Updated labeling for eczema drugs, Elidel and Protopic
Now Playing: Updated labeling for eczema drugs, Elidel and Protopic
Topic: Eczema Treatments

There is an approval of updated labeling for two topical eczema drugs, Elidel Cream (pimecrolimus) and Protopic Ointment (tacrolimus).

The labeling will be updated with a boxed warning about a possible risk of cancer and a Medication Guide (FDA-approved patient labeling) will be distributed to help ensure that patients using these prescription medicines are aware of this concern.

The new labeling also clarifies that these drugs are recommended for use as second-line treatments. This means that other prescription topical medicines should be tried first.

Use of these drugs in children under 2 years of age is not recommended.

Eczema or atopic dermatitis is one of the most common skin disorders seen in infants and children, affecting 10 to 15 percent of the childhood population.

Although the cause of atopic dermatitis is not known, it is thought that there may be an allergic or immune mediated component.

Patients have chronic itching and dry skin, which results in redness and damage to the skin due to rubbing and scratching.

Both products are applied to the skin to help control eczema. It is not known exactly how the products work, but they have various effects on the body's immune system.

"We are taking steps to ensure that healthcare providers and patients are aware of the possible long-term risks of these products so that they will be used appropriately", said Dr. Steven Galson, Director of FDA's Center for Drug Evaluation and Research (CDER).

The Medication Guide will provide consumer friendly information to patients about how to use the drugs safely. Pharmacists are required to provide the Medication Guide to patients when dispensing the drug. Patients are advised to read the entire Medication Guide and talk to their healthcare provider if they have further questions.

Novartis manufactures Elidel cream and Astellas Pharma, Inc (formerly Fujisawa Healthcare) is the manufacturer of Protopic ointment.

Source: http://www.spiritindia.com/health-care-news-articles-1735.html 

Wrinkles and antioxidants - Vitamin A Topical Products
Now Playing: Wrinkles and antioxidants - Vitamin A Topical Products
Topic: Acne Treatments

Vitamin A is important for skin health and UV radiation produces deficiencies in the skin. Topical products containing natural forms of vitamin A (retinol, retinaldehyde) or vitamin A derivatives called retinoids (tretinoin, tazarotene) have proven to be beneficial for skin damaged by the sun and also by natural aging.

Tretinoin (Retin-A). Tretinoin (known commercially as Retin-A) is the only topical agent approved for treating photoaging and is available in prescription form (Avita, Renova, Differin). This agent produces a rosy glow and reduces fine and large wrinkles, liver spots, and surface roughness. It also may help prevent more serious effects of ultraviolet radiation. Tretinoin may be applied to face, neck, chest, hands, and forearm and should be applied at least twice a week. Noticeable improvement takes from two to six months. Because Retin-A increases a person's sensitivity to the sun, a thin coat is best administered at bedtime. A sunblock should be worn during the day, and overexposure to the sun should be avoided.

Almost all patients experience redness, scaling, burning, and itching after two or three days that can last up to three months. In women who experience irritation, a daytime moisturizer or low-dose corticosteroid cream, such as 1% hydrocortisone, may help. There is some concern that overuse of high-dose tretinoin may cause excessive skin thinness over time. Studies now suggest that low concentrations (as low as .02%) of tretinoin can produce significant improvements in wrinkles and skin color, with less irritation than at higher doses. Oral tretinoin causes birth defects, and women should avoid even topical Retin-A when pregnant or trying to conceive.

Retinol. Retinol, a natural form of vitamin A, could not, until recently, be used in skin products because it was unstable and easily broken down by UV radiation. Stable preparations are now sold over the counter. In the right concentrations, retinol may be as effective as tretinoin and studies indicate that it has fewer side effects. An animal study suggests that adding antioxidant creams (such as those containing vitamins C or E) may offer added protection against degradation of retinol, but not tretinoin. The FDA warns that over-the-counter retinol skin products are unregulated; the amount of active ingredients is unknown, and some preparations, in fact, may contain almost no retinol.

Tazarotene. Tazarotene (Tazorac, Zorac) is a retinoid used for acne and psoriasis. One short-term study suggested that it may be as effective as tretinoin and even slightly better at high doses. At such high doses, however, it can cause very severe irritation. Redness and peeling may be reduced by administering tretinoin first to get the skin acclimated. More research is needed to determine if it produces any long-lasting significant benefits. As with any vitamin A derivative, it should be avoided by pregnant women and those who may become pregnant.

