New horizons in treating disorders of hyperpigmentation in skin of color.

Pigmentary abnormalities are among the most common reasons why patients with skin of color visit a dermatologist. Hydroquinone has been a cornerstone for the treatment of hyperpigmentation; however, concerns regarding adverse effects have prompted a search for alternative agents. Some promising topical treatments include soy, licorice, rucinol, mulberry, niacinamide, ellagic acid, resveratrol, and dioic acid.

A survey of skin conditions and concerns in South Asian Americans: a community-based study.

Background: South Asians represent a rapidly growing part of the U.S. population, increasing 188 percent from 1990 to 2000 (0.

Topical retinoids for pigmented skin.

Topical retinoids are an important class of drugs for treating several dermatoses occurring more frequently in patients with pigmented skin, such as melasma, post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation, pseudofolliculits barbae and keloids. They also play a role in managing acne, psoriasis, photoaging, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, Kaposi sarcoma and disorder of hyperkeratosis in this demographic as well. In general, topical retinoids are well tolerated in pigmented skins.

Impetigo update: new challenges in the era of methicillin resistance.

Impetigo is a bacterial infection of the superficial epidermis most commonly seen in infants and children. It is clinically characterized by crusted erosions or ulcers that may arise as a primary infection in which bacterial invasion occurs through minor breaks in the cutaneous surface or a secondary infection of a preexisting dermatosis or infestation. Impetigo occurs in 2 forms: bullous and nonbullous.

Necrolytic acral erythema: a review of the literature.

Necrolytic acral erythema (NAE) has been described as an early cutaneous marker for hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. It most commonly presents as a well-defined, dusky, erythematous eruption with marked hyperkeratosis and a dark red rim associated with pruritus or burning. Necrolytic acral erythema bears microscopic and clinical resemblance to other necrolytic erythemas, including necrolytic migratory erythema (NME) and several nutrient-deficient syndromes.

Minocycline-induced skin pigmentation: an update.

Minocycline is a commonly used antibiotic for long-term treatment of acne vulgaris. A well-documented and cosmetically dis-pleasing side effect is skin pigmentation. Three distinct types occur: Type I, blue-black/grey pigment on the face in areas of scarring or inflammation associated with acne; type II, blue-grey pigment on normal skin on the shins and forearms; type III, diffuse muddy-brown discoloration in areas of sun exposure.

Talarozole, a selective inhibitor of P450-mediated all-trans retinoic acid for the treatment of psoriasis and acne.

Talarozole, being developed by Barrier Therapeutics Inc under license from Johnson & Johnson, is a potent and selective inhibitor of cytochrome P450 26-mediated breakdown of endogenous all-trans retinoic acid for the treatment of psoriasis and acne. Phase II clinical trials of an oral formulation of talarozole in patients with psoriasis and with acne, and a phase I clinical trial of a topical formulation have been completed. At the time of publication, Barrier Therapeutics had suspended the development of talarozole as part of a series of cost-cutting initiatives; the company had also been acquired by Stiefel Laboratories Inc.

Pramiconazole, a triazole compound for the treatment of fungal infections.

Pramiconazole from Barrier Therapeutics Inc is a new addition to the family of triazole antifungal agents that act by inhibiting fungal cell membrane ergosterol synthesis, thereby leading to increased cell permeability and destruction. Barrier Therapeutics was developing an oral formulation of pramiconazole for the potential treatment of seborrheic dermatitis (erythematosquamous skin disease), onychomycosis and dermatomycosis (including tinea versicolor, tinea pedis and tinea cruris/corporis). In preclinical studies, pramiconazole exhibited similar or superior antifungal activity to ketoconazole and itraconazole, and selectively inhibited ergosterol synthesis with a broad spectrum activity.