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Chuck Fulmer, R.Ph., FIACP 672 Lanier Park Dr.
Gainesville, GA 30501
770-536-CARE (2273)
Fax: 770-536-2635
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Health Tip: Topical Therapy for Nail Infections
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Yeast and bacterial infections of the nails are usually the result of microscopic damage to the nail plates, resulting in a white or greenish-black discoloration. A mixture of 4% thymol (an antibacterial and antifungal) in alcohol (which reduces moisture in skin folds and cuticles) used twice daily until the affected area has grown out has provided excellent results. For treatment of onychomycosis (fungal nail), penetration of the topical antifungal agent through the nail plate is essential, and may be accomplished by adding a penetration enhancer to a preparation containing antifungal medications. Using a combination of antifungal drugs (such as butenafine and tea tree oil) in this manner may potentially reduce the duration of therapy and allow a reduction in dose of oral medication, which may reduce systemic adverse effects. Physicians may also consider combining topical antifungal therapy with topical urea, which can make the nail plate more porous and penetrable to topical antifungal drugs.
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Nutritional Support: High Fructose Corn Syrup - No Way to "Sugar Coat" This Story!
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High-fructose corn syrup (HFCS) has been used to sweeten soft drinks and food since the 1970s, and is a major contributor to the obesity epidemic. Sweeteners have switched from primarily sucrose (table sugar) to HFCS, a corn derivative which contains fructose, primarily because it is sweeter and less expensive. While Americans ate no high-fructose corn syrup in 1966, they ate close to 63 pounds each in 2001. The digestive and absorptive processes for glucose and fructose are different. Fructose is a relatively unregulated source of fuel for the liver to convert to fat and cholesterol, and it is also known to significantly raise triglycerides. In addition, unlike glucose, fructose does not stimulate insulin secretion or enhance the production of leptin, a hormone thought to regulate appetite, and therefore increased fructose consumption may contribute to higher food intake and weight gain. To lose weight, stop drinking soda pop and processed fruit juices that are sweetened with up to eight teaspoons of fructose per serving, and drink adequate amounts of water which also has other health benefits.
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Compounding Tip: Urea Plasters for Non-Surgical Nail Removal
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Although surgical excision is the most popular method for removing traumatized, dystrophic, or diseased nails, the procedure has inherent disadvantages:- necessity for anesthesia, risk of infection, and significant postoperative pain.
Two Stanford University dermatologists have suggested that the use of urea plasters may be a superior therapy. In contrast to surgical excision of the nail, the use of urea plasters can be much less costly, several nails can be treated in one session, and the procedure is essentially painless. Because topical urea plasters have no inherent risk of infection or hemorrhage, the procedure is ideal for treating diabetics and others with vascular insufficiency and peripheral neuropathy.
At a meeting of the American Academy of Dermatologists, Drs. Farber and South described the use of urea compounds to remove 116 toenails and 39 fingernails from 35 patients whose problems included onychomycosis (fungal nail), psoriasis, bacterial infection, traumatic injuries, and structural nail dystrophies. Following the application of urea plasters, the nail plate was successfully macerated from the nail bed, allowing easy removal of the diseased portion. The only adverse effects were mild irritation, slight pinpoint bleeding, and tape contact dermatitis.
Urea is non-toxic and non-allergenic, and may also possess antibacterial, antifungal, and anti-itching properties.
Please ask our compounding specialists for more information. | |
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