A blog about dermatology and its related topics. Guide to cope up with dermatology disorders and some dermatology treatments.
Cytotoxic
A variety of cytotoxic agents are used for the treatment of autoimmune diseases such as pemphigus, pemphigoid, dermatomyositis, and lupus erythematosus. The most commonly administered medications include azathioprine (Imuran), cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), and methotrexate. For the most part, these medications are used only for patients nonresponsive to steroids or in instances where steroid side effects […]
Immunofluorescent
Immunofluorescent techniques are extremely useful in the diagnosis of several dermatologic diseases. University medical centers and most private dermatopathology laboratories have the facilities to carry out these tests. Transport solutions, such as Michel’s solution, are easily available so that specimens of skin to be tested for direct immunofluorescence can be mailed if necessary. Two types […]
Cutaneous Anesthesia
Anesthesia is required for excisional and electrosurgical procedures on the skin. If anesthesia is needed only momentarily (such as for a simple incision and drainage), Freon or ethyl chloride sprays can be used. For all longer procedures, injected anesthesia should be used. Almost all dermatologists currently use lidocaine (Xylocaine) because of its almost instantaneous […]
The smoothness and suppleness of the skin depend largely on the presence of adequate amounts of water in the outer epidermal stratum corneum cells. Water is furnished to the epidermis by plasma that percolates throughout the underlying papillary dermis. This moisture diffuses through the epidermis and is eventually lost to the atmosphere in the form […]
Antihistamines are primarily used in the treatment of urticaria and for the amelioration of pruritus resulting from various causes. Two major categories of antihistamines are available
-H1 blockers
-H2 blockers.
The approximately 30 H1 antagonists are subdivided into several chemical groups, but there is relatively little clinical difference among them. Familiarity with three or four different H1 antihistamines […]