Health / Treatments

Health / Treatments

Dermatologic conditions vary in severity, but they all impact the lives of those who are affected by them. At Fougera Pharmaceuticals Inc., we are committed to helping individuals get the right treatment for their specific conditions. The appearance and health of your skin are important to you–and us.

For more information about common skin disorders and the ways in which they are treated, please choose from the topics listed below.

Acne

Acne: A Common Culprit

Acne affects almost 17 million people in the United States, making it the most common skin problem in the country. A disease of the pilosebaceous units, or PSUs, acne lesions occur when hair follicles become plugged with oil and skin cells. Then, bacteria that normally exist on the skin multiply in the clogged pores, causing inflammation and redness.

People with acne may suffer from different types of acne lesions - including microcomedos, open comedos (blackheads) and closed comedos (whiteheads). More severe eruptions include nodules and cysts, which can cause pain and scarring.

Some factors that contribute to acne are genetics, hormonal fluctuations, certain drugs and environmental irritants such as greasy makeup or high humidity.

Acne can be treated with over-the-counter or prescription medicines that reduce oil production and bacteria on the skin. In some cases, doctors may also prescribe oral medications to heal acne lesions and prevent new ones from forming.

For more information about acne, its causes and treatments, talk to your dermatologist.

Talking to Your Dermatologist About Acne

A visit to your dermatologist is an important step in treating acne, especially if over-the-counter medications haven't helped you. The first time you see a dermatologist about acne, he or she may ask you how long you've had acne, how you've tried treating it, and other questions about your general medical history. You can ask questions, too, such as:

  • What's causing my acne?
  • How do I know if it's mild, severe, or in-between?
  • What should I expect from the treatment I've been using?
  • How soon can I expect to see results from prescription treatments?
  • How do they work?

Before you leave your doctor's office, make sure you understand exactly how to use any medications your doctor prescribes.

Actinic Keratosis (AK)

Understanding Actinic Keratosis (AK) and Its Risks

AK is a chronic skin condition caused by long-term sun exposure and characterized by slow-growing lesions. AKs are small, crusty or scaly bumps that show up on or beneath the skin's surface.

AK is the most common precancerous condition. Approximately 10% of AKs ultimately become cancerous, and nearly half of all squamous cell carcinomas (skin cancers) begin as untreated AKs.

The risk of AK increases with age, and although it can occur in people as young as 40, AK is most common in those between the ages of 60 and 74. In addition to age, the risks for AK include a history of prolonged sun exposure (especially sunburns), light eyes and skin tone, and a compromised immune system.

AK can occur anywhere on the body that has been exposed to the sun. Identifying and treating AK as early as possible greatly reduces the risk that it will become skin cancer. This is why it is important to perform monthly skin checks as well as to have your doctor perform annual skin exams. Also, you should see your dermatologist if you notice any changes in your skin.

Talking to Your Dermatologist About AK and How to Treat It

There are a several treatments for AK1:

  • Cryosurgery freezes the AKs
  • Photodynamic therapy removes the lesions with light-activated acid
  • Topical therapy uses medicated gels and creams to destroy AK lesions

Here are some questions you might want to ask your doctor if you are diagnosed with AK:

  • What are my best treatment options?
  • What are the side effects of the chosen AK treatment?
  • How will I know if I am having an abnormal reaction to the treatment?
  • Will I get new AKs?
  • Can I still continue to enjoy outdoor activities during and after AK treatment?
  • When should I return for a follow-up visit?

Before you leave your doctor's office, be sure you understand exactly how to use any medications you are prescribed.

Dermatitis

Atopic Dermatitis: An Itchy Situation

Atopic dermatitis–one of the most common forms of eczema–is a chronic condition marked by itchy and inflamed skin. Some 15 million people in the United States suffer from the symptoms of atopic dermatitis. While many of these are infants and children, atopic dermatitis can persist into the adult years, especially in people who live in dry climates.

The exact causes of atopic dermatitis are unknown, but the disease is believed to stem from both hereditary and environmental factors. Atopic dermatitis is also associated with autoimmunity, where a person's body reacts with its own tissues.

Symptoms of atopic dermatitis vary, but the most common ones include dry, itchy skin, rashes on the face, inside the elbows and behind the knees, and on the hands and feet. Atopic dermatitis can also affect the skin around the eyes.

Atopic dermatitis can be treated with topical immuno-modulators, topical corticosteroids, or oral medications. Other measures, such as avoiding allergens and synthetic materials, can help calm symptoms.

Talking to Your Dermatologist About Atopic Dermatitis

Effective treatment of atopic dermatitis requires an ongoing partnership between physician, patient, and– especially in the case of younger patients–with the family, as well.

Make sure you provide your dermatologist with complete information about your own medical history and that of any other members of your family who may have or have had atopic dermatitis symptoms.

The patient's age, severity of symptoms, and lifestyle will all factor into the treatment regimen your doctor prescribes.

Eczema

Eczema: The Itch that Rashes

While eczema and atopic dermatitis are often used interchangeably to describe a common condition, atopic dermatitis is actually a form of eczema.

Between 10 and 20 percent of the world's population is affected by eczema, a disease that can cause itching, oozing, scaling and crusting in children and adults.

Like atopic dermatitis, eczema has no known cause, but family history and environmental factors are thought to play a part in its development and frequency.

Eczema is often treated with prescription corticosteroids and over-the-counter medications to control itching and moisturize the skin. In infants and children with eczema, the condition usually improves with age.

