News

Below is a chart, that describes the mechanism of actions for treatment of fungal infections of the skin and yeast infections.  Although there are other agents available, we are highlighting the most common and most effective agents we use over the counter, in community pharmacy practice. Topical over the...

DANDRUFF Cause: We are familiar with the appearance of dandruff, which the scalp shows fine, white, diffuse scaliness. The rate of turnover of the skin cells is about twice the normal rate in patients affected with dandruff. Malassezia (formerly called Pityrosporum) is a “oil dependent” fungus (yeast) that lives...

The very warm weather we have been experiencing saps the energy right out of us! However, the fungus that causes Tinea versicolor gets “supercharged” and grows more rapidly in this heat and humidity. Tinea versicolor often referred to as “sweat rash” caused by Malassezia furfur a fungus that normally...

This week we will explore the common causes of deficiency of potassium and calcium. POTASSIUM The kidney is the major player in potassium regulation, regulating about 90% of excretion. Potassium  balance is maintained by adjusting secretion into the urine in response to dietary intake. Low levels of potassium can...

One of my former Physician Students asked me for my next column to write about drugs that affect calcium and potassium. As you can see from the list below, your Thompson Pharmacist is extremely helpful in assisting your physician, if drug therapy makes your bloodwork go “out of whack”!...

Your Thompson Pharmacist is busy this time of the year recommending sunscreens. Sometimes however, the sunscreen is “forgotten” or not applied frequently enough, and patients come to seek our expert advice about treatment of sunburn. Most sunburn is self-treatable. Most are usually first or second degree burns. First degree...

Last week we discussed the mechanics of sunscreens and product selection.  Here are some tips about sunscreens before you head to the beach, Altoona Curve or to any other outdoor activities! UVA Light:  is continuous throughout the day and may exceed the intensity of UVB by up to 1000...

The Basics on Sunscreens “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure”, is a well-worn adage we pharmacists use when discussing blood pressure, Type-2 diabetes, and osteoporosis.  With summer rolling in to our part of the nation this is even more applicable with the appearance of much...

Treatment of Poison Ivy: Last week we discussed avoiding the Toxicodendron family of plants. I can easily identify the plant, when it appears growing on the side of a tree or along a hedgerow,  The challenge becomes  when the leaves are chopped up by a weed eater, or a...