March 30, 2007, but it available on a very limited basis for restricted use.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...
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...
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...
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....
What is dandruff? Share Your Story Dandruff (also known as seborrheic dermatitis) is a scalp condition, usually chronic, in which skin on the scalp forms flakes that are then shed from the scalp. These flakes consist of dead cells, and while it is normal for dead cells to be shed, with dandruff, a large number...
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...
Face lift facts Facelift surgery helps to make the face appear younger. Results last approximately ten years. Recovery time is usually one week but activities can begin the day after surgery. Pain and discomfort are usually minimal. Additional procedures to supplement the facelift may be necessary for the best results. What is facelift surgery Readers...
Electrolysis is a way of removing individual hairs from the face or body. Today’s medical electrolysis devices destroy the growth center of the hair with chemical or heat energy. A very fine probe is inserted into the hair follicle at the surface of the skin. The hair is then removed with tweezers. What Causes Unwanted...