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What is an anthralin?

Updated: 12/24/2022
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Bobo192

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An anthralin is another name for a dithranol - a hydroxyanthrhone anthracene derivative used as a medicine for skin affected by psoriasis.

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What kind of treatments are available for scalp psoriasis?

Some treatments that are available for scalp psoriasis are keratolytics, coal tar, corticosteroids, Dovonex, anthralin, and photo-therapy. Ingested pills such as ketoconazole may also be taken.


Hair Follicles Can Be Restiumulated in Alopecia Treatment?

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How can you cure your scalp psoriasis?

Curing scalp psoriasis completely may be challenging, as it is a chronic condition, but it can be effectively managed and controlled with the right approach. Scalp psoriasis treatment typically focuses on reducing inflammation, relieving symptoms, and preventing flare-ups. Here are some steps to manage and improve scalp psoriasis: Consult a Dermatologist: Start by seeing a dermatologist or healthcare provider experienced in treating psoriasis. They can diagnose the condition and recommend an appropriate treatment plan tailored to your specific case. Topical Treatments: Topical treatments are often the first line of defense. These include corticosteroid creams or ointments, coal tar preparations, and topical vitamin D analogs. Apply them as directed by your healthcare provider to control inflammation and scaling. Shampoos: Special shampoos can help manage scalp psoriasis. Tar-based shampoos, salicylic acid shampoos, or shampoos containing ingredients like ketoconazole may be prescribed. Be consistent in using these shampoos as directed. Scalp Oil Treatments: Applying oils to the scalp can help soften and remove scales. Olive oil, coconut oil, or specific scalp oil treatments can be beneficial. Gently massage the oil into your scalp, leave it on for some time, and then wash it out. Phototherapy: In some cases, dermatologists may recommend phototherapy, which involves exposing the scalp to ultraviolet (UV) light. This can help slow the growth of skin cells and reduce inflammation. Lifestyle Changes: Certain lifestyle changes can help manage scalp psoriasis. Avoid scratching, as it can worsen the condition. Keep your scalp moisturized and use a humidifier if your indoor air is dry. Stress management and a balanced diet can also contribute to overall health and may help manage symptoms. Prescription Medications: In severe cases, oral or injectable medications may be prescribed by a dermatologist. These may include oral retinoids, immunosuppressants, or biologics. These treatments are typically reserved for individuals with more extensive or severe scalp psoriasis. Avoid Triggers: Identify and avoid triggers that exacerbate your scalp psoriasis. Common triggers include stress, alcohol, smoking, and certain medications. Understanding and minimizing these factors can help manage your condition. Regular Follow-Up: Maintain regular follow-up appointments with your dermatologist. Your treatment plan may need adjustments over time, and your healthcare provider can monitor your progress. Natural Remedies: Some individuals find relief from scalp psoriasis using natural remedies like aloe vera gel, tea tree oil, or apple cider vinegar. While these may help, it's essential to consult your dermatologist before trying any new treatments, especially if you are already using prescribed medications. It's important to note that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to treating scalp psoriasis. What works best for you may depend on the severity of your condition and how your skin responds to different treatments. It may take some time and experimentation to find the most effective combination for your specific case. Patience and consistent care are key to managing and improving scalp psoriasis.


Atopic eczema?

