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Latisse Eyelash Treatment

November 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment

Latisse is a prescription treatment for eyelash growth, approved by the Food and Drug Administration. It is available only by prescription and sold in many plastic surgeons’ office.

How does Latisse work? It lengthens, thickens and darkens eyelashes. It is manufactured by Allergan, the same company that markets Botox. Latisse contains the active ingredient that is also found in Lumigan. However, Lumigan is an eyedrop while Latisse is dabbed along the lashes on the upper eyelids once a day. It is applied with its own applicator that isn’t reusable. The package comes with 60 applicators.

After your lashes have grown for 3 to 4 months, you can slow down the application by using the drug every other day. Anyone who is unhappy with their lash length and thickness is a candidate for Latisse. According to recent studies, people who’ve used Latisse have experience a booster in: 25% increase in eyelash length, 106% increase in thickness and fullness, 18% increase in darkness of eyelashes.

The side effects include transient darkening of the skin around the eyelids and brown pigmentation of the colored part of the eye. Other symptoms include red eyes, itchy eyes, and skin hyperpigmentation. The cost for a one-month supply of Latisse is approximately $120, and is not covered by insurance.

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Nizoral

September 12, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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Also known as ketoconazole topical cream, brand name Nizoral is a medication used to treat skin infections such as athlete’s foot, jock itch, ringworm, and dandruff. It can also be used to treat a skin condition called pityriasis, a fungal infection that causes a lightening or darkening of the skin. Nizoral is an azole antifungal that works to prevent growth of fungus.

To use this topical medication, clean and dry the affected area and apply a thin film of cream to skin once or twice a day. Dosage and strength will be up to your dermatologist’s diagnose of your condition. Do not apply this medication to the eyes, nose, or mouth. If this medication does get into your eyes, rinse thoroughly with copious amounts of water.

Side effects include stinging, swelling, irritation, or redness of the treated area. If any of these symptoms persists, notify your dermatologist immediately. Also notify your dermatologist also if blistering or open sores occur.

Nizoral is a prescription medication and cannot be purchased over the counter.

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Metrogel

September 8, 2010 By 1 Comment
metrogel

Also known as Metrocream, Metrolotion, and Noritate, Metrogel is a topical cream with a main ingredient called metronidazole, used on the skin to treat rosacea. This medication is an antibiotic that helps decrease redness, inflammation, and the number of pimples caused by rosacea. Some versions of this medication also contains sunscreen protection.

To use Metrogel, apply onto the affected area. Wash and dry your hands before and after applying the medication. Also wash and dry the area to be treated. Wait about 10-15 minutes before applying a thin layer of medication. Repeat this routine once more daily. Remember to wait 5-10 minutes before applying cosmetics.

Doctors advise users to avoid the eye area when using the medication because it could irritate your eyes. If this does occur, rinse your eyes with copious amounts of water.

It should take about 3 weeks before noticeable improvement is seen, and up to 9 weeks before a full improvement takes place. If there are no shown improvements after 3 weeks, please consult your dermatologist.

Side effects include stinging, burning, skin irritation, dryness, redness, metallic taste, nausea, or headache may occur. It is good to keep in mind that the benefits of this medication will outweigh the side effects; many people who use Metrogel do not experience serious side effects. However, if you experience tingling or numbness in the hands and feet, notify your doctor immediately.

Allergic reactions to Metrogel are unlikely; however, seek medical attention if rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing occurs.

Metrogel is a prescription drug and can only be purchased with a dermatologist’s approval.

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Take a Sip: Why Green Tea is Good For The Skin

August 8, 2010 By Leave a Comment
green-tea

Drinking Green Tea Benefits Skin

Have you ever heard of the advantages of green tea? Plenty of antioxidants, correct? Well, you might not know that green tea has powerful positive effects when it comes to skin. In fact, many skin care products today use active ingredients found in green tea itself. Keep reading to find out various benefits of green tea for your skin.

Benefit #1:

Green tea has antioxidants that fight damage caused by free radicals. Free radicals can be found in UV radiation from sunlight, which causes skin aging.

Benefit #2:

Green tea may help prevent cancer—skin cancer. A 2003 study by the American Chemical Society argues that drinking green tea will help prevent cancer cells such as the harmful enzyme junk-2.

