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Case Study
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Investigating a novel treatment for ichthyosis Cynthia Fleck, RN, BSN, MBA, ET/WOCN, CWS Background: .Ichthyosis is a rare genetic dermatologic disease that is characterized by dry, thickened, scaling skin. It affects more than one million Americans and can cause devastating disfiguring disease with numerous physical, social and emotional sequalae. Ichthyosis is the result of a genetic mutation. There is no cure, only treatments to help manage the symptoms. The disease is characterized by scales and plaques formed by the abnormal turnover of the epidermis. Problem: .Most of the treatments recommended and currently available do not adequately address the cosmetic and comfort issues that the patient faces. The case study patient has been treated unsuccessfully with rock salt, scrubbing with a wire brush, motor oil soaks, Saran wraps, bleach soaks, topical salicylates and poly hydroxy acid containing lotions such as Lac-Hydrin¨ 12% (Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Princeton, N.J.), and oil in water emulsions such as Eucerin¨ (Beiersdorf, Inc., Wilton, CT) and Aquaphor¨ Ointment (Beiersdorf, Inc., Wilton, CT). None provided him physical or cosmetic relief. This patient had exhausted his possibilities and had become reclusive and despondent Objective: .Describe a simple, cost-effective skin care plan that positively addressees the need for cosmetic, pain and itch relief Methodology: .The case study investigates a novel treatment with an over-the-counter advanced skin care line cotaining Olivamine¨* and providing substantial relief and cosmetic success Results: .The case study patient had a dramatic recovery from his ichthyosis and remains clear of thickened skin cells, pain or itching. He is now wearing short sleeved shirts and shorts and is no longer ashamed of his body. He reports no pain or itching Conclusion: .Endermic nutrition with products containing Olivamine* may help dermatologic conditions such as ichthyosis and other serious skin circumstances where there are no known cures or adequate treatments. Product notation: *REMEDY Advanced Skin Care Products, Medline Industries, Inc., Mundelein, IL. Foundation for Ichthyosis & Related Skin Types (FIRST). Available at: www.scalyskin.org. Accessed: October, 2005 Hill MJ. Dermatology Nursing Essentials: A Core Curriculum. Anthony J. Jannetti, Inc., Pittman, NJ: Publication Management, 2003 Fleck CA, McCord D. The dawn of advanced skin care. ECPN. September/October 2004:32Ð39 Fore J. The epidermal skin barrier: Implications for the wound care practitioner, Part 1. Adv Skin Wound Care. October 2004 Fore J. The epidermal skin barrier: implications for the wound care practitioner, Part 2. Adv Skin Wound Care. November 2004 McCord D. Using Remedy Nutrashield to Prevent Excessive Transepidermal Water Loss (e-TEWL), Independent studies performed by Dow Corning, 2004 |
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