DefinitionEczema is a chronic skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes. as well as blistering, weeping, or peeling of the skin. Atopic eczema is the most common type.See also:Contact dermatitisDyshidrotic eczemaNummular eczemaSeborrheic dermatitisAlternative NamesInfantile eczema; Atopic dermatitis; Dermatitis - atopic; Eczema - atopicCauses, incidence, and risk factorsAtopic eczema is due to a hypersensitivity reaction(similar to an allergy) in the skin, which leads to long-term inflammation.Eczema is most common in infants. Many people outgrow it by early adulthood. The condition tends to run in families.People with eczema often have a family history of allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, or eczema.The following can make eczema symptoms worse:Allergies to pollen, mold, dust mites, or animalsColds or the fluContact with rough materialsDry skinExposure to environmental irritantsExposure to waterFeeling too hot or too coldFragrances or dyes added to skin lotions or soapsStressSymptomsTypical skin changes may include:Blisters with oozing and crustingEar discharge or bleedingRaw areas of the skin from scratchingSkin coloring changes -- more or less coloring than the normal skin tone (See: Skin abnormally dark or light)Skin redness or inflammation around the blistersThickened or leather-like areas, called lichenification, which can occur after long-term irritation and scratchingBoth the type of rash and where the rash appears can depend on the age of the patient:In children younger than age 2, skin lesions begin on the face, scalp, hands, and feet. It is often a crusting, bubbling, or oozing rash.In older children and adults, the rash is more commonly seen on the inside of the knees and elbows, as well as the neck, hands, and feet.During a severe outbreak, rashes may occur anywhere on the body.Itching, which is sometimes intense, almost always occurs. Itching may start even before the rash appears.Signs and testsDiagnosis is primarily based on:Appearance of the skinPersonal and family historyThe health care provider should examine the lesions to rule out other possible causes. A skin lesion biopsy may be performed, but is not always needed to make the diagnosis.Allergy skin testing may be helpful for people with:Difficult-to-treat eczemaOther allergy symptomsTreatmentCARE AT HOMETaking care of your skin at home may reduce the need for medications.Avoid scratching the rash or skin if you can:Relieve the itch by using a cold compress and taking antihistamines to reduce severe itching.Keep your child's fingernails cut short. Consider light gloves if nighttime scratching is a problem.Keep the skin moist (called lubricating or moisturizing the skin). Use ointments (such as petroleum jelly), creams, or lotions 2 - 3 times a day. Moisturizers should be free of alcohol, scents, dyes, fragrances, or other chemicals.Avoid anything that makes your symptoms worse. This may include:Foods such as dairy, peanuts, eggs, or wheat (always discuss with your doctor first)Irritants such as wool and lanolinStrong soaps or detergents, as well as chemicals and solventsSudden changes in body temperature and stress, which may cuase sweating and worsen the conditionTriggers that cause allergy symptomsWhen washing or bathing:Keep water contact as brief as possible and use less soap than usual. Short, cooler baths are better then long, hot baths.Do not scrub or dry the skin too hard or for too long.After bathing, it is important to apply lubricating creams, lotions, or ointment on the skin while it is damp. This will help trap moisture in the skin.MEDICATIONSAntihistamines taken by mouth may help with itching or if you have allergies. Often you can buy them without a prescription.Some antihistamines can cause sleepiness, but may help with scratching while sleeping.Newer antihistamines cause little or no sleepiness. Some are available over the counter. These medications include fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine (Claritin, Alavert), and cetirizine (Zyrtec).Most causes of atopic eczema are treated with medications that are placed directly on the skin or scalp (called topical medicines):At first, you will probably be prescribed a mild cortisone (or steroid) cream or ointment. If this doesn't work, you may need a stronger steroid medicine. You may need different strengths of steroids for different areas of skin.Medicines called topical immunomodulators (TIMs) may be prescribed for anyone over 2 years old. TIMs include tacrolimus (protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel). Ask your doctor about concerns over a possible cancer risk associated with the use of these medicines.Creams or ointments that contain coal tar or anthralin may be used for thickened areas.Other medicines that may be used include:Oral or injected corticosteroids when the eczema is severeAntibiotic creams or pills if the skin is infectedAllergy shots (immunotherapy)Expectations (prognosis)Eczema is a chronic condition, but you can control it with treatment, by avoiding irritants, and by keeping the skin well-moisturized.In children, it often clears beginning around age 5 - 6, but flareups will often occur. In adults, it is generally a long-term or recurring condition.People with eczema tend to have dry skin that flares up more in the winter, when the air is cold and dry.ComplicationsInfections of the skin caused by bacteria, fungi, or virusesPermanent scarsCalling your health care providerCall for an appointment with your health care provider if:Eczema does not respond to moisturizers or avoiding allergensSymptoms worsen or treatment is ineffectiveYou have signs of infection (such as fever, redness, pain)PreventionStudies have shown that children who are breast-fed are less likely to get eczema. This is also true when the nursing mother has avoided cow's milk in her diet. Other dietary restrictions may include eggs, fish, peanuts, and soy.Eczema tends to run in families. Controlling stress, nervousness, anxiety, and depression can help in some cases. Keeping the skin well-moisturized and avoiding irritants is important.ReferencesExcema and Hand Dermatitis. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 4th ed. St. Louis, Mo: Mosby; 2004:chap 3.Lewis-Jones S, Mugglestone MA; Guideline Development Group. Management of atopic eczema in children aged up to 12 years: summary of NICE guidance. BMJ. 2007;335:1263-1264.Ascroft DM, Chen LC, Garside R, Stein K, Williams HC. Topical pimecrolimus for eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Oct 17;(4):CD005500.


