Phototherapy and Photochemotherapy
Ultra violet (UV) rays can be used for the purpose of treatment, either alone (generally UV-b rays are used) or in combination with topically applied agents, as is used in treatment of psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, for inducing remission and health state of skin. When UV is combined with a topically applied agent or systemically administered agent, than it is called photochemotherapy.
Examples of photochemotherapy in psoriasis:
Topically applied psoralens or systemically administered psoralens (psoralens are tricyclic furocoumarins which if intercalated into DNA and exposed to UV-A eventually form DNA cross-links) are combined with UV-A (called as PUVA) is effective in treating psoriasis and in the early stages of cutaneous T cell lymphoma and vitiligo. The structural changes that occur in DNA thought to decrease DNA synthesis and is responsible for the improvement that is seen in psoriasis. But how PUVA (psoralen ultra-violet-A) photochemotherapy is useful in cutaneous T cell lymphoma is not clearly understood.
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Photoprotection: The Need
Photosensitivity of the skin results from exposure to sunlight, so absolute avoidance of the sun would eliminate these disorders. Unfortunately, modern contemporary life-styles make this an impractical alternative for most individuals, and this has led to a search for better approaches to photoprotection.
The structural proteins in the epidermis (the outer layer of the skin) confer natural photoprotection, in particular keratins and melanin (pigment responsible for color of the skin). The amount of melanin and its distribution in cells is genetically regulated, and individuals of darker complexion (skin types IV–VI) are at decreased risk for the development of acute sunburn and cutaneous malignancy and other photosensitivity diseases.
Categories: Skin Care Tags: Photosensitivity, SPF
Solve Obesity Problem by Pills
Overweight and obesity has many ill effects on our health (which everybody is aware of) and it is also regarded as ‘not normal’ in society and peer groups to be obese or overweight. Due to sedentary lifestyle of modern times and habit of eating junk unhealthy foods have made the problem of obesity in every society (may it be a society of developed nation or an under developed nation or a developing nation) a major risk factor for ill health, morbidity and mortality.
These days due to busy life schedules it may not be possible or even if possible some persons may not like to do regular exercise for shedding extra pounds of fat from body.
Categories: BMI & Weight Issues Tags:
Phototoxic & Photo-allergic Drugs
There are many drugs which can cause photoallergy and phototoxicity. The commonly used drugs which can cause phototoxicity and photoallergy are given below:
Some examples of phototoxic drugs are given here:
-5- Fluorouracil
-amiodarone
-dacarbazine
-fluoroquinolones (ciprofloxacin, ofloxacin etc.)
-furosemide
-nalidixic acid
-phenothiazines
-psoralens
-retinoids
-sulfonamides
-sulfonylureas (e.g. glimeperide used in treatment of diabetes)
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Importance of Drug Rehabilitation
Drug addiction is a general social evil, which every society suffer from, some societies suffer more and some societies suffer less in compare to others. But the problem of drug addiction, alcohol addiction are global phenomena and present all over the world. No country or society is immune to drug addiction. Like communicable and infectious diseases, drug addiction should be under control and it should be below the level, where it becomes a threat to the general well being of the society or country as a whole. Multidisciplinary approach is required to achieve the control level of drug addiction.
The major requirement for controlling the drug addiction level, there should be good quality drug treatment and rehabilitation centers, and lots of them.
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