Dr. Ogbru received his Doctorate in Pharmacy from the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy in 1995. He completed a Pharmacy Practice Residency at the University of Arizona/University Medical Center in 1996. He was a Professor of Pharmacy Practice and a Regional Clerkship Coordinator for the University of the Pacific School of Pharmacy from 1996-99.
Jay W. Marks, MD, is a board-certified internist and gastroenterologist. He graduated from Yale University School of Medicine and trained in internal medicine and gastroenterology at UCLA/Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles.
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM: Lotrisone is a cream or lotion consisting of
a combination of the drugs clotrimazole and betamethasone. Clotrimazole is an
anti-fungal drug related to fluconazole (Diflucan), ketoconazole (Nizoral),
itraconazole (Sporanox), and miconazole (Micatin, Monistat). It prevents growth
of several types of fungi by preventing production of the membranes that
surround fungal cells. Betamethasone is a synthetic corticosteroid that is used
topically on the skin. Corticosteroids suppress inflammation as well as the
body's immune response.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Cream or lotion: 1% clotrimazole and 0.05% betamethasone
STORAGE: Lotrisone can be stored at room temperature, cream at 2-30 C
(36-86 F) and lotion at 15-30 C (59-86 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Lotrisone is used for the treatment of local fungal
infections such as tinea pedis ("athlete's foot"),
tinea cruris ("jock itch"),
or tinea corporis (fungal infections elsewhere on the body).
DOSING: Lotrisone cream is gently massaged into the affected skin and
surrounding area in the morning and evening. The treated skin should not be
bandaged, covered, or wrapped in order to avoid excessive absorption of
Lotrisone into the body.
Lotrisone cream or lotion should not be used for more than 2 weeks for
treatment of tinea corporis or tinea cruris. If there is no clinical improvement
after one week of treatment, the diagnosis should be reviewed. Lotrisone should
not be used longer than 4 weeks for treatment of tinea pedis. If there is no
clinical improvement after 2 weeks of treatment, the diagnosis should be
reviewed. These limits on duration of use are based on the clinical studies that
were used by the FDA to approve Lotrisone and concerns that with longer use
absorption of betamethasone might be enough to have effects on the body. Amounts
greater than 45 g per week of Lotrisone cream or amounts greater than 45 mL per
week of Lotrisone lotion should not be used.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Long-term use or withdrawal of topical
corticosteroids may aggravate psoriasis. Therefore, there should be an interval
of at least 1 week between the discontinuance of topical steroids and the
starting of psoriasis treatment with anthralin (Psoriatec).
PREGNANCY: Safety of using Lotrisone during
pregnancy has not been
evaluated.
NURSING MOTHERS: It is not known whether clotrimazole or betamethasone
is secreted in breast milk.
SIDE EFFECTS: Local redness, stinging, blistering, peeling, swelling,
itching, hives, and burning at the area of application may occur. Other side
effects associated with Lotrisone include water retention (edema), decreased
pigmentation, stretch marks and infection due to bacteria. Growth retardation,
intracranial hypertension, Cushing's syndrome and skin atrophy have occurred in
pediatric patients.
The term "ringworm" or "ringworms" refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment. Among the different types of ringworm are the following: tinea barbae, tinea capitis, tinea corporis, tinea cruris, tinea faciei, tinea manus, tinea pedis, and tinea unguium.
Athlete's foot (tinea pedis) is a skin infection caused by the ringworm fungus. Symptoms include itching, burning, cracking, peeling, and bleeding feet. Treatment involves keeping the feet dry and clean, wearing shoes that can breathe, and using medicated powders to keep your feet dry.
The term ringworm or ringworms refers to fungal infections that are on the surface of the skin. The name is derived from the early belief that the infection was due to a worm, which it is not. Ringworm is a fungal infection in the skin. Nevertheless, the name ringworm remains. Some of these fungi produce round spots on the skin, but many do not. On the other hand, many round, red spots on the skin are not due to a fungal infection. A physical examination of the affected skin, evaluation of skin scrapings under the microscope, and culture tests can help doctors make the appropriate distinctions. A proper diagnosis is essential to successful treatment.
The medical term for ringworm is tinea. (Tinea is the Latin name for a growing worm.) Doctors add another word to indicate where the fungus is located.
Tinea capitis, for instance, refers to scalp ringworm, tinea corporis to fungus of the body,
tine...
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