Tag: Medications

What You Can Do When Allergy Season Hits

20 October, 2009 (16:27) | Allergies | By: admin

Many different people who have allergy problems have difficulty dealing with their powerful symptoms that have them sneezing, coughing, and congested, sometimes all year long. This article will give you the information to enable you to take care of whatever symptoms you have when allergy season hits hard. You don’t have to live with all of these frustrating and sometimes debilitating symptoms that keep you from enjoying life inside and outside of your home.

The first option you have regarding allergy treatment is anti-histamines. These are medications that are both over-the-counter and prescribed by a doctor. You can find most of these at your local drug store or grocery store, and they are fairly inexpensive, depending on which brand you get. Many of these have symptoms like marked drowsiness, so pay attention to what the label says before you decide on one specific kind.

To get your allergies under control when the season hits, you can also choose to get shots which are administered by a nurse at an allergist. These types of vaccines shots have been proven to get results in people who are allergic to a variety of things, from cats to pollen and dander. If you are interested in this method, then you will want to gather as much information as possible on it to avoid any possible negative side-effects.

Getting an air purifier to put in your home is another good idea. Most people are not aware of the amount of allergens and dust that is in their home. If you find that you are constantly sneezing and getting congested in the comfort of your own home, you may need to buy one of these devices to help filter the air so you can breathe a little easier when trying to relax at home.

A Look at the Retin-A Micro Prescription Acne Medication

18 October, 2009 (09:30) | Acne | By: admin

Individuals with acne have a plethora of choices available to them as far as treatment options go. They can either purchase treatment systems at retail stores or pharmacies, or can obtain prescriptions for medicated options that are more powerful than the over-the-counter treatments. Retin-A Micro is one example of a medicated treatment option provided by a dermatologist. In this article, the properties and capabilities of Retin-A Micro will be reviewed and discussed.

Retin-A Micro is produced by Ortho Dermatologics, a company that also makes Renova tretinonin cream. Ortho Dermatologics does not have a file with the Better Business Bureau.

Retin-A Micro is a gel designed to unclog pores, soften or remove scarring, fortify the skin against future breakouts, and heal and repair damage caused by moderate to severe acne on the face. The active ingredient in this product is called tretinonin, which is the acidic form of vitamin A. This ingredient is available in either .04% or .1% concentrations, and is meant to be applied by hand to the face. The user should first clean the face with a cleanser before application. The properties of the active ingredient, combined with “microscopic sponge-like beads”, help to make the skin look healthy.

As a prescription medication, Retin-A Micro is only available via a doctors prescription.

Therefore, a visit with a dermatologist is necessary.

The cost of this medication depends on whether or not one has insurance; without insurance, the cost can be as much as $100 (although Ortho Dermatologics offers a $50 rebate).

As with most prescribed acne treatment options, Retin-A Micro is quite capable against most – if not all – forms of acne. The downside, though, is with the side effects: dryness, itching or red skin, stinging, burning, or peeling. Not all users experience these, though, and most report that Retin-A Micro does eventually give good results (although the wait can be several weeks if not months). If continuously applied, and used as directed by a trained and qualified dermatologist, Retin-A Micro can be effective. One thing must be said, though: Many of those who use Retin-A and reviewed it used it in conjunction with other products, so the positive results may not have been entirely from Retin-A. Still, Retin-A does appear to be worth a try for those with moderate to severe acne.

Puffy, Itchy Allergy Eyes

11 October, 2009 (01:44) | Allergies | By: admin

Seasonal allergies are a constant companion for many individuals and represent a major health factor for millions of Americans. Symptoms include sneezing, coughing, red itchy eyes, sore throat and even dark circles under the eyes.

Hay fever is often caused by pollens which are at the highest counts in higher heats, humidity and carbon dioxide concentration. Ragweed is the most common allergen in the fall which causes our immune system to release histamines and other inflammatory mediators. The spring is dominated by tree contributions, followed by flowers, weeds and molds. These all cause the same immune system response. In the United States about 75% of allergy sufferers are to ragweed and 10% are to trees.

Since we can not cure allergies, we must change our environment to best deal with them. When the outdoor allergens are high, try and stay indoors keeping the humidity below 50%. Change the filters on the air conditioners at least once a month and wear a mask outside when working in the garden. Be sure to wash hands immediately after out door activities, shower and change clothes often.

Contact lens wearers should consider reducing their wear during high allergen times and while working out doors. If contacts are worn then rub and rinse them frequently and use hydrogen peroxide systems like AOSept or OXYSept.

Medications can also be very helpful. Eye allergy drops like Patanol or Pataday are great at relieving the symptoms, and severe allergy suffers can benefit from mild topical steroid drops as well such as Lotemax or FML. Systemic antihistamines that can be purchased over the counter are useful as well, Claritin, Allegra, Benadryl etc.

Always inform your health care provider and eye doctor of all the medications that you are taking even the OTCs. They can interact with prescriptions that may be detrimental, or antagonize conditions such as glaucoma.

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