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What affect do psoralens have on psoriasis?
When they are combined with exposure to UVA in PUVA, they are highly effective at clearing psoriasis.
Who discoverd vitiligo?
Three myths about the treatment of vitiligo prevail in the medical profession. The first myth is that treatment of vitiligo is "impossible." This is clearly not true and the majority of patients can achieve good results. The second myth is that oral psoralens, which form the basis for some vitiligo treatments are "toxic to the liver." Oral psoralens are not toxic to the liver. The third myth is that psoralen + UVA (PUVA) treatments for vitiligo "cause cancer of the skin." When used to treat vitiligo, PUVA therapy requires only a limited number of treatments-approximately 150 in number that has not been shown to cause skin cancer. By comparison, PUVA treatments for psoriasis can be as many as double the number for vitiligo. It has been shown that a small percentage of patients who receive more than 250 PUVA treatments can develop treatable squamous cell cancers of the skin.
Is ultraviolet radiation helpful in treating vitiligo?
Yes there are number of vitiligo treatments which are related with ultraviolet radiation for example UVB narrowband therapy and PUVA (Combination of Psoralen and Ultraviolet A). For more information on vitiligo treatments visit: http://www.vitiligoguide.com/vitiligo-treatment/
What is vitiligo?
I have vitiligo for 8 years now and I had tried different treatments (PUVA, topical steroid, meladinine cream/solution with exposure to sunlight/PUVA, oral meladinine, oil of bergamot). The vitiligo covers my neck, and one-fourth of my face. I looked for another dermatologist because i lost hope with my past dermatologists. Then somebody recommended me a good natural treatment and it worked very well. Now i'm 90% cured. With only 1 1/2 month of treatment. Read this review, it helped me a lot: www.naturalvitiligotreatmentsystems.com
You are a 50 year old black woman with brown skin you have these light spots on your lower legs that started showing up about 15 years ago but are now multiplying slowly but surely and some seem to ha?
It sounds like you have Vitiligo. This can happen in Caucasians (my brother-in-law has it) but it's devastating to black people. Here is some information I have found and I have left you a website to go too: by Thomas B. Fitzpatrick, MD , Ph.D Three myths about the treatment of vitiligo prevail in the medical profession. The first myth is that treatment of vitiligo is "impossible." This is clearly not true and the majority of patients can achieve good results. The second myth is that oral psoralens, which form the basis for some vitiligo treatments are "toxic to the liver." Oral psoralens are not toxic to the liver. The third myth is that psoralen + UVA (PUVA) treatments for vitiligo "cause cancer of the skin." When used to treat vitiligo, PUVA therapy requires only a limited number of treatments-approximately 150 in number that has not been shown to cause skin cancer. By comparison, PUVA treatments for psoriasis can be as many as double the number for vitiligo. It has been shown that a small percentage of patients who receive more than 250 PUVA treatments can develop treatable squamous cell cancers of the skin. Four options are currently available for the treatment of vitiligo: sunscreens; cover-up; restoration of normal skin color; and bleaching of normal skin with topical creams to remove normal skin pigment to make an even color. The two goals of sunscreen treatments are: to protect unpigmented involved skin from sunburn reaction and to limit the tanning of normal pigmented skin. The sun protection factor (SPF) of sunscreens should be no less than SPF 30, as this grade blocks not only erythema, but also the affects of sunlight on the DNA of the skin cells. Sunscreen treatment skin phototypes 1, 2, and sometimes 3 (those who burn, then tan to some degree). The goal of cover-up with dyes or make-up is to hide the white macules so that the vitiligo is less visible. Self-tanning lotions and camouflage are quite helpful for some patients. Restoration of normal skin color can take the form of spot treatments or whole body treatment. Initial treatment with certain