Source: http://www.spiritindia.com/health-care-news-articles-1525.html 

Quick Acne Treatments Exposed
Now Playing: The Truth Behind Miracle Acne Cures
Topic: Acne Treatments

Can acne be cured quickly and without effort? Is there really a revolutionary acne treatment overlooked by the medical establishment that wipes off acne in days? Life long acne researcher and former sufferer Mike Walden uncovers the truth behind common miracle acne treatments.

The difference between simple and easy

If someone has mild to moderate acne that is uncommonly triggered by allergy to certain foods, then they can often begin to clear their acne very quickly and easily, relative to their previous disappointing results. All they have to do is improve their nutrition by eliminating these acne-aggravating foods and a quantum leap can often be made.

With that distinction made, let me state unequivocally that achieving permanent clear skin is never really "easy". There is always effort and discipline involved, as there is with any worthwhile achievement. Endlessly searching for an easier way, a fairy tale quick fix, a miracle cure, a holy grail, is a misguided quest and it will lead you nowhere.

Curing acne is very simple, but for most people it is not easy. There's a big difference between simple and easy: "Simple" means the process is not complicated - if you do x and y you'll get the desired result. "Easy" implies that something can be done with little or no effort. Anyone who tells you they've discovered an "easy" or "very quick" way to clear acne is simply and boldly lying.

You can only reap what you sow

Achieving lasting clear skin requires two things:

1) You must be willing to put some effort

2) You must be patient

The problem with many people is that they are terrified from anything that appears to involve some work. They’re always looking for short cuts. As soon as they see something that promises to cure their acne "quickly," "easily," "effortlessly," "while they sleep," and so on, they whip out their wallets and take the bait.

Make no mistake; people who are prone to acne and have beautiful clear skin, especially celebrities and famous models, have worked very hard to get where they are. Many famous people with acne prone skin who now have flawless complexions have made a sacrifice to get there.

It's an absolute law of the universe that you can't get something for nothing. Your acne will fade away and your skin will become clear and glowing in direct proportion to the amount of effort you put in. You can only reap what you sow.

The 5 crucial components to an effective clear skin plan

An effective clear skin program must have five crucial components:

1. Internal and external cleansing

2. Internal strengthening and rejuvenating

3. Hormonal balancing

4. Lifestyle optimization

5. Goal setting and motivation

Except for those with acne triggered by allergies to food, it‘s extremely difficult (if not impossible) for most people to achieve permanent clear skin in days and without effort.

So there you have it. You have a solution. It's simple (just follow the steps) but it's not always easy. From here you decide what to do with your acne and your health. Like everything, in the end, it all comes down to your choices.

Source: http://www.americanchronicle.com/ 

 

Skin care formulation based on volcanic sulfur targets acne
Now Playing: Skin care formulation based on volcanic sulfur targets acne
Topic: Skin Care Tips

A prestige skin care provider is targeting the US market for acne treatments with the launch of a cosmeutical line comprising a kit containing  four products based on volcanic sulfur and other ingredients indigenous to Indonesia.

It is, to say the least, unusual that a personal care company is targeting the US market with Indonesian-sourced ingredients, something that is made even more remarkable by the fact that the skin care range contains a volcanic sulfur.


Sulfur is a naturally-sourced mineral that contains anti-microbial, anti-fungal and antiseptic characteristic ideal for treated bacteria-related conditions such as acne vulgaris.

Evidently the use of sulfur to treat acne dates back to ancient Greece, during the time of Hippocrates, and has also been used to treat other skin conditions such as rosacea, dermatitis, warts and dandruff.

But with the US market for natural-based skin care treatments opening up to all sorts of increasingly obscure possibilities, effective natural-based ingredients from any all over the world and increasingly obscure sources are being sort by consumers eager to try new products that avoid harsh chemicals.

Although the anti-acne line containing the volcanic sulfur is not new, the kit, containing four products to simultaneously target the treatment of acne is.

Launched last month at the NACDS Marketplace Show in Boston, it contains an Anti-Acne Soap with 10 per cent volcanic sulfur, an Astringent Oil Remover, a 6.6 per cent Sulfur Lotion, and a Spot Treatment.