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accessory accidence accidents acclaimed acclaimer acclimate acclivity accolades accompany accomplis accordant accorders according accordion accosting accounted accounter accouters accoutred accoutres accredits accreting accretion accruable accusable accustoms acerbated acerbates acetified acetifies acetylene achievers achieving achordate achromats acidheads acidified acidifier acidifies acidities acidulate acidulous acoustics acquaints acquiesce acquirers acquiring acquittal acquitted acquitter acridness acrobatic acroliths acropolis acrostics actinides actiniums activated activates activator activisms activists actresses actuality actualize actuarial actuaries actuating actuation actuators acuteness adamances adamantly adaptable adaptions addicting addiction addictive additions additives addressed addressee addresser addresses adducting adduction adductors adenoidal adenosine adeptness adherence adherents adhesions adhesives adiabatic adiposity adjacency adjective adjoining adjourned 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aggregate aggressed aggresses aggressor aggrieved aggrieves agileness agilities agitating agitation agitators agitprops agnostics agonistic agonizing agrarians agreeable agreeably agreement agronomic aigrettes ailanthus aimlessly airbursts airbusses airdromes airedales airfields airframes airlessly airlifted airliners airmailed airmobile airplanes airscrews airspaces airspeeds airstream airstrips airworthy alabamian alabaster alarmisms alarmists alaruming albacores albanians albatross albinisms albinoism alchemies alchemist alchymies alcoholic aldehydes alehouses alertness aleutians alexander algebraic algerians algicides alginates algonquin algorisms algorithm alienable alienages alienated alienates alienator alienisms alienists alighting alignment alikeness alimented alimonies alinement aliphatic aliveness alizarine alizarins alkalized alkalizes alkaloids alkalosis allayment allegator allegedly allegheny allegiant allegoric alleluias allergens allergies allergist alleviate alleyways 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arpeggios arraigned arraigner arrangers arranging arrestees arresters arresting arrestors arrogance arrogated arrogates arrowhead arrowroot arsenates arsenical arsenides arsenious arsenites arsonists arterials arteriole arthritic arthritis arthropod arthurian artichoke articular artifacts artificer artifices artillery artlessly asafetida ascendant ascendent ascenders ascending ascension ascertain ascorbate ascribing asexually ashamedly asininely asininity asparagus aspersers aspersing aspersion aspersors asphalted asphaltic asphaltum asphodels aspirants aspirated aspirates aspirator assailant assailers assailing assassins assaulted assaulter assembled assembler assembles assenters assenting assentors asserters asserting assertion assertive assertors assessing assessors assiduity assiduous assignees assigners assigning assignors assistant assisters assisting assistors associate assonance assonants assorters assorting assuaging assuasive assumable assumably assumedly assurance assuredly assyrians astatines asterisks asterisms asteroids asthmatic astounded astraddle astragals astrakhan astringed astringes astrodome astrolabe astrology astronaut astronomy asymmetry asymptote atavistic atheistic athelings athenaeum atheneums athenians athletics atomising atomistic atomizers atomizing atonality atoneable atonement atoningly atrocious atrophied atrophies attachers attaching attackers attacking attainder attainers attaining attainted attempted attempter attendant attendees attenders attending attention attentive attenuate attestant attesters attesting attestors attitudes attorneys attorning attracted attribute attrition auctioned auctorial audacious audiences audiogram audiology audiotape auditions auditives auditoria augmented augmenter augustest augustine aunthoods auntliest aureately auricular aurochses austerely austerest austerity australia australis austrians authentic authoress authoring authority authorize autobahns autobuses autocades autoclave autocracy autocrats autodials autogiros autograph autogyros automated automates automatic automaton autonomic autophagy autopilot autopsied autopsies auxiliary auxillary available avalanche avascular averaging averments aversions avianized avianizes aviarists aviations avidities avocadoes avocation avoidable avoidably avoidance avouchers avouching avulsions avuncular awakeners awakening awareness awesomely awfullest awfulness awkwarder awkwardly axiomatic axletrees ayatollah azimuthal http://www.ojohaven.com/cgi-bin/findCrossword.pl?length=9&pos00=a&pos01=.&pos02=.&pos03=.&pos04=.&pos05=.&pos06=.&pos07=.&pos08=.&pos09=.&column=on


