In dermatology

Most polymyxin B sold for human use in the United States is in dermatological, otic, and ophthalmic preparations that usually contain one or more other spectmm extending antibacterials such as bacitracin, neomycin sulfate [1404-04-2], C23H4gNg023, linear gramicidin, oxytetracycline [79-57-2],... 

In medicine, the internal uses of benzoic acid are relatively unimportant. Its principal medicinal use is external it is used in dermatology as an antiseptic stimulant and irritant. Combined with salicyLic acid [69-72-7] benzoic acid is employed in the treatment of ringworm of the scalp and other skin diseases (Whitfield s ointment). 

Sulfur has long been known for its properties as a pesticide and a curative agent. Homer spoke of the pest-averting sulfur as far back as 800—1000 BC, Hippocrates (400 Bc) considered sulfur sa an antidote against plague, and Dioscorides (100 ad) used sulfur ointment in dermatology (244). In 1803, the use of a lime—sulfur protective treatment for fmit trees was reported, and in 1850 sulfur dust was used to protect foHage (245). In 1891 sulfur dust was used on soil to control onion smut (246). 

Antifungal drugs are classified according to their mode of action and/or their chemical class. Four chemical classes have mainly contributed to the actual armentory of antifungal drugs the broadest class is the one of azoles (imidazoles and triazoles), followed by polyenes, allylamines and morpholines. Some individual compounds are used in dermatology. 

Retinoids. Table 1 Indications and mode of administration of commercially available retinoids in dermatological therapy... 

Thrimbke JR (1983) Dermal overgrafting in dermatology. J Dermatol Surg Oncol 9 987-993... 

The anhydrous petrolatum base may be made more miscible with water through the use of an anhydrous liquid lanolin derivative. Drugs can be incorporated into such a base in aqueous solution if desired. Poly-oxyl 40 stearate and polyethylene glycol 300 are used in an anti-infective ointment to solubilize the active principle in the base so that the ointment can be sterilized by aseptic filtration. The cosmetic-type bases, such as the oil-in-water (o/w) emulsion bases popular in dermatology, should not be used in the eye, nor should liquid emulsions, owing to the ocular irritation produced by the soaps and surfactants used to form the emulsion. 

Zevin S, Gourlay SG and Benowitz NL (1998). Clinical pharmacology of nicotine. Clinics in Dermatology, 16, 557-564. 

Spann CT, Taylor SC, Weinberg JM Topical antimicrobial agents in dermatology. Dis Mon 2004,50 407 121. 

Espersen F Resistance to antibiotics used in dermatological practice. Br J Dermatol 1998 139(suppl53) 4-8. 

Harber, L.C., and Shalita, A.R. (1975). The guinea pig as an effective model for the demonstration of immunologically-mediated contact photosensitivity. In Animal Models in Dermatology (Maibach, H., Ed.). Churchill Livingstone, New York, pp. 90-102. 

Babilas P, Karrer S, Sidoroff A, Landthaler M, Szeimies RM (2005) Photodynamic therapy in dermatology - an update. Photodermatology Photoimmunology and Photomedicine 21 142-149. 

Matz H, Orion E, Wolf R. (2003) Balneotherapy in dermatology. Dermatol Ther 16 132-140. 

In dermatology, the detection of PpIX fluorescence has shown promise for the visualization of skin cancers after topical application of ALA offering a convenient and simple method to monitor therapy progression and success [ 139 -141 ]. 

Injections for local effect in dermatologic conditions Avoid injection of sufficient material to cause blanching, since this may be followed by a small slough. One to 4 injections are usually employed. 

Veien NK, Menne T. 1990. Nickel contact allergy and a nickel-restricted diet. Seminars in Dermatology 9(3) 197-205. 

Retinoids are a family of naturally occurring and synthetic analogues of vitamin A. The skin of subjects deficient in vitamin A becomes hyperplastic and keratotic (phrynoderma, or toad skin). While natural vitamin A is occasionally employed therapeutically, synthetic retinoids are more effective and represent a major advance in dermatological pharmacotherapy. Retinoids have myriad effects on cellular differentiation and proliferation it is likely that nuclear retinoic acid receptors mediate these effects by activating gene expression in a manner analogous to receptors for steroid hormones and thyroid hormones. Despite a common mechanism of action, however, retinoids vary widely in their physiological effects. 

Antibiotics are used in dermatology for both infectious and noninfectious skin eruptions. Noninfectious skin eruptions, such as acne vulgaris and acne rosacea, are often treated with systemic antibiotics. The mechanism of action is not clear, although tetracycline inhibits lipases derived from resident flora in the sebaceous follicle Staphylococcus epidermidis, Propionibacterium ac-nes). These lipases cleave irritating fatty acids from triglycerides in sebum, presumably contributing to cutaneous inflammation. 

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