topical corticosteroid creams is practical, simple, and safe. If there is no response in 2 months, it is unlikely to be effective. Physician monitoring every 2 months for signs of early steroid atrophy (thinning of the skin) is required. Much more complicated is the use of topical Oxsoralen (8-MOP). Oxsoralen is highly phototoxic (likely to cause a sunburn), and the phototoxicity lasts for 3 days or more. This should be performed only as an office procedure, only for small spots, and only by experienced physicians on well-informed patients. As with oral psoralens, 15 or more treatments may be required to initiate a response, and 100 or more to finish. Mini grafting, which involves transplanting the patient's normal skin to vitiligo affected areas, may be a useful technique for refractory segmental vitiligo macules. PUVA may be required following the procedure to unify the color between the graft sites. The demonstrated occurrence of Koebnerization in donor sites in generalized vitiligo restricts this procedure to patients who have limited skin areas at risk for vitiligo. "Pebbling" of grafted site may occur. For more widespread vitiligo, treatment with oral psoralen + UVA (PUVA) is practical. This may be done with sunlight and trimethylpsoralen (Trisoralen) or with artificial UVA (in the doctor's office or at an approved phototherapy facility) and Trisoralen or Oxsoralen-Ultra.Ophthalmologic examination and ANA blood tests are required before starting PUVA therapy. Outdoor therapy may be initiated with 0.6 mg/kg Trisoralen followed 2 hours later by 5 minutes of New England sunlight (less in southern regions). Treatments should be twice weekly, not 2 days in a row, and sunlight exposure should increase by 3 to 5 minutes per treatment until there is a sign of response, and in a few this causes koebnerization. Individualization is required: treatment options are either 0.4 mg/kg of Oxsoralen-Ultra (well absorbed, efficient potentially very phototoxic, significant risk of nausea) or 0.6 mg/kg of Trisoralen (variably absorbed, not very phototoxic, little nausea).Initial UVA exposure should be 1.0 J and increments (twice weekly, not two days in a row) 0.5 (Oxsoralen-Ultra) to 1.0 (Trisoralen) J per treatment until there is evidence of response of phototoxicity. The later is the sustaining UVA dose until reasonable repigmentation has been established.PUVA is up to 85% effective in over 70% of patients with vitiligo of the head, neck, upper arms, legs, and trunk. Distal hands and feet are poorly responsive and alone are not usually worth treating. Genital areas should be shielded and not treated. Macules that have totally repigmented usually stay in the absence of injury/sunburn (85% likelihood up to 10 years), macules less than fully repigmented will slowly reverse once treatments have been discontinued. Maintenance treatments are required.Risks of treating vitiligo with PUVA include nausea, GI upset, sunburn, hyperpigmentation, and acute dryness. We advise against oral PUVA treatments for children under age 10. Treatment is most likely to be successful in highly motivated patients who clearly have reasonable objectives and understand the risks and benefits. While PUVA is not a cure, most patients who are responding well to treatment are not at the same time developing new vitiligo macules. www.avrf.org/treatments/treatments.htm I wish you good luck & God Bless
Can clobetasol propionate cream used for vitiligo?
It is a steroid and steroids can certainly be used in vitiligo. They however offer temporary relief and cannot be used for prolonged periods due to their side effects. Betamethasone moreover is not the best steroid for vitiligo. You need something more potent like clobestol. Some safe treatments are also available for vitiligo like PUVA, antiviligo.com, and recouleur.
What is the treatment of lichen planus?
Treatment for lichen planus depends on the severity and location of the condition. Mild cases may resolve on their own, but topical corticosteroids or antihistamines can help relieve itching and inflammation. In more severe cases, oral medications like corticosteroids, retinoids, or immunosuppressants may be prescribed. Ultraviolet light therapy can also be effective in some cases.
Is vitiligo curable 100 percent?