Atopic dermatitis?

DefinitionAtopic dermatitis is a long-term (chronic) skin disorder that involves scaly and itchy rashes.See also:Contact dermatitisDyshidrotic eczemaNummular eczemaSeborrheic dermatitisAlternative NamesInfantile eczema; Dermatitis - atopic; EczemaCauses, incidence, and risk factorsAtopic dermatitis is due to a hypersensitivity reaction(similar to an allergy) in the skin, which leads to long-term swelling and redness (inflammation) of the skin. People with atopic dermititis may lack certain proteins in the skin, which leads to greater sensitivity.Atopic dermatitis is most common in infants. It may start as early as age 2 to 6 months. Many people outgrow it by early adulthood.People with atopic dermatitis often have asthma or seasonal allergies. There is often a family history of allergic conditions such as asthma, hay fever, or eczema. People with atopic dermatitis often test positive to allergy skin tests.However, atopic dermatitis is not caused by allergies. The condition tends to get worse when the person is exposed to certain triggers.The following can make atopic dermatitis symptoms worse:Allergies to pollen, mold, dust mites, or animalsCold and dry air in the winterColds or the fluContact with irritants and chemicalsContact with rough materials, such as woolDry skinEmotions and stressExposure to too much water, such as taking too many baths or showers and swimming too oftenFeeling too hot or too cold, as well as sudden temperature changesFragrances or dyes added to skin lotions or soapsSymptomsTypical skin changes may include:Blisters with oozing and crustingDry skin all over the body or areas of bumpy skin on the back of the arms and front of the thighsEar discharge or bleedingRaw areas of the skin from scratchingSkin coloring changes -- more or less color than the normal skin tone (See: Skin abnormally dark or light)Skin redness or inflammation around the blistersThickened or leather-like areas, called lichenification, which can occur after long-term irritation and scratchingBoth the type of rash and where the rash appears can depend on the age of the patient:In children younger than age 2, skin lesions begin on the face, scalp, hands, and feet. They are often crusting, bubbling, or oozing rashes that itch.In older children and adults, the rash is more commonly seen on the inside of the knees and elbows, as well as the neck, hands, and feet.During a severe outbreak, rashes may occur anywhere on the body.Itching, which is sometimes intense, almost always occurs. Itching may start even before the rash appears. Atopic dermatitis is often called the "itch that rashes" because the itching starts, and then the skin rash appears from the scratching.Signs and testsA physical exam will be done. A skin biopsy can be done to confirm the diagnosis or rule out other causes of dry, itchy skin.Diagnosis is based on the:Appearance of the skinPersonal and family historyAllergy skin testing may be helpful for people with:Hard-to-treat atopic dermatitisOther allergy symptomsSkin rashes that form only on certain areas of the body after exposure to a specific chemicalTreatmentSKIN CARE AT HOMETaking care of your skin at home may reduce the need for medications.Avoid scratching the rash or skin:Relieve the itch by using a moisturizer, topical steroid cream, or other prescribed cream and taking antihistamines to reduce severe itching.Keep your child's fingernails cut short. Consider light gloves if nighttime scratching is a problem.Keep the skin moist (called lubricating or moisturizing the skin). Use ointments (such as petroleum jelly), creams, or lotions 2 - 3 times a day. Moisturizers should be free of alcohol, scents, dyes, fragrances, or other chemicals. A humidifier in the home will also help.Avoid anything that makes your symptoms worse. This may include:Foods such as eggs in a very young child (always discuss with your doctor first)Irritants such as wool and lanolinStrong soaps or detergents, as well as chemicals and solventsSudden changes in body temperature and stress, which may cause sweating and worsen the conditionTriggers that cause allergy symptomsWhen washing or bathing:Keep water contact as brief as possible and use gentle body washes and cleansers instead of regular soaps. Short, cooler baths are better then long, hot baths.Do not scrub or dry the skin too hard or for too