Benefit #3

Green tea rejuvenates skin cells. No it won’t stop aging, but it will increase elasticity and reduce the appearance of fine lines.

Benefit #4

Green tea fights inflammation. If you have sensitive skin and often get red, then drinking green tea may help soothe and calm your skin.

Benefit #5

Green tea helps acne! Yes, you heard it right. Green tea has ingredients that fight bacteria and decrease hormone activity. These are the two leading causes of acne buildup.

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Clobetasol: A Topical Medication

August 6, 2010 By Leave a Comment
Clobetasol-Propionate-Gentamicin-Miconazole-Ni

Clobetasol is a topical cream medication that treats itching, redness, dryness, crusting, scaling, inflammation and discomfort of various skin disorders. This medication is most commonly used to treat eczema, dermatitis, allergies, and rashes. It is a very strong and potent form of corticosteroid.

It comes in the form of cream for use on skin and lotion for use on scalp. Clobetasol is used once or twice a day. It is used exactly as directed by the prescription label. Do not use more or less of it.

Like most topical medications, make sure to clean the infected area thoroughly before gently rubbing the medication in until most of it disappears. Wash your hands immediately after applying the medication. Clobetasol can cause harmful effects if it is absorbed into your body.

Other side effects include itching, burning, or irritation on the area treated. Brand names of Clobetasol include Cormax, Clobevate, Embeline, Olux, and Temovate.

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Elidel: Topical Medication

August 5, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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Elidel, whose generic name is pimecrolimnus, is an immunosuppressant that works by decreasing the body’s immune system. This topical medication is used to slow down the growth of atopic dermatitis, also known as eczema. Elidel is only used to treat patients who cannot use other medications for eczema.

How Should You Use Elidel?

This medication is for skin use only, and has to follow dermatologist-prescribed instructions. It is not meant for large doses or long-term use. You should stop using the medicine once your symptoms have cleared up. Remember for wash your hands before and after using Elidel. Apply the cream to clean, dry skin and rub in gently. Do not cover the treated area with a bandage. Do not bathe, shower, or swim right after applying Elidel.

Side effects are mild and include: burning, stinging, tingling, or soreness. There can also be signs of swollen hair follicles, acne, upset stomach, muscle pain, headache or runny nose. More serious side effects might also occur such as fever, chills, body aches, and swollen glands. In this case, you must get emergency medical help immediately.

When using Elidel, it is best to avoid other skin products that haven’t been approved by your dermatologist. Also avoid sunlight, sun lamps, tanning beds and phototheraphy treatments. If you plan to be outdoors, please wear appropriate clothing to protect your treated area.

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Bactroban: The Alternative to Neosporin

August 3, 2010 By Leave a Comment
BACTROBAN

Bactroban is a brand name medication for mupirocin, an antibiotic that treats skin infections caused by bacteria. It is not effective against fungal and viral infections.

Bactroban comes in ointment form and is applied to the infected area. It is usually applied 3 times a day for 1 to 2 weeks. Do not use more or less of it or use it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Make sure to wash the affected skin area first before applying bactroban. Gently appy a small amount to the infection and cover the area with a bandage or gauze. Do not apply bactroban to your eyes, mouth, nose or burns.

Side effects to Bactroban only include burning, stinging, pain, itching or rash. Before using Bactroban, please find out from your doctor if you are allergic to mupirocin or any other drugs. Also notify your doctor if you are taking other medications or are pregnant.

If you miss a dose for whatever reasons, apply the missed does as soon as you remember it. But if it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dose schedule. Do not apply a double dose at once.

You can purchase Bactroban at any convenience store, drug store, or supermarket.

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Get On the Pill? A Different Way to Combat Acne

July 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment
popular-birth-control

Birth control pills, also known as oral contraceptive pills, are typically considered when acne does not respond to the other prescription treatments. Currently there are three estrogen-progestin birth control pills that are approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration) to effectively treat acne in women:

Ethinyl estradiol and norgestimate (Ortho Tri-Cyclen)

Ethinyl estradiol and norethindrone (Estrostep)

Ethinyl estradiol and drospirenone (Yaz)

Birth control pills work for acne by reducing the amount of sebum, the oily substance that makes your skin cells build up in hair follicles. Because the pill will only target the sebum, which is only one cause of acne, it is best to use other treatments alongside the pill to treat acne more effectively. You might have to wait several months to see noticeable result with birth control and your skin might get worse before getting better.

