Skin, Hair, and Nails
Skin and nail conditions can affect people of all ages and can range from mild to serious. Common skin issues include acne, eczema, psoriasis, and rashes, while nail problems like fungal infections, brittle nails, or ingrown nails are also common. These conditions can cause discomfort, irritation, or changes in appearance, but many are treatable with proper care. Taking steps to protect your skin and nails and addressing any concerns early can help keep them healthy and strong.
Frequently asked questions
What are wrinkles?
Wrinkles may begin at a young age, but become more pronounced in those over 40 years of age. They usually begin as fine lines, progressing to deep creases, folds and crepey skin. Wrinkles are oftentimes more noticeable in skin on exposed areas of the body (i.e. face, neck, hands). Wrinkles can be caused by a combination of factors such as age, exposure to ultraviolet light, and smoking. By your 40’s, wrinkles mostly appear with animation of the face; by your 50’s, the creases become more permanent; and, by your 60’s, your whole face may be covered with wrinkles. Wrinkles resulting from aging are often deep and accompanied by skin laxity. Those wrinkles due to sun exposure are often advanced with texture changes. Based on research and patient testimonials, you may see improvement as early as 6 to 8 weeks; however, each patient is unique and time frames may differ.
What is melasma?
A usually harmless condition in which patches of skin are darker than the surrounding skin. It occurs when cells in the skin make too much melanin. Hyperpigmentation may appear as freckles, age spots, or larger areas of darkened skin on sun-exposed areas of the body, particularly on the face. Melasma is very common, affecting nearly 5 million Americans. Based on research and patient testimonials, you may see improvement as early as 2 weeks; however, each patient is unique and time frames may differ. The medication only works while you are using it and melasma can also return with increased exposure to the sun or if you are on birth control.
What is rosacea?
Rosacea is a chronic inflammatory skin disease that commonly occurs in the central part of your face. Patients often report persistent facial blushing or flushing along with more visible blood vessels around the nose and cheeks. Many people with rosacea also develop pimples on their face that resemble acne. In the US alone, more than 16 million patients are affected by rosacea, and worldwide incidences peak as high as 18%. Based on research and patient testimonials, you may see improvement as early as 6 to 8 weeks; however, each patient is unique and time frames may differ.
What is eczema?
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is a non-contagious inflammatory skin condition that affects up to 15 million Americans. It is a chronic disease characterized by dry, itchy skin that can weep clear fluid when scratched. A combination of genetic and environmental factors appears to be involved in the development of eczema. Eczema often appears on your inner elbow or behind your knees. You can also have it on your neck, wrists, and ankles. Based on research and patient testimonials, you may see improvement as early as 3 to 7 days; however, each patient is unique and time frames may differ.
What is psoriasis?
Psoriasis causes patches of thick red skin and silvery scales that are thicker and more inflamed than with eczema. Patches are typically found on the elbows, knees, scalp, lower back, face, palms, and soles of feet, but can affect other places (fingernails, toenails, and mouth). The most common type of psoriasis is called plaque psoriasis. According to current studies, nearly 8 million people in the US have psoriasis. Based on research and patient testimonials, you may see improvement as early as 3 to 7 days; however, each patient is unique and time frames may differ.
What are they different types of scars?
Keloid scars are a thick raised scar that can occur when you injure yourself. Keloid scars are commonly found on shoulders, cheeks, earlobes and chest. A keloid scar isn't typically harmful; however, these types of scars may cause emotional distress due its size color, and thickness.
Acne scars are the result of inflammation of acne blemishes. Some acne scars are shallow and may heal quickly; however, some may become deeper and more apparent.
Stretch marks are indented streaks that commonly appear on the abdomen, hips, buttocks and breasts. The appearance of stretch marks vary depending on their age, what caused them, and where they are located on your body. Common variations include: indented streaks/lines, pink, red or purple streaks, light colored streaks or streaks cover large areas of your body. Anyone can develop stretch marks, but some factors that increase your chances of developing them include, but are not limited to; being pregnant, rapid growth of muscle, and/or rapid gain or lose of weight.
Based on research and patient testimonials, you may see improvement as early as 2 months for new scars and up to 6 months for older scars; however, each patient is unique and time frames may differ.
What is nail fungus?
Nail fungus affects millions of people, but many go months or even years without getting treatment. Toenail fungus commonly affects seniors with chronic medical conditions or more serious underlying conditions. Diabetes, circulatory problems, or immune-deficiency conditions can contribute to toenail fungus which is caused by an infection under the surface of the nail. It can lead to discomfort, pain, and may impair your ability to walk if left untreated. Many people don’t recognize the symptoms of toenail fungus, including white marks on the nail bed, distorted shape, discoloration, or a thickening of the nail. It may affect one or several nails, and can affect ambulatory and non-ambulatory patients. Based on research and patient testimonials, you may see improvements in 48 to 52 weeks; however, each patient is unique and time frames may differ.
What is hair loss?
Hair loss is a common issue that can affect both men and women, often leading to thinning hair, bald spots, or a receding hairline. It can be caused by genetics, aging, stress, hormonal changes, or medical conditions like alopecia. Hair loss can be temporary or permanent, depending on the cause, but there are treatments available to help slow it down or promote regrowth. Taking early steps and consulting a professional can make a big difference in managing hair loss.
What is shingles?
Shingles is a viral infection that causes a painful rash. Although shingles can occur anywhere on your body, it most often appears as a single stripe of blisters that wraps around either the left or the right side of your torso. Shingles is caused by the varicella-zoster virus — the same virus that causes chickenpox. After you've had chickenpox, the virus lies inactive in nerve tissue near your spinal cord and brain. Years later, the virus may reactivate as shingles.
The pain usually lasts 2 to 3 days before the development of a rash in the affected dermatome. However, some patients have presented with pain for approximately 1 week before development of a rash. Shingles generally lasts between 2 and 6 weeks. Most people only get shingles once, but it is possible to get it two or more times.
A person with shingles can pass the virus to anyone who isn't immune to chickenpox. This usually occurs through direct contact with the open sores of the shingles rash. Once infected, the person will develop chickenpox, however, not shingles. Chickenpox can be dangerous for some people. Until your shingles blisters scab over, you are contagious and should avoid physical contact with anyone who hasn't yet had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, especially people with weakened immune systems, pregnant women and newborns. Based on research and patient testimonials, you may see improvement as early as 1 to 2 weeks; however, each patient is unique and time frames may differ.
What is a compounded medication?
One size doesn’t fit all and every patient is unique. Drug compounding is the process of combining, mixing, or altering ingredients to create a medication tailored to the needs of a patient by a pharmacist as the result of a practitioner’s prescription drug order. While compounded medications are not FDA-approved, they serve an important patient need—especially when FDA-approved medication is not available for treatment. Our formulations are made to order in small batches to ensure freshness. The specific ingredients in your compounded formula will depend on your specific concerns and goals. It should be understood that your personal healthcare practitioner will make the final decision.
Are compounded medications FSA & HSA eligible?
Yes! All of our compounded formulations, regardless of ingredients, are eligible for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) and Health Saving Accounts (HSA).
References
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FDA Approved Drug Products: Lamisil AT (terbinafine)
FDA Approved Drug Products: Lotrimin AF (clotrimazole)
FDA Approved Drug Products: Diflucan (fluconazole)
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