long.After bathing, it is important to apply lubricating creams, lotions, or ointment on the skin while it is damp. This will help trap moisture in the skin.MEDICATIONSAt this time, allergy shots are not used to treat atopic dermatitis, although there is evidence that they may benefit certain adults with atopic dermatitis.Antihistamines taken by mouth may help with itching or if you have allergies. Often you can buy them without a prescription.Some antihistamines can cause sleepiness, but they may help with scratching while sleeping.Newer antihistamines cause little or no sleepiness. Some are available over the counter. These medications include fexofenadine (Allegra), loratadine (Claritin, Alavert), and cetirizine (Zyrtec).Most causes of atopic dermatitis are treated with medications that are placed directly on the skin or scalp (called topical medicines):At first, you will probably be prescribed a mild cortisone (or steroid) cream or ointment. If this doesn't work, you may need a stronger steroid medicine. You may need different strengths of steroids for different areas of skin.Medicines called topical immunomodulators (TIMs) may be prescribed for anyone over 2 years old. TIMs include tacrolimus (protopic) and pimecrolimus (Elidel). Ask your doctor about concerns over a possible cancer risk with the use of these medicines.Creams or ointments that contain coal tar or anthralin may be used for thickened areas.Barrier repair creams containing ceramidesWet-wrap treatment with topical corticosteroids has been shown effective for atopic dermatitis, although it can have side effects such as infection.Other treatments that may be used include:Antibiotic creams or pills if the skin is infectedDrugs that suppress the immune system, such as cyclosporine, methotrexate, or mycophenolate mofetilPhototherapy, a medical treatment in which your skin is carefully exposed to ultraviolet (UV) lightExpectations (prognosis)Atopic dermatitis is a long-term condition, but you can control it with treatment, by avoiding irritants, and by keeping the skin well-moisturized.In children, the condition often clears beginning at around age 5 - 6, but flare-ups will often occur. In adults, it is generally a long-term or returning condition.Atopic dermatitis may be harder to control if it:Began at an early ageInvolves a large amount of the bodyOccurs along with allergic rhinitis and asthmaOccurs in someone with a family history of eczemaComplicationsInfections of the skin caused by bacteria, fungi, or virusesPermanent scarsCalling your health care providerCall for an appointment with your health care provider if:Atopic dermatitis does not respond to moisturizers or avoiding allergensSymptoms get worse or treatment does not workYou have signs of infection (such as fever, redness, or pain)PreventionStudies have shown that children who are breast-fed until age 4 months are less likely to get atopic dermatitis.If the child is not breast-fed, using a formula that contains processed cow milk protein (called partially hydrolyzed formula) may decrease the chances of developing atopic dermatitis.ReferencesExcema and hand dermatitis. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 3.Atopic dermatitis. In: Habif TP, ed. Clinical Dermatology. 5th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Mosby Elsevier; 2009:chap 5.Greer FR, Sicherer SH, Burks, W and the Committee on Nutrition and Section on Allergy and Immunology. Effects of early nutritional interventions on the development of atopic disease in infants and children: The role of maternal dietary restriction, breastfeeding, timing of introduction of complementary foods, and hydrolyzed formulas. Pediatrics. 2008;121:183-191.Lewis-Jones S, Mugglestone MA; Guideline Development Group. Management of atopic eczema in children aged up to 12 years: summary of NICE guidance. BMJ. 2007;335:1263-1264.Ascroft DM, Chen LC, Garside R, Stein K, Williams HC. Topical pimecrolimus for eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2007 Oct 17;(4):CD005500.Bath-Hextall FJ, Delamere FM, Williams HC. Dietary exclusions for established atopic eczema. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2008 Jan 23;(1):CD005203.Reviewed ByReview Date: 11/21/2011Kevin Berman, MD, PhD, Atlanta Center for Dermatologic Disease, Atlanta, GA. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.