According to American Vitiligo Research Foundation no cure is available for this disease. The main of goal of vitiligo treatment is to stop or slow down the progression rate of de-pigmentation. Some treatments are also available for re-pigmentation.No; vitiligo cannot be cured at this time but there are several treatment options available with varying results, depending on the amount of pigment loss. The use of sunscreen is vitally important, not only to save the skin from damage but to prevent more discoloration.Temporary treatmentsConcealer: There are cosmetics that can be used to blend out areas with pigment loss, ranging from very heavy masking used for people who have facial scars to the new lighter air brushing and mineral make-up.Surgical treatmentsMedical Tattooing or micropigmentation: Can be effective around lips or on people with dark skin. Cons - tattoos fade, don't tan and may not match well.Blister grafting: After creating suction blisters of equal size and shape, the top skin from a pigmented area replaces skin in an area without pigment. Creates less scarring than other grafts or transplants. Cons - may leave a cobble stone appearance, the pigment may not "stick".Autologous skin (using your own tissue) grafting: used if you have small patches of vitiligo. Patches of pigmented skin are transplanted to areas without pigment. Cons - scarring, spotty skin color or failure to repigment.Medical TreatmentsCorticosteroids (Topical): Started early this may help repigment your skin. Treatment is effective and easy. Lower doses can be used when there is large areas to be treated. It takes up to 12 weeks to start seeing effects. Cons - Needs frequent monitoring for side effects by MD.Immunomodulators (Topical): Pimecrolimus and tacrolimus ointment (can be) used with UVB treatment. Effective for small areas on face and neck. Fewer side effects thancorticosteroids. Cons - Only small studies done. May increase risk of skin cancer and lymphoma.Photochemotherapy (Psoralen plus UVA) PUVA Topical: Exposure to UVA light after topical psoralen. For less than 20% total depigmented patches. Treatment done twice weekly, causes skin to turn pink then heals with more normal appearing color. Cons - can cause burn, blister and temporary hyperpigmentaion.Narrowband UVB: Phototherapy 3 times weekly, similar to PUVA without psoralen. Trials so far good results. Cons - More research needed regarding long term results and safety issues. Expense of lasers may limit availability.Depigmentation bymonobenzene ether of hydroquinone (Topical): Used to lighten unaffected areas. Permanent. Leaves skin very light sensitive. Con- Temporary redness and swelling, skin may become dry and itchy. (Care needed not to transfer to others by skin on skin transfer for first two hours).Photochemotherapy (Oral Psoralen plus UVA) PUVA - treated in a doctors office or by using natural sunlight in a very limited dose. Must use sunscreen. Not for use in young children. Temporary side effects are burns, hyperpigmentation, nausea & vomiting, hair growth (abnormal). Cons - increase risk of skin cancer and cataracts. - Sunscreen and UV protective eye glass lenses will reduce risks.Trials and alternatives:Autologous melanocyte transplant. Using a sample of your skin, scientists can grow melanocytes then transplant the new growth onto areas that lack pigment. (This is still experimental and not widely available)Piperine a substance found in black pepper - in a lab trial (on mice) it has been found to be effective in repigmentaion, especially when used with UV light. There is a side effect of temporary redness and peeling.Ginko has been found effective in stopping the discoloration for people who have slow spreading and in one small trial some people had repigmentation. This has not yet been an authorized treatment and should be used only with proper supervision and your doctor's prior knowledge, due to possible drug interaction.
What is a treatment that ACTUALLY works for atopic dermatitis?