The combination of the four products is said to cleanse the skin, in turn removing dirt that causes bacteria to form, as well as treating and targeting the prevention of future acne eruptions.

Developed by Indonesian dermatologist Eddie Joesoef, who has been involved in skincare for more than 40 years and is also the CEO of Joeseof Skin Care, the company also markets anti-aging, anti-dandruff and skin care products.

These lines are marketed through the company's website, amazon.com as well as Harris Teeter Grocery stores, throughout the US. 

Source: http://www.cosmeticsdesign.com/ 

Acne Scars: Discover the Best Way to Remove Your Acne Marks in 5 Simple Steps
Now Playing: Acne Scars: Discover the Best Way to Remove Your Acne Marks in 5 Simple Steps
Topic: Acne Treatments

You live in a world of customization. You can customize your hair color, manicure type, vehicle, health care plan and most certainly, your acne scar removal regime. But before you take one step in customizing anything- you plan. When it comes to getting rid of acne marks, you can plan to delete traces of your previous acne affliction in five time and money saving steps.

Step 1: Define your acne scarring situation

Measuring improvements require that you first assess your scarring situation. To find your most ideal acne scar correcting product, you need to clearly define the type(s) of cicatrices you wish to minimize.

Types of acne scarring include:

Hyperpigmented spots- round, flat, darkened spots that remain after an acne lesion heals. In some instances, darkened acne spots can fade on their on in 2-12 months.

Pock marks, ice-pick scars- these scars are indentations in the skin that result from loss of skin and fat tissue that occurred during the formation and healing of inflamed acne pustules or cysts.

Rolling acne scarring- enlarged pores and the roughened skin texture that results from extended periods of moderate to severe acne.

Hypertrophic scars- round, raised scar tissue that results from excess collagen growth during the acne lesion healing process. This is generally the least common type of acne scarring.

Step 2: Decide what changes you would like to see in your skin

If you have acne scarring, you most likely want your skin to look as if you never had acne. That's understandable. To make this scar disappearing act happen, you first need to precisely determine what changes you want to see with your scarring. For example, you may want to fade dark spots, and smooth away indented pock marks and ice-pick scars.

Step 3: Determine your budget and time commitment to improving your skin

You have numerous cosmetic and medicinal options for correcting acne scars. However, before dipping into your wallet, you want to ensure that One: You devised a budget to fully fund your scar removal method and Two: You have the time it will require to successfully benefit from your chosen scar removal methods.

To illustrate, lets say that you wanted to soften a hypertrophic acne scar. Your scar removal budget is $500US and time commitment is two months. With these figures, you could witness improvements in your raised scar by receiving two-20 minute- flashlamp-pumped pulsed dye laser (PDL) treatments within two months.

Conversely, if your scar removal budget was $50 and you had about 2-5 months to see improvements in this hypertrophic scar, you could use a $19 silicon or polyurethane patch. You usually need to wear these patches daily for 12 hours and each patch costs roughly a dollar. This brings the costs for your silicon patch based hypertrophic scar removal to about $60-$150US for two to five months of daily treatment.

Step 4: Match the acne scar removal treatment to your specific scar type

Not all scar removal treatments perform the same job. For instance, the silicon patch may fabulously flatten hypertrophic tissue, but could aggravate rolling acne scars. Similarly, while a deep chemical peel can reduce the depth of pock mocks, the same peel may have no effect on raised scarring. Here's a basic guideline for matching acne scars with the ideal acne scar removal treatment.

Hyperpigmented spots- chemical peels, skin lighteners, intense pulsed light treatments

Pock marks, ice-pick scars- dermabrasion treatments, deep chemical peels, advanced laser treatments administered by a trained professional.

Rolling acne scarring- chemical peels, skin tightening laser treatments

Hypertrophic scars- laser treatments, silicon patches, scar creams

Step 5: Consistent product usage

Once you've done steps one through four, all you need to do now is use the acne scar removal products and/or treatments consistently and as directed until your see optimal changes in your skin.

While having a “plan” for changing your skin may seem awkward, chances are this simple guideline will help remove doubts about freeing yourself of acne scars while saving yourself precious time and money. Moreover, a report in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology reported that having a regime while performing popular acne scar removal treatments like alpha hydroxy peels enhanced patient compliance and peel results. Why not treat yourself to an acne scar reducing plan.

