tretinoin and resorcinol

Acne and rosacea are common inflammatory processes historically classified in the same disease category, but evolving understanding of their disparate pathophysiology and exacerbating factors have generated an enormous armamentarium of therapeutic possibilities. Patients seek over-the-counter therapies first when managing cutaneous disease; therefore, this review defines ingredients considered to be effective over-the-counter acne and rosacea products, their mechanisms, and safe formulations, including botanical components, oral supplements, and other anecdotal options in this vast skin care domain.

Topics: Acne Vulgaris; Administration, Cutaneous; Astringents; Benzoyl Peroxide; Dermatologic Agents; Detergents; Evidence-Based Medicine; Global Health; Humans; Hydroxy Acids; Kinetin; Niacinamide; Nonprescription Drugs; Phototherapy; Randomized Controlled Trials as Topic; Resorcinols; Rosacea; Salicylates; Sulfur; Sunscreening Agents; Tea Tree Oil; Treatment Outcome; Tretinoin; Zinc

Exogenous ochronosis is clinically and histologically similar to its endogenous counterpart; however, it exhibits no systemic effects and is not an inherited disorder. It is characterized by an asymptomatic hyperpigmentation of the face, sides and back of the neck, back, and extensor surfaces of the extremities. The associated ochronotic discoloration most commonly results from use of products containing hydroquinone. It also occurs following use of antimalarials and products containing resorcinol, phenol, mercury or picric acid. The etiology of hydroquinone-induced hyperpigmentation in exogenous ochronosis remains speculative. The majority of patients with this condition are Black, but it has been reported to occur in Hispanics and Caucasians. Exogenous ochronosis is prevalent among South African Blacks, but is believed relatively uncommon within the US. The reasons for this phenomenon are not clear, but it could be a result of the use of skin care products containing resorcinol in combination with hydroquinone or the use of hydroquinone in a hydroalcoholic lotion. Treatment of this condition is difficult. The offending agent must be avoided, but improvement occurs only slowly. A number of topical agents have been studied as have dermabrasion and the use of lasers. Controlled studies in larger numbers of patients are require to determine the true efficacy of newer treatments.

Topics: Adrenal Cortex Hormones; Adult; Aged; Anti-Bacterial Agents; Caustics; Cosmetics; Cryotherapy; Dermabrasion; Dermatologic Agents; Female; Humans; Hydroquinones; Incidence; Keratolytic Agents; Laser Therapy; Middle Aged; Ochronosis; Resorcinols; Skin Care; South Africa; Sunscreening Agents; Tetracycline; Time Factors; Tretinoin; Trichloroacetic Acid

The drugs used in the treatment of superficial mycoses include substances with an indirect affect on the organisms such as the keratolytics as well as antifungal compounds. The antifungals include specific inhibitory compounds such as the polyene or imidazole antibiotics and substances with a wider spectrum of antiseptic activity. High cure rates (80-90%) can be achieved by most specific antifungals although this can be affected by the host response and the location of the infection. The orally active antifungals used in superficial disease, ketoconazole and griseofulvin, can be used in conditions unresponsive or inaccessible to topical therapy, such as chronic superficial candidosis and tinea capitis. However, the treatment of onychomycosis, particularly affecting toe nails, is highly unsatisfactory. There is therefore an important place for new drugs and new methods of applying them in the treatment of superficial (local) mycoses.

Topics: Administration, Oral; Administration, Topical; Amphotericin B; Antifungal Agents; Benzoates; Dermatomycoses; Drug Combinations; Etretinate; Female; Griseofulvin; Humans; Imidazoles; Ketoconazole; Nystatin; Potassium Permanganate; Resorcinols; Salicylates; Salicylic Acid; Suppositories; Tretinoin; Vagina