Other Services

VASCULAR ANOMALIES

Vascular anomalies describe a spectrum of rare diseases including malformations and vascular tumors. Vascular anomalies are often characterized by debilitating clinical manifestations such as disfigurement, chronic pain, coagulopathies, and organ dysfunction. Superficial anomalies are commonly associated with frequent bleeding and the leakage of lymphatic fluid, providing an easy entrance for skin and soft tissue infection. Such infections may predispose to long term issues with chronic hospitalizations, wound breakdown, recurrent infections, and significant morbidity and even mortality, as soft tissue infections can rapidly progress to bacteremia and severe sepsis.

VITILIGO

Vitiligo is a skin pigmentation disorder that is characterized by the development of white patches due to loss of melanocytes in the skin’s epidermal layer. The disease is often progressive, resulting in white skin patches of increasing size that are in contrast to neighboring areas of normal, darker skin. Individuals affected by vitiligo often experience stigmatization, decreased self-esteem and a decreased quality of life. Our pharmacy offers several topical compounds for vitiligo, including formulations for depigmentation and repigmentation.

ICHTHYOSIS

Ichthyoses are a heterogenous group of keratinization disorders of the skin that are mostly inherited. The inherited forms include lamellar ichthyosis, a debilitating orphan disorder that presents with severe generalized hyperkeratosis and dry, scaly, thick skin across large areas of the body, among other possible manifestations such as hair loss, respiratory problems and abnormally formed fingernails and toenails. The signs of lamellar ichthyosis are present at birth. Mutations in various different genes can cause the disease. These genes usually make proteins that are found in the epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin. Scaling of the skin may occur only on the extremities or on larger areas of the body in more severe cases.

Different oral retinoids at customized doses are an important therapeutic option for severe scaling. Sometimes, the systemic treatment of lamellar ichthyosis with retinoids is not suitable due to the risk of adverse events such as increased serum triglycerides and liver enzymes. Mechanical scale removal is clinically not efficacious and associated with recurrence. Particularly in young children, the treatment with topical alternatives including salicylic acid, retinoids and lactic acid/ammonium lactate may be associated with toxicity due to the required long-term application to sometimes very large skin areas. We are able to compound a cost-effective, non-toxic topical preparation that likely regulates keratinocyte proliferation and has been used successfully in infants as young as several months.  

PRURITUS

Pruritus, or itch, is a common symptom that is associated with many skin disorders but may also appear as a feature of diseases that primarily affect organs other than the skin or can be induced by certain drugs. Itch occurs when signals are transmitted along specific nerve fibers; the development of itch is very complex and not only related to the skin but also to parts of the brain and the spinal cord. Pruritus can be acute (lasting less than six weeks) or chronic. The urge to scratch is often very distressing and associated with a high risk of open wounds, scarring, and skin infections. We offer a number of novel, innovative therapeutic options for patients with acute or chronic itch.

CALCINOSIS CUTIS

Calcinosis cutis is a disorder characterized by abnormal deposits of insoluble calcium salts  in the cutaneous and subcutaneous tissue. These deposits can be caused by a variety of factors including abnormal metabolism of calcium or phosphate, local tissue injury that allows for calcium to build up under the skin by binding to other elements, and medical therapy for a differen condition. Calcium salt deposits often present as skin-colored, white or yellow firm papules or plaques that may eventually ulcerate or be associated with the extrusion of a chalky material. We offer a topical medication that, as an alternative to surgical removal, may help to dissolve the deposits and prevent ulceration.

LUPUS

Lupus is a chronic inflammatory disease of unknown cause. It is an autoimmune disorder, which means the body’s immune system attacks its own organs and tissues.  Symptoms may vary from patient to patient and can involve any organ.   A variety of medications are prescribed for Lupus. Anti-malarial drugs are among the available treatment options and often prescribed to patients with less severe disease or when they are first diagnosed. We offer customized compounding for patients with lupus.