Ketoconazole cream vs. Lamisil: What’s the difference? Ketoconazole cream and Lamisil (terbinafine) are antifungal medications used to treat fungal infections such as jock itch and athlete's foot. Ketoconazole cream is also used to treat ringworm, dandruff, and tinea versicolor. Brand names for ketoconazole include Nizoral, Nizoral A-D, Ketodan, Extina, Xolegel, and Kuric. Lamisil is available...
What is cystic acne? Readers Comments 1 Share Your Story Cystic acne may cause scarring, giving the skin a pitted look. Cystic acne is a form of acne associated with long-standing, painful nodules of the face, back of neck, chest, and back. Adolescent acne goes through certain stages, each of which requires specific therapy. It...
What is tea tree oil? What is tea tree oil used for? Tea tree oil is topical antiseptic. It contains Terpinen-4-ol, which has antifungal and antimicrobial properties. What brand names are available for tea tree oil? Melaleuca oil Is tea tree oil available as a generic drug? Yes Do I need a prescription for tea...
What is topical clindamycin? Clindamycin is an antibiotic used for treating several infections. It is effective against several types of bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Propionibacterium acnes. Why is topical clindamycin prescribed to patients? Clindamycin topical (for application to the skin) is available as gels, foam, lotion, solution, and swab...
What is terbinafine, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Terbinafine is an antifungal agent that is taken by mouth or applied to the skin. Terbinafine acts by interfering with the ability of fungi to make chemicals called sterols that are an important part of the membrane that surrounds fungal cells and holds them...
What is isotretinoin, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Isotretinoin is an oral drug used for the treatment and prevention of severe acne. Acne is caused by inflammation of the skin. It primarily affects teenagers, but it also affects adults. Severe acne causes permanent scarring of the skin. The inflammation is caused in...
What is famciclovir? What are the uses for famciclovir? Famciclovir is an antiviral drug which is active against the Herpes viruses, including herpes simplex 1 and 2 (cold sores and genital herpes) and varicella-zoster (shingles and chickenpox). It belongs to a class of drugs called nucleoside analogs that mimic one of the building blocks of...
What are topical corticosteroids? Corticosteroid hormones are naturally occurring hormones produced by the adrenal glands within the body. Topical corticosteroids are synthetic (man-made) corticosteroid medications used for treating skin conditions such as rash, dermatitis, itching, eczema, and psoriasis. Topical corticosteroids have potent anti-inflammatory actions and also suppress the immune response. Topical corticosteroids are used based...
What is tacrolimus ointment, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Tacrolimus ointment is a topical drug (a drug that is applied to the skin) that is used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema). Atopic dermatitis is a chronic (long-lasting) disease of skin in which the skin becomes inflamed, causing itchiness, redness, swelling,...
What is lidocaine patch-topical, and how does it work (mechanism of action)? Lidocaine is an amide-type, local anesthetic medication available in a patch form. Lidocaine, like other local anesthetics causes a loss of sensation by reducing the flow of sodium in and out nerves to decrease the initiation and transfer of nerve signals. The FDA...