Dermatology

Skin problems often require complex (and expensive) drugs, so how can you help?

Apricus Biosciences and its wholly owned subsidiary, NexMed USA, have received FDA approval for over-the-counter sales of antifungal drug Tolnaftate-D, containing the company's NexACT technology, which transiently loosens the tight junction between the cells of the sealed skin to allow more permeation.

Rite Aid kicked off the summer by launching a new healthy skin care campaign in partnership with the Skin Cancer Foundation. The program includes free consumer information in all Rite Aid stores and online as well as increased professional information for the chain?s pharmacists.

FDA announced new testing and labeling requirements for OTC sunscreen products that will help manufacturers better indicate those that when used with other sun protection measures reduce the risk of skin cancer and early skin aging, as well as help prevent sunburn, according to a news release issued by the agency.

Summer's outdoor fun can be complicated by poison ivy, bug bites, harsh sunlight, and other problems exacerbated by the heat and humidity. A variety of products seek to prevent or ameliorate the consequences.

Patients with diabetes who are more adherent to their therapy incur slightly lower healthcare costs, according to a recent study in the journal Health Services Research.

"This month, the Skin Cancer Foundation?s annual Road to Healthy Skin Tour will begin a journey that will take it to 80 malls, universities, and other locations. "

To help provide consumers with some protection against winter ailments, manufacturers have introduced a number of new treatments and preventives for dry lips and cold sores, as well as cold and flu medicines for children.

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.