Talking to Your Dermatologist About Eczema

Proper and early treatment is key to bringing eczema and its symptoms under control. Your dermatologist may explore several prescription-only options to treat your eczema, and recommend other ways to minimize itch and inflammation.

Make sure you provide your dermatologist with a complete medical history, including other members of your family who may have or have had eczema.

External Genital Warts (EGW)

Understanding Genital and Perianal Warts

Genital and perianal warts are small growths that appear on the genitals or near the anus. Any sexually active person can get genital or perianal warts regardless of age, race, social class, or sexual preference.

Genital and perianal warts are caused by a virus called human papillomavirus (HPV). You can get genital and perianal warts through sexual contact with someone who has HPV. HPV is more common than any other sexually transmitted disease.1 If you have sex with an HPV-infected person even once, you have a 60% chance of getting genital warts.2

In women, warts can grow on the vulva, walls of the vagina, cervix, area between the genitals, or anus. In men, genital warts can grow on the penis, scrotum, or anus. You can also get warts in your mouth or throat if you have oral sex with someone who is infected.1

If you have genital and/or perianal warts, you may notice1,2:

  • Small, flesh-colored or gray swellings in your genital or anal area
  • Several warts close together that take on a cauliflower-like shape
  • Itching or discomfort in your genital or anal area
  • Bleeding when you have sexual intercourse

But sometimes genital warts do not cause any symptoms.1 Warts can grow and cause other problems. You may infect your partner if you are sexually active, or you may infect your baby if you are pregnant.1 Only a doctor can tell you for sure whether you have genital and/or perianal warts.

If you think you have warts or have been exposed to HPV, see your doctor.

Talking to Your Doctor About Treating Genital and Perianal Warts

Currently, there is no treatment for HPV, but there are several treatment options for genital and perianal warts.1 When choosing a treatment for you, your doctor will consider the number of warts, their specific location, and other factors. The 2 methods of treatment are doctor applied and patient applied.1,2

A doctor can use both surgical and nonsurgical treatments to remove warts.2

You should talk to your doctor about the treatment options for external genital and perianal warts. All treatments have advantages and disadvantages related to effectiveness in clearing warts, side effects, the number of treatment sessions required, and wart recurrence.

Following is a list of questions that can help you talk with your doctor about external genital and perianal warts:

  • Should I tell my sexual partner that I have genital and/or perianal warts?
  • Are genital warts infectious?
  • Can genital and perianal warts come back again after treatment?
  • What is the risk of cervical or penile cancer if I have genital warts?
  • Is there a treatment option that will help me stay wart free longer?

Together you and your doctor can decide which treatment option is best for you.

References:

Fungal Rash

Fungus: A Common Cause of Infection

A fungal infection of the skin–like Athlete's Foot, Jock Itch and Ringworm–occurs at least once in most people's lives. Tiny, plant-like organisms grow in moist, dark areas–like a sweaty shoe–and cause redness, scaling and itchiness. Fungal infections of the trunk and feet may be spread by walking barefoot through a public bathroom or locker room, or by sharing towels.

Although people who develop fungal infections may be more susceptible to them in the future, most of these infections can be cured.

Talking to Your Healthcare Professional About Fungal Infections

In order to diagnose a fungal infection, your healthcare professional may have to study a few small scrapings of skin to identify what's causing it.

Once the infection is diagnosed, your healthcare professional will probably prescribe a topical antifungal medication. Make sure you understand exactly how to use the medication and how long it will take to work.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis: Chronic Discomfort

A skin disorder influenced by the immune system, psoriasis causes scaling and inflammation in up to 7 and a half million people in the United States. It occurs when skin renews itself too quickly, and immature skin cells pile up on the surface of the skin.

Psoriasis usually causes patches of thick, red skin covered with silvery scales. These patches, called plaques, itch, are sore, and frequently occur on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face and palms.

Psoriasis treatment depends on the severity of the disease and its symptoms. Topical steroids and retinoids, light treatment and oral medications are all options.

Talking to Your Dermatologist About Psoriasis

Since it looks like many other dermatological diseases, psoriasis can sometimes be hard to diagnose. Your dermatologist may take a small biopsy to make a conclusive diagnosis.

When deciding on a treatment, you and your dermatologist may discuss the severity of the condition, your age and medical history, the disease's effect on your physical comfort and psychological well-being, and where the psoriasis plaques are located.

Rosacea

Rosacea: Red in the Face

A long-term disease that's limited to the face and eyes, rosacea causes redness, pimples, and–in later stages–thickened skin.

Symptoms of rosacea include frequent flushing, sometimes with a burning or swelling feeling, a swollen nose, small red lines under the skin and inflamed eyes or eyelids.

Rosacea is most common in women, adults between 30 and 60 and in people with fair skin. The exact cause of the disease is unknown, but may be tied to blood vessels that expand too easily. Many people with rosacea point to a host of factors that make their symptoms worse. These include very cold temperatures, emotional stress and alcohol consumption, among others.

Oral and topical antibiotics are sometimes used in the treatment of rosacea, as are cortisone creams. The avoidance of environmental factors - as well as surgery to remove excess layers of skin and small red lines - can make the symptoms of rosacea more tolerable.

Talking to Your Dermatologist About Rosacea

Often, dermatologists treat rosacea with a combination of therapies. Since rosacea can worsen if not treated, it's important to seek treatment as soon as possible.

Share all of your symptoms with your dermatologist, and keep a diary of flare-ups and what you believe may have contributed to them. Medications, foods and activities can all trigger flare-ups of rosacea. Keeping track of them will help you control the condition.