Beyond Allergy » Contact Dermatitis

Cetaphil, etc. (Cleansing Creams)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 22:00:34 +0000

Applying cleansing cream is an essential skin care regimen that is often disregarded. Proper cleansing of the skin is very important in preventing skin irritation. Cleansing creams soothe and cleanse the skin, gently lift away makeup and surface residue as well as other impurities and excess oils, leaving the skin soft, supple, and purified. Water, mineral oil, waxes, and herbal extracts are key contents of cleansing creams recommended for those with dry or sensitive skin. Apply cleansing cream generously on the face and on the throat by gently massaging with two fingers then remove with cotton or tissue pads. Wash of excess cream from the face with warm water. Follow with a splash of cool water.

Zyrtec etc. (Cetirizine)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:59:46 +0000

Cetirizine, which is sold under the trade name, Zyrtec, is a non-sedating second generation antihistamine. An antihistamine prevents sneezing, wheezing, itching of the nasal passages, and itching of the eyes caused by allergic symptoms. The medication blocks the effects of histamines that cause allergic reactions. It is primarily prescribed to treat allergic rhinitis caused by indoor and seasonal allergies to substances such as dust mites, mold spores, tree, grass, and weed pollen, as well as animal dander. It is also used to treat skin allergies like hives (urticaria), angioedema, and hay fever as well as other inflammatory conditions. It is commonly prescribed in combinations with pseudoephedrine hydrochloride, a decongestant.

Allegra (Fexofenadine)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:59:06 +0000

Allegra (Fexofenadine) is a second generation, minimally sedating antihistamine that produced fewer side effects than the first generation antihistamines (diphenhydramine and brompheniramine). They are less sedating and are not known to cause dizziness or impairment of the cognitive function. They are also a safe prescription for children with no known negative effects on learning abilities. Fexofenadine is prescribed to treat seasonal allergies and chronic urticaria. Recommended dosage for seasonal allergies for adults and children 12 years or older is 60 mg twice daily or 180 mg once daily.
Children 6-11 years old should only be given 30 mg twice daily.

Benadryl etc. (Diphenhydramine)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:58:26 +0000

Diphenhydramine is an antihistamine that has a sedative effect used in treating allergic reactions. It works by blocking the effect of histamine at h1 receptor sites and reduce the muscle contractions, thus reducing the onset of allergic symptoms.It is prescribed for allergic conditions such as seasonal allergic rhinitis, chronic urticaria, and also to treat allergic conjunctivitis, the itching and swelling of the eyes caused by seasonal allergens such as pollens and indoor allergens such as dust and dander. Diphenhydramine will take effect an hour after taking it and the effects will last for around 4-6 hours. Other than being an antihistamine, diphenhydramine also has anticholinergic (drying) effects when it is used to prevent motion sickness and to treat cases of Parkinsonism.
Also, because of its sedating properties, it is also used to treat insominia.

Adapin, Sinequan (Doxepin)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:57:42 +0000

Doxepin is a tricyclic antidepressant used to treat depression and anxiety. Doxepin has mood enhancement properties to fight the patient’s depression. It also contains a sedative that works for those with insomnia with marked restlessness and nervousness. It is known under the trade names, Adapin and Sinequan, sold in capsule or concentrate forms to be taken orally one to three times a day, with or without food. In the concentrate form, it can be diluted and mixed into water, milk, or fruit juice before being taken, but never mix it into carbonated drinks. Doxepin can also be used to treat other conditions such as chronic pain, peptic ulcer disease, neuralgia, and some skin conditions.

Atarax, Vistaril (Hydroxyzine hydrochloride)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:55:52 +0000

Hydroxyzine hydrochloride is a sedating antihistamine used mainly to relieve the symptoms of common anxiety and tension and, in combination with other medications, to treat anxiety resulting from physical illness. As an antihistamine, it works by preventing the effects of histamine, substances produced by the body that cause itching, sneezing, runny nose, and watery eyes, and other allergic symptoms. It also relieves itching from allergic reactions and has a sedative effect before and after general anesthesia. It is also used to treat motion sickness by reducing nausea. Hydroxyzine hydrochloride has several trade names with Atarax and Vistaril are among the most popular.

Temovate etc. (Clobetasol)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:54:40 +0000

Clobetasol is prescribed for treating various skin and scalp conditions that result in itching, dryness, swelling, crusting, redness, and inflammation. It can be purchased in the form of a cream or ointment for use on the skin, and in the form of lotion for application to the scalp. It is normally used once or twice daily. Before application, clean the affected area thoroughly, allow to dry, and gently rub in the medication until it is fully absorbed into the skin. It is sold under the trade names, Clobevate, Cormax, Cormax Scalp Application, Embeline E, Olux, Temovate, Temovate E, and Temovate Scalp Application.

Westcort (Hydrocortisone valerate)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:53:56 +0000

Hydrocortisone is a type of adrenocorticosteroid (or cortisone like medication) manufactured with a man-made form of the naturally-occurring corticosteroid cortisol, or hydrocortisone, produced by the adrenal gland. It is used to relieve skin inflammation, redness, swelling, and itching that is associated with various allergic skin conditions such as dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, and poison ivy. This medicine is also used for the treatment of asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, organ transplantation, leukemia, lymphoma, brain swelling, ulcerative colitis, sarcoidosis, spinal cord injuries, Addison’s disease, and arthritis, as well as other diseases where the immunosuppressant and anti-inflammatory properties are needed. It is sold under the trade name, Westcort, among others.

Protopic (Tacrolimus)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:53:15 +0000

Tacrolimus, (also FK-506 or Fujimycin), is a macrolide antibiotic available in a topical ointment that is used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema), a condition of itching, scaling, reddening, swelling, cracking, weeping, crusting, and inflammation of the skin as symptoms of an allergic reaction. When applied directly on affected areas of the skin, tacrolimus suppresses the immune system reaction and the inflammation by inhibiting an enzyme (calcineurin) crucial T-cell multiplication. It is sold under the trade name, Protopic. To apply Protopic, apply a thin layer to the skin twice daily and follow the necessary precautions given by your doctor.

Elidel cream (Pimecrolimus)

admin — Thu, 15 Feb 2007 21:52:36 +0000

Pimecrolimus is a steroid-free topical medication with immunomodulating and anti-inflammatory properties used for the treatment of atopic dermatitis (eczema). It is prescribed to control skin allergy symptoms such as itching, skin tingling sensation, small bumps, scaling, inflammation, or redness. The way pimecrolimus works is not certain but scientists know that it significantly reduces the action of T-cells and mast cells which are part of the immune system and contribute to responses of the immune system. It prevents the activation of T-cells by blocking the effects of chemicals (cytokines) released by the body that stimulates T-cells. Pimecrolimus also reduces the ability of mast cells to release chemicals that promote inflammation. It is safe to use on the face, neck and around the eyes. It is odor-free, non greasy, and absorbs quickly. The most prescribed brand is Elidel marketed by Novartis.