An antifungal nasal spray is prescribed for topical treatment of infections in the nasal passages and sinuses. Fungal infections can lead to chronic sinusitis with nasal congestion, runny nose, and difficulty breathing.  Individuals with compromised immune systems are more susceptible to fungal infections that can progress to a serious condition. Those who have had to live in environments with mold sometimes develop biotoxin illness, which can require multiple treatment methods…

Chemical peels are treatments that should always be done by a trained professional like a dermatologist or aesthetician. In some states, the use of high-strength professional chemical peels is limited to dermatologists only or someone under their supervision. Peel solutions with higher concentrations of active ingredients are often only available with a prescription. Performing a chemical peel at home with a solution obtained online can lead to adverse reactions in…

Tretinoin, also called retinoic acid, is in a group of drugs called retinoids that have been proven to be effective at treating a variety of skin conditions and in reducing wrinkles. They are frequently prescribed by dermatologists for treating acne, psoriasis, skin damage, and signs of aging. Acne in particular is a common disease that accounts for much of tretinoin’s use in dermatology. It has been a mainstay in acne…

Periodontal disease becomes more difficult to treat the longer it is ignored. There are different levels of severity of periodontal disease ranging from mild inflammation to damage to tissue and bone. Patients should be advised to see their dentists regularly for cleanings and to check for signs of early periodontal disease. In many cases however, the disease progresses without an individual seeking treatment or changing their oral hygiene habits. Further…

Microneedling is an effective procedure for improving the complexion. On realself.com, the popular website dedicated to patients discussing aesthetic treatments, microneedling has a high 92% approval rating among patients. It continues to be a popular skin rejuvenation procedure for its effectiveness and relative affordability compared to laser resurfacing. Because it is a moderately invasive treatment that requires puncturing the skin, a topical anesthetic is usually applied before the procedure. The…

Lupus is a disorder that causes the immune system to target the body’s own tissues and organs leading to inflammation. Several drugs that initially were used to prevent or treat malaria are now also used for treating lupus including quinacrine, chloroquine, and hydroxychlorquine. These drugs treat lupus symptoms by mildly suppressing the immune system, which reduces inflammation throughout the body. What is Lupus? While the exact cause of lupus is…

There are numerous acne creams, gels, lotions, scrubs, and more that are available as over-the-counter products at the local drugstore. While some of these products can be essential parts of a regular skincare routine, many individuals continue to suffer with acne even after consistently using them. When an acne sufferer is looking for alternative treatments from a skincare professional, chemical peels are often the first treatment offered. Chemical peels have…

When we talk about hormone replacement therapy (HRT), in general it is assumed we are referring to the treatment of menopausal symptoms in women. However men also experience a decline in hormones with age that can be treated with HRT. In men, this hormone decline is sometimes referred to as “andropause” although it may also just be referred to as testosterone deficiency. Testosterone is the essential male sex hormone and…

Estrogen replacement therapy is most often prescribed to treat symptoms of menopause that result from hormone imbalance. An imbalance in hormones can result in symptoms like hot flashes and night sweats, mood changes, decreased libido, and vaginal atrophy and dryness.  Health complications, like decreased bone density that can lead to osteoporosis, are also associated with lower levels of estrogen. With hormone replacement therapy, levels of estrogen are increased and balanced…

As levels of the hormone estrogen decline with menopause, a number of uncomfortable and painful symptoms can develop. One of the most painful symptoms of menopause is vaginal dryness and atrophy. Vaginal symptoms of hormone decline can cause sex to be painful, make infections more frequent, and cause urinary problems. Over 50% of menopausal women will experience vaginal atrophy and many of them do not seek help. Symptoms like hot…