There are many different treatments available for atopic dermatitis. Unfortunately you have to go through a lot of trial and error to figure out exactly what will work for you. The most important thing is to establish a daily regimen to care for your skin. Keeping your skin moisturized is extremely important, and I personally recommend Vanicream since it's free of many of the irritants that many of the other moisturizers have. Here is a list of other treatments to try, some over the counter and some that require a visit to the dermatologist: Corticosteroids: These are usually the first line of defense for eczema sufferers. You can get Hydrocortisone OTC, but anything stronger will need a prescription for. If there is a large surface area that is affected you can also take Predisone, an oral corticosteroid, but it should be taken with some caution. UV Light: You can get PUVA or Narrowband UVB treatments as ordered by a dermatologist. These can be time consuming as they require several trips to the clinic every week. Antihistamines: Antihistamines can sometimes help. The best ones are unfortunately the ones that make you drowsy. OTC you can get Benadryl. You can also get Hydroxyzine with a prescription. Antibiotics: Since atopic dermatitis is frequently accompanied by staph infections, antibiotics are sometimes needed to clear it up. Some dermatologists recommend taking bleach baths (just put 1 cup of bleach in a full bath tub) or you can take oral antibiotics such as Dicloxacillin or Flucloxacillin. Calcineurin Inhibitors: Protopic and Elidel are prescription only creams that are not often prescribed by dermatologists, but if you have very stubborn atopic dermatitis that is not responding to any other treatment then this might be something to try. Other: There are many other drugs that can be prescribed for eczema that is particularly stubborn. Cyclosporin and Methotrexate are sort of the "kitchen sink" of treatments and are used only if other options have been exhausted as they can be high risk and suppress your immune system. Doxepin is a drug that is particularly helpful if you're having trouble sleeping and is a good antipruritic. For treatments that don't require a doctor, putting 10 drops of lavender oil in a bath can help soothe the skin. Putting something cold on a particularly itchy spot can at least temporarily stop the itching sensation. And aloe can also relieve some itchiness (although make sure to get it in a cream or ointment not a gel). If none of this helps, you may want to look into other causes such as contact dermatitis or food allergies.
What does vitiligo cause?
What Causes Vitiligo. What causes vitiligo has been known to medical research for about 75 years, and doctors of that time knew how to cure vitiligo without skin treatments of any kind by simple and effective means available to them. That real medical research on vitiligo was corroborated and expanded upon by four subsequent generations of MD's, and the cause and cure of vitiligo has consequently become crystal clear and medically obvious. That information, which allows a person to cure himself, is not known to the lay public, and is seemingly not known to current medical practitioners who have minimal knowledge of their own profession. The real and curative medical research on vitiligo done over the last 100 years has been extracted and distilled by an M.D. into a revealing and eye-opening book "Vitiligo: Your Doctor Will Never Cure You, You've GOT to do it yourself" which is exclusively available through. No PUVA, no oils, no excimer lasers, no immune suppressors, no skin grafts, and no mysterious herbal remedies. What Causes Vitiligo is known, and can be cured through simple, straightforward means available to anyone who wants to cure himself without skin treatments of any kind.
Granuloma annulare?
DefinitionGranuloma annulare is a long-term (chronic) skin disease consisting of a rash with reddish bumps arranged in a circle or ring.Causes, incidence, and risk factorsGranuloma annulare most often affects children and young adults. It is slightly more common in girls.The condition is usually seen in otherwise healthy people. Occasionally, it may be associated with diabetes or thyroid disease. Its cause is unknown.SymptomsGranuloma annulare usually causes no other symptoms, but the rash may be slightly itchy.Patients usually notice a ring of small, firm bumps (papules) over the backs of the forearms, hands, or feet. Occasionally, multiple rings may be found.Rarely, granuloma annulare may appear as a firm nodule under the skin of the arms or legs.Signs and testsYour physician may consider the diagnosis of fungal infection when looking at your skin. A skin scraping and KOH test can be used to tell the difference between granuloma annulare and a fungal infection.A skin biopsy may also be necessary to confirm the diagnosis of granuloma annulare.TreatmentBecause granuloma annulare is usually asymptomatic (causes no symptoms), treatment may not be necessary except for cosmetic reasons.Very strong topical steroid creams or ointments are sometimes used to speed the disappearance of the lesions. Injections of steroids directly into the rings may also be effective. Some physicians may choose to freeze the lesions with liquid nitrogen.In severe cases, ultraviolet light therapy (PUVA) or oral medications may be needed.Expectations (prognosis)Most lesions of granuloma annulare disappear with no treatment within two years. Sometimes, however, the rings can remain for many years. The appearance of new rings years later is not uncommon.Calling your health care providerCall your physician if you notice a ring anywhere on your skin that does not go away within a few weeks.ReferencesMorelli JG. Diseases of the dermis. In: Kliegman RM, Behrman RE, Jenson HB, Stanton BF, eds. Nelson Textbook of Pediatrics.18th ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007:chap. 658.