Using birth control to treat acne is generally safe and effective; however, they are not for everyone. Side effects include:

  • Headaches
  • Change in menstrual flow
  • Potential fetal problems, if taken when pregnant
  • Breast tenderness
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Decreased sex drive
  • Depression

Ladies, talk to your doctor about whether birth control is suitable for you since there are a lot to choose from. Also, you might want to reconsider a different acne treatment if you have a health history of cardiovascular disease, breast or liver cancer, or blood clots.

Filed Under: acne, Products, Skin Health, Treatment Tagged With: ,

Treating Acne With Antibiotics

July 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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You might wonder, how do antibiotics work to treat acne? The most important function of an antibiotic is to decrease the number of bacteria in the follicles. They also reduce irritating chemicals as well as the concentration of free fatty acids in the sebum. Here is a list of the most commonly used antibiotics.

  • Tetracycline: the most widely prescribed antibiotic for acne. IT is the least expensive and has few side effects. It must be taken on an empty stomach either half an hour before a meal or 2 hours after a meal and should not interact with antacids or milk. Common side effects include sun sensitivity, skin pigmentation, gastrointestinal irritation, and teeth staining. It has been prove to show 25% improvement on acne in 1 month.
  • Erythromycin: the antibiotic is also very commonly used and has several advantages over tetracycline. It is an anti-inflammatory property that helps reduce redness and can be taken with food. Side effects include upset stomach and nausea but is not harmful for pregnant women.
  • Minocycline: a tetracycline derivative that is especially useful for pustular type acne. This is best taken on an empty stomach and should not be used if you are pregnant or breast-feeding. Side effects include dizziness, nausea, vomiting, skin pigmentation, and teeth discoloration.
  • Doxycycline: this is a good alternative for those who cannot take erythromycin or tetracycline. It should be taken with food or else could cause severe nausea. Other side effects include: sun and light sensitivity as well as indigestion and diarrhea. You should not take this drug during pregnancy or breast-feeding.
  • Clindamycin: a semi-synthetic antibiotic topical treatment that destroys P Acnes, which is acne-causing bacteria. It is normally used to treat serious bacterial infections. Side effects include dryness and irritation. When using this treatment, it is very important to follow careful instructions so that the bacteria do not develop resistance.

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Do It Yourself: Over-The-Counter Topical Treatments For Acne

July 25, 2010 By Leave a Comment
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There are many different ways to go about treating acne. Looking at over-the-counter products is a great first step for easy and mild treatment of acne.

Benzoyl Peroxide: an over-the-counter (OTC) agent that comes in cream, gel, and wash form. It kills P. acnes, helps remove excess oils and dead skin cells that clog pore. It’s available in strengths varying from 2.5 to 10 percent. It may take up to 4-6 weeks to see the full effects of this medication. Commonly used brand names include: Clearasil, Oxy-10, Fostex, Persa-Gel

Salicylic Acid: This treatment slows the shedding of cells inside hair follicles, preventing pores from clogging it. It also breaks down whiteheads and blackheads. This OTC product comes in strengths 0.5 to 2 percent most commonly seen in pad applicator forms. Commonly used brand names include: Stri-dex, Clearasil Clearstick, Oxy Night Watch, BenzaClin, Retin-A

Sulfur: This OTC removes dead skin cells that clog pores and helps remove excess oil. It comes in various washes, soaps, and creams and generally peels and dries the skin. Some side effects include an unpleasant odor, skin discoloring, and redness. Sulfur is often combined with other ingredients such as salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, or resorcinol. Commonly used brand names include: Clearasil Adult Care

Resorcinol: this OTC product is used to treat acne, eczema and psoriasis among other skin conditions. It’s generally combined with other acne medications and rarely stands alone. Resorcinol helps break down hard, rough skin that causes black and whiteheads. Resorcinol can cause skin irritation, redness and peeling because of its harsh nature. Commonly used brand names include: Clearsil Adult Care, DiebetAid Anti-Itch

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