Source: http://www.americanchronicle.com/ 

 

Vitamin A to rescue on wrinkles
Now Playing: Vitamin A to rescue on wrinkles
Topic: Acne Treatments
A small study has shown it may be possible to reverse somewhat the wrinkling of old age. The research suggests that topical application of retinol, a form of vitamin A, could make older people less prone to skin ulcerations and poor healing of wounds.

Three dozen white people, average age 87, had a skin moisturizer laced with retinol applied to one of their inner arms a couple of times a week for six months. A placebo was applied to the other arm. Neither the researcher who rubbed on the lotions nor the participants knew what was being applied.

By the end of the testing period, fine wrinkling - assessed on a scale from zero for none to nine for severe - declined considerably on the retinol- treated skin, from an average of 7.25 to 5.61.

The researchers speculated that the retinol increased the production of collagen, which helps make skin elastic, and of glycosaminoglycan, which retains water.

Most of the 36 participants experienced some redness or itchiness where the retinol had been applied, though only three found these reactions severe enough to withdraw from the study.

Retinoic acid, a different form of vitamin A, is used to treat acne and sunlight-damaged skin. Sold under Retin- A and other brands, it is unsuitable for geriatric patients, the researchers noted, because of the irritation it often causes.

Source: http://www.thestandard.com.hk/ 

Elidel User went through ?Living Hell?
Now Playing: Elidel User went through ?Living Hell?
Topic: Eczema Treatments

The Rev. Johnny Henderson, interviewed in late April for a story by award-winning investigative reporter Jeremy Rogalski, of CBS Houston affiliate station KHOU-TV, describes what followed his Elidel treatment as "a living hell".

The television report, which aired April 26, 2007, includes a number of photographs showing in stark detail the discolorations and what appear to be growths covering much of Henderson's face and body after he used Elidel, a topical cream prescribed by his doctor to treat eczema.

Did Elidel create a monster?
Henderson describes himself as "a monster" in the photographs, which he says show his condition when it was at its worst. View a videotape of the entire report.

Henderson says he used Elidel for a few months, and it did help his eczema. But then he began to notice a problem: "Everywhere that I applied it on my body, that's where the rashes came."

He was ultimately diagnosed with cancer, and underwent months of cancer treatment.Henderson says there was never any warning of such a potentially serious side effect at the time he was prescribed the drug.

The FDA Warning
In January, 2006, the FDA ordered that a "black box" warning (the highest warning level for potential side effects of a drug) be included in the labeling on packaging for both tacrolimus (Protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel).

However, both drugs continue to be manufactured and sold for the treatment of eczema. (It is estimated that ten per cent of the world's population suffers from eczema, a chronic condition causing the skin to become dry, itchy and easily irritated. Eczema tends to "run in the family". It's not contagious, but it can be genetically transferred from one generation of a family to the next.)

Protopic was approved in December 2000 and Elidel in December 2001. Following their approval, the FDA received reports of lymphoma and skin cancer in children and adults treated with the drugs, although the connection between the cancers and the drugs had not been clearly established. Based on the advice of the FDA Pediatric Advisory Committee, the FDA ordered the black box warning to be included in the labeling of the two drugs.

Since the FDA mandated the warning for Elidel and Protopic, prescriptions for these two drugs have declined sharply. Some clinicians are now reluctant to prescribe the medications, which were once used widely in treatment of eczema.

Cancer is a scary word...
Others, like Patricia Witman, M.D., chief of pediatric dermatology at Ohio State University/Columbus Children's Hospital, Columbus, Ohio, take the position that there is no proof that these medications caused cancers, although data relating to long-term use is not yet in.

"The sense I have is that dermatologists are still prescribing these agents," Dr. Witman said, in an interview with Nancy A. Melville of Dermatology Times reported in April, 2007. "I am still prescribing them, but I am spending a lot of time counseling patients about these drugs. My prescribing practice hasn't changed, but my counseling practice has changed."

Dr. Melville says she has prescribed the agents as second-line therapy after a first-line therapy attempt with topical corticosteroids has failed or can't be used in a given case. She says:" I feel obligated to let patients know about the potential side effects. Cancer is a scary word to patients, and we don't know everything about these medications yet."