What substance is known to produce cancer?
Substances that are known to cause cancer are called "carcinogens".The list of known carcinogens is rather extensive.Several different organizations publish lists of known carcinogens including:International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC)National Toxicology Program (NTP) - which includes parts of several different US government agencies, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The NTP updates its Report on Carcinogens (RoC) every few years.US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)US CDC's National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH)US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)National Cancer Institute (NCI)As of November 2016 IARC lists the following as "Group 1: Carcinogenic to Humans" Acetaldehyde (from consuming alcoholic beverages)Acheson process, occupational exposure associated withAcid mists, strong inorganicAflatoxinsAlcoholic beveragesAluminum production4-AminobiphenylAreca nutAristolochic acid (and plants containing it)Arsenic and inorganic arsenic compoundsAsbestos (all forms) and mineral substances (such as talc or vermiculite) that contain asbestosAuramine productionAzathioprineBenzeneBenzidine and dyes metabolized to benzidineBenzo[a]pyreneBeryllium and beryllium compoundsBetel quid, with or without tobaccoBis(chloromethyl)ether and chloromethyl methyl ether (technical-grade)Busulfan1,3-ButadieneCadmium and cadmium compoundsChlorambucilChlornaphazineChromium (VI) compoundsClonorchis sinensis (infection with), also known as the Chinese liver flukeCoal, indoor emissions from household combustionCoal gasificationCoal-tar distillationCoal-tar pitchCoke productionCyclophosphamideCyclosporine1,2-DichloropropaneDiethylstilbestrolEngine exhaust, dieselEpstein-Barr virus (infection with)ErioniteEstrogen postmenopausal therapyEstrogen-progestogen postmenopausal therapy (combined)Estrogen-progestogen oral contraceptives (combined) (Note: There is also convincing evidence in humans that these agents confer a protective effect against cancer in the endometrium and ovary)Ethanol in alcoholic beveragesEthylene oxideEtoposideEtoposide in combination with cisplatin and bleomycinFission products, including strontium-90Fluoro-edenite fibrous amphiboleFormaldehydeHaematite mining (underground)Helicobacter pylori (infection with)Hepatitis B virus (chronic infection with)Hepatitis C virus (chronic infection with)Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) (infection with)Human papilloma virus (HPV) types 16, 18, 31, 33, 35, 39, 45, 51, 52, 56, 58, 59 (infection with) (Note: The HPV types that have been classified as carcinogenic to humans can differ by an order of magnitude in risk for cervical cancer)Human T-cell lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-1) (infection with)Ionizing radiation (all types)Iron and steel founding (workplace exposure)Isopropyl alcohol manufacture using strong acidsKaposi sarcoma herpesvirus (KSHV), also known as human herpesvirus 8 (HHV-8) (infection with)Leather dustLindaneMagenta productionMelphalanMethoxsalen (8-methoxypsoralen) plus ultraviolet A radiation, also known as PUVA4,4'-Methylenebis(chloroaniline) (MOCA)Mineral oils, untreated or mildly treatedMOPP and other combined chemotherapy including alkylating agents2-NaphthylamineNeutron radiationNickel compoundsN'-Nitrosonornicotine (NNN) and 4-(N-Nitrosomethylamino)-1-(3-pyridyl)-1-butanone (NNK)Opisthorchis viverrini(infection with), also known as the Southeast Asian liver flukeOutdoor air pollution (and the