General

Pharmacy Solutions have compiled recent Androgenetic alopecia (AA) research and coupled the results of various ingredients with cutting edge drug delivery technology to provide a foam that addresses the multiple influences of hair loss. View PDF Pharmacy Solution’s Formulation The formulation is, in essence, a mild cosolvent system that evaporates after application, thereby transforming into a myriad of flexible vesicles that wrap the active ingredients in a phospholipid/ethanol/surfactant composite to help drive the ingredients into the skin and hair follicles. Vesicle formation was confirmed via light microscopy (1000x) and this particular delivery system has provided a significant advantage in the transport of [...]

Melasma is a common acquired pigmentary disorder that occurs usually in women (more than 90% of cases) of all racial and ethnic groups. Melasma is an acquired increased pigmentation of the skin characterized by symmetrical and confluent grey- brown patches usually on the areas of the face exposed to the sun. Silymarin (also known as milk thistle) strongly prevents photocarcinogenesis, and significantly prevented melanin production. A study assessed the benefits of topical Silymarin (SM) cream in a double-blind placebo controlled study for treatment of 96 adult melasma patients seen at an outpatient clinic. Patients were randomized in a double-blind manner to receive [...]

Topical tranexamic acid is a promising treatment for melasma. Tranexamic acid (TA) has been reported to have whitening effects especially for ultraviolet-induced hyperpigmentation including melasma. The aim of a 12-week double-blind split-face trial was to evaluate a topical solution of TA and compare it with combined solution of hydroquinone and dexamethasone as the gold standard treatment of melasma. Fifty patients applied topical solution of 3% TA on one side of the face, and topical solution of 3% hydroquinone + 0.01% dexamethasone on the other side twice daily. The Melasma Area and Severity Index (MASI) and the side effects were evaluated at baseline [...]

Complex regional pain syndrome (CRPS; previously known as Reflex Sympathetic Dystrophy) can be treated with NSAIDs; beta-2 agonists, such as clonidine; tricyclic antidepressants; anticonvulsants; local anesthetics; or NMDA antagonists, such as ketamine. It is critical to consider these medications in patients with CRPS, because there are no drugs approved specifically to treat CRPS. Patients with CRPS might require trials of several medications before adequate pain control is achieved. In a case study of a 42-year-old male diagnosed with CRPS, who was previously treated with high-dose gabapentin, pregabalin, tramadol, and NSAIDs without benefit, topical amitriptyline was chosen as the main therapeutic regimen after [...]

"Neuropathic pain can be treated with capsaicin, tricyclic antidepressants, anticonvulsants, and local anesthetics." Topical amitriptyline 2 to 4% with ketamine 1 to 2% have been compared to placebo. Researchers noted that the higher dose significantly lowered pain intensity, with more subjects attaining 30% reduction in pain and recommended the use of higher doses of amitriptyline coupled with ketamine for longer periods for dull, chronic pain. "In clinical practice, we always recommend starting with the lower dose and slowly titrating upward if needed." Practitioners should exercise caution regarding potential cardiac adverse effects of ketamine and amitriptyline such as QT prolongation, and consider if [...]

Adolescents, aged 13-15, account for the majority of sports injuries in youth. Tailoring treatment to the patient's age and life style is important in order to promote prompt healing and decrease the chances of repeat injury. There are several things to consider when treating pain stemming from a sports injury in a pediatric patient. For example, codeine, previously a mainstay in the treatment of pain, may not be the best choice, especially for children and adolescents. Codeine's analgesic effects are due to its metabolism or conversion to morphine in the body via the cytochrome P450 enzyme system. In this age group, this [...]

Emerging scar therapies can help treat and prevent painful, unsightly scars. At the surface, a wound from trauma or surgery may leave a scar that is raised and discolored; at a deeper level, blood vessel and nerve damage can result in associated pain and itching. Therefore, the best therapies involve a multi-prong approach to help smooth and lighten the physical appearance of the scar, while controlling or eliminating associated discomfort. Individually compounded scar therapy preparations may contain caffeine; vitamin A; avocado, coconut, and other tree oils; and medications including corticosteroids, antihistamines, as well as other agents such as verapamil that promote healing. [...]

Nail health can be a mirror of overall health. For example, Muehrcke's lines (horizontal bands of nail discoloration) are typically caused by low serum albumin. Nail clubbing, which develops over years, is associated with low oxygen in the blood and has been described in patients suffering from severe gastrointestinal disorders, cardiovascular disease, and immune dysfunction. Koilonychia, a spoon-like depression of the nail bed, may indicate hypochromic anemia or other disruptions of iron absorption. Beau's lines, indentations that run across the nail, can be a sign of trauma but can also be a sign of zinc deficiency. Finally, nail pitting, scaling, and thickening [...]

Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) Naltrexone is a long-acting oral opiate antagonist which is approved for the treatment of alcohol addiction(50mg tablettakendaily). The mechanismofactionis complete opiate blockade,  which removes the pleasure sensation derived from drinking alcohol (created by endorphins). Low Dose Naltrexone (LDN) in the range of 3-4.5 mg per day has been shown to have the opposite effect - brief opiatereceptorblockadewithresulting  . Throughthe work of Bihari and Zagon, it has beendetermined that the levelofthe endogenous opiate met- enkephalin is increased byLDN. Met-enkephalin is involved in regulating cellproliferation and can inhibit cancer cell growth inmultiple celllines. Increased met-enkephalinlevels created byLDN thus have the [...]

Biotin, also known as vitamin B7, is a water-soluble vitamin often found in multi-vitamins, prenatal vitamins, and dietary supplements marketed for hair, skin, and nail growth. Most people get enough biotin from the foods they eat. However, certain groups are more prone to deficiency, such as patients with a rare genetic disorder called “biotinidase deficiency”, alcohol dependence, and pregnant and breastfeeding women. Biotin deficiency is very rare in the United States and can cause thinning hair and loss of body hair; brittle nails; a rash around the eyes, nose, mouth, and anal area; skin infection; pinkeye; high levels of acid in the blood [...]