Source: http://www.lawyersandsettlements.com/articles/00869/elidel-hell.html 

Costs, downtime vary or nonsurgical methods
Now Playing: TOPICAL TREATMENTS
Topic: Acne Treatments

Prescription skin products such as Renova and Retin-A work on fine lines and fine wrinkles. Hydroquinone, with repeated use, can lighten sun spots. Nonprescription products, such as the Obagi, Glytone and Skin Medica lines sold in doctors' offices, offer less dramatic, but still significant results in evening out the skin tone and easing fine lines.

These will help hyperpigmentation (sunspots or uneven skin tone) but won't help deep wrinkles and skin that has lost plumpness because of age, or excessive sagging.

Better than Botox?
Now Playing: Proven to reduce lines and wrinkles
Topic: Anti Aging Skin Care

Thousands of women are now taking the plunge and going for Botox treatments.

And it’s easy to see why. It’s simply that Botox really does work. It plumps up the skin, so reducing lines and wrinkles. It therefore leaves your complexion noticeably firmer and visibly smoother.

The treatment is very popular among celebrities, and you can see the results from the photographs in the magazines. And the TV makeover programmes show the difference it makes to ordinary women. Quite simply, it really does help to make you look 10 years younger.

But there are two major problems with Botox. The first is that it is invasive. It involves a series of injections directly into the facial tissue. At best this can be uncomfortable. At worst it can be downright painful.

And because it is invasive, it is considered to be surgery. It should therefore only be carried out by a medical practitioner in properly equipped medical facilities. Which makes each treatment very expensive.

So what if we had a treatment that worked in the same way as Botox, but was not invasive? And because it was not invasive, you could have the treatment at your favourite beauty salon?

This is the beauty of the new Myoxinol treatment. This uses specially developed collagen masks that efficiently deliver Myoxinol deep into the skin. Myoxinol comes from the hibiscus seed. These plant peptides combat lines and wrinkles in a similar way to botulinumtoxin (Botox).

What is more, due to its biological effect, Myoxinol decelerates the process of biological skin ageing by its cell protecting (antioxidant) effects.

Finally, the collagen of the mask is a natural element of the human skin that is responsible for moisture retention, elasticity and smoothness. It therefore balances out the complexion and gives a fresh, youthful look.

So as well as being proven to reduce lines and wrinkles, the Myoxinol treatment also rehydrates and protects against skin ageing. In this respect, I therefore believe that it is better than Botox. And the Myoxinol treatment is available for a little more than £30, whereas Botox can cost more than £300.

I have tried out this treatment on several of my clients, and they have been absolutely delighted with the results. Here are some of their comments : “feels pleasantly firm and tight” “plumped up my cheeks and got rid of the fine lines” “the puffiness under my eyes disappeared”

So if you are thinking about Botox, then perhaps you might first like to give the Myoxinol treatment a try.

Source: http://www.peterborough.net/lifestyle/articles/facial100.asp 

 

Feed Your Face to Look Younger
Now Playing: Topical treatments for skin
Topic: Skin Care Tips
If you feel like your age is showing up in your skin the fountain of youth might be right in your refrigerator.

Topical treatments that help ease the signs of aging by plumping up the skin and help re-build its elasticity are pretty popular right now.

Skin Specialist Robin Drake said, “We've done everybody from 14-year-old girls to 70-year-old women--so it's all age ranges and skin types.”

While those topical treatments can help, a few foods might matter most. A new report says beauty from the inside out might have a lot to do with what you feed your face.

Researchers say that there five nutrients all of us need to feed our face, when it comes to beauty from the inside out.

Registered Dietitian Nancy Zwick said these skin nutrients work inside the body as anti-oxidants, chemicals that can help fight free radicals that build up in the body. She recommends that people eat five fruits and vegetables all the time to get anti-oxidants these in.

The specific five, recommend by a recent summary report in Natural Health include:
1. Vitamin A, found in carrots to reduce sun damage.
2. Vitamin B5, found in cauliflower to help in healing
3. Vitamin C, found in oranges to help smooth the skin
4. Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids, found in walnuts and sunflower seeds for skin moisture
5. Zinc, found in mushrooms to reduce acne breakouts

For best anti-aging results, eat these with a variety of other foods in moderation.

Source: http://www.13wham.com/