particulate matter in it)Painter (workplace exposure as a)3,4,5,3',4'-Pentachlorobiphenyl (PCB-126)2,3,4,7,8-PentachlorodibenzofuranPhenacetin (and mixtures containing it)Phosphorus-32, as phosphatePlutoniumPolychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), dioxin-like, with a Toxicity Equivalency Factor according to WHO (PCBs 77, 81, 105, 114, 118, 123, 126, 156, 157, 167, 169, 189)Processed meat (consumption of)Radioiodines, including iodine-131Radionuclides, alpha-particle-emitting, internally deposited (Note: Specific radionuclides for which there is sufficient evidence for carcinogenicity to humans are also listed individually as Group 1 agents)Radionuclides, beta-particle-emitting, internally deposited (Note: Specific radionuclides for which there is sufficient evidence for carcinogenicity to humans are also listed individually as Group 1 agents)Radium-224 and its decay productsRadium-226 and its decay productsRadium-228 and its decay productsRadon-222 and its decay productsRubber manufacturing industrySalted fish (Chinese-style)Schistosoma haematobium(infection with)Semustine (methyl-CCNU)Shale oilsSilica dust, crystalline, in the form of quartz or cristobaliteSolar radiationSoot (as found in workplace exposure of chimney sweeps)Sulfur mustardTamoxifen (Note: There is also conclusive evidence that tamoxifen reduces the risk of contralateral breast cancer in breast cancer patients)2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-para-dioxinThiotepaThorium-232 and its decay productsTobacco, smokelessTobacco smoke, secondhandTobacco smokingortho-ToluidineTreosulfanTrichloroethyleneUltraviolet (UV) radiation, including UVA, UVB, and UVC raysUltraviolet-emitting tanning devicesVinyl chlorideWood dustX- and Gamma-radiationThe NTP 14th Report on Carcinogens "Known to be human carcinogens lists" AflatoxinsAlcoholic beverage consumption4-AminobiphenylAnalgesic mixtures containing phenacetinAristolochic acidsArsenic and inorganic arsenic compoundsAsbestosAzathioprineBenzeneBenzidineBeryllium and beryllium compoundsBis(chloromethyl) ether and technical-grade chloromethyl methyl ether1,3-Butadiene1,4-Butanediol dimethylsulfonate (also known as busulfan)Cadmium and cadmium compoundsChlorambucil1-(2-Chloroethyl)-3-(4-methylcyclohexyl)-1-nitrosourea (MeCCNU)Chromium hexavalent compoundsCoal tar pitchesCoal tarsCoke oven emissionsCyclophosphamideCyclosporin ADiethylstilbestrol (DES)Dyes metabolized to benzidineEpstein-Barr virus (EBV)ErioniteEstrogens, steroidalEthylene oxideFormaldehydeHepatitis B virusHepatitis C virusHuman immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)Human papilloma viruses: some genital-mucosal typesHuman T-cell lymphotropic virus type 1 (HTLV-1)Kaposi sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) (also known as human herpesvirus 8, or HHV-8)MelphalanMerkel cell polyomavirus (MCV)Methoxsalen with ultraviolet A therapy (PUVA)Mineral oils (untreated and mildly treated)Mustard gas2-NaphthylamineNeutronsNickel compoundsOral tobacco productsRadonSilica, crystalline (respirable size)Solar radiationSootsStrong inorganic acid mists containing sulfuric acidSunlamps or sunbeds, exposure toTamoxifen2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD); "dioxin"ThiotepaThorium dioxideTobacco smoke, environmentalTobacco, smokelessTobacco smokingo‑ToluidineTrichloroethylene (TCE)Vinyl chlorideUltraviolet (UV) radiation, broad spectrumWood dustX-radiation and gamma radiationNote that there is extensive overlap between these two lists although in some cases the same thing is listed somewhat differently.
