Dermatological drugs, topical agents, and cosmetics

Abstract

Publisher Summary This chapter examines the dermatological drugs, topical agents, and cosmetics. Botulinum toxin A is used for the treatment of facial rhytides by producing weakness or paralysis of the associated muscles, and in the treatment of hyperhidrosis. Transient adverse effects, such as temporary bruising, discomfort, incomplete muscle paralysis, or headache, can occur. Focal weakness was the only adverse event that occurred significantly more often with botulinum toxin A than control. It is found that although p –phenylenediamine (PPD) and toluene-2,5-diamine are the most frequently reported hair dye allergens, allergic contact dermatitis from direct dyes for hair coloration is unusual. Two patients with a history of PPD allergic contact dermatitis had positive patch tests to HC Yellow 7, 4 amino-3-nitrophenol and HC Red B54 in hair dyes. The main adverse effects associated with finasteride are loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, and reduced ejaculate volume. In clinical trials, 4.4% of patients treated with finasteride and 2.2% of patients taking placebo experienced sexual adverse effects. Systemic and topical psoralens plus ultraviolet A irradiation (PUVA therapy) are well-established treatments for vitiligo. Adverse effects of PUVA therapy include nonmelanoma skin cancer and PUVA-induced lentigines. It is found that lentigines are common among PUVA-treated patients with psoriasis, but rare in patients with vitiligo.