Dermatology

Pharmacists are in a good position to tell patients that sand, water, snow, and clouds reflect and intensify the sun's rays, causing unsuspected sun damage, even in shade, and that protecting skin from sun damage should be incorporated into a daily routine.

Summer brings picnics, hikes, and trips to the water, along with sunburn, bug bites, and dry, itchy skin. For all that exposed skin, manufacturers offer several new skin-care aids.

FDA has approved clotrimazole cream USP 1 percent for treatment of skin itching or burning.

The National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence published clinical guidelines in December 2007 on diagnosis and management of eczema in children.

Regranex is being studied by the FDA on whether it is linked to higher rates of cancer.

Impetigo is a bacterial skin condition common in children and characterized by blisters that may itch. Now there is a new antibacterial ointment approved to treat this condition. Retapamulin (Altabax 1%, GlaxoSmithKline) is the first of a new class of antibacterials known as pleuromutilins. According to the manufacturer, no other antibacterials use the same specific mode of action.

Pharmacy is a key player in skin care. From rosacea to common skin infections and psoriasis, pharmacists are playing a growing role in the successful treatment of dermatological problems.

The first-ever guideline for the treatment of uncomplicated skin infections, produced in January of this year by a panel of six physicians with funding by Abbott Laboratories, is undergoing major revisions and may result in the production of several other algorithms for treatment by other medical specialists. So reported speakers at an Abbott-sponsored symposium in conjunction with the recent annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD) in Chicago.