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Dermatology

Dermatology and Compounding Pharmacies

Compounding professionals are skilled in creating personalized therapies for many dermatologic conditions. Our services include compounding medications to be:
  • Non-comedogenic
  • Hypoallergenic
  • Oil-free
  • Paraben-free
  • Petrolatum-free

We are capable of generating alternative and advantageous options for dermatology.

In addition, we offer topical sprays and powders, as well as customized oral dosage forms like flavored troches. Compounding is genuinely a powerful approach to tailored dermatologic medications.

In This Page

Compounding for Acne

Acne is caused by a variety of circumstances. However, it is primarily a function of an overactive sebaceous gland, causing excess sebum to mix with dead skin cells and clog the follicle.

When this happens, bacteria can infect the area and lead to inflammatory acne. This is why antibacterial ingredients are common when treating acne. These include:
  • Benzoyl peroxide
  • Tretinoin
  • Clindamycin
  • Spironolactone

Benzoyl peroxide is available over the counter. Tretinoin, clindamycin, and spironolactone, however, require a prescription.

Skin is unique. Not everyone will benefit from the same medications. Compounding allows us to personalize topical creams for our clients.

This includes adding the desired active ingredient and elements to moisturize and nourish the skin.

Alopecia

Alopecia is a condition that results in hair loss. This can happen anywhere on the body but is most common on the scalp.

Compounding helps tailor hair loss medications to the needs of our patients. Minoxidil 5% is a standard medication that helps grow back hair. Finasteride is often used alongside minoxidil.

There are 3 main classifications of alopecia:
  • Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA): hair loss usually due to a genetic condition. This is commonly known as “male pattern baldness” but may also occur in women. Thinning and loss of hair usually occur at the hairline and crown.
  • Alopecia Areata: this form of hair loss is due to an autoimmune disorder. The body’s immune system attacks hair follicles and causes them to reduce or stop hair production. It usually presents in small round patches.
  • Telogen Effluvium: this condition results in the temporary loss of hair due to follicles entering the telogen (rest) phase. It can be caused by stress, surgery, or other environmental factors. It usually resolves itself over time.

Topical Melatonin for Androgenetic Alopecia

UV light, smoking, and environmental contaminants create free radicals, damaging hair follicles.

Studies have found melatonin to be a viable alternative to traditional hair loss treatments. Melatonin’s potent antioxidant characteristics may help it combat oxidative stress.

These studies have provided in vitro and in vivo results from applying topical melatonin. There was a reduction in seborrhea and seborrheic dermatitis of the scalp.

Pigmentation Abnormalities

Our pigment determines the color of our skin. This generally stays consistent throughout the body.

Deviations in pigmentation are usually not a sign of poor health, but some may have cosmetic concerns for large affected areas.

Two main pigmentation conditions are:
  • Hyperpigmentation: skin visually becomes darker than the surrounding skin due to an overproduction of melanin. This can be caused by exposure to the sun, inflammation, hormonal changes, and more. In most cases, hyperpigmentation is harmless.
  • Hypopigmentation: skin is lighter than the surrounding area due to reduced pigment. This can be due to various factors, including vitiligo, albinism, etc. While usually harmless, some people may have a higher risk of skin cancer.

Topical medications such as metformin can help address pigmentation issues. We work with your doctor to compound and tailor topical medicines for each patient.

Scarring and Keloids

Injuries, accidents, and surgery can leave scars in unwanted areas. Overgrowth of scar tissue can even lead to keloids on the skin. This can leave a raised bump in an iconvenient place for the patient.

Along with your doctor, our pharmacists are experienced in this field and can provide consultation regarding medication usage.

Agents used in scar therapy include:
  • Verapamil: reduces collagen deposits.
  • Pentoxifylline: improves blood flow and elasticity of scar tissue.
  • Imiquimod 5%: immune-response modifier and toll-like receptor agonist.
  • Hyaluronic acid: corporal lubricant.
  • Tranilast: suppresses collagen synthesis by fibroblasts.

Topical Anesthetics

Topical anesthetics can be used for a variety of reasons. People usually take them for:
  • Burns
  • Bites
  • Tattoos
  • Hair removal
  • Cosmetic procedures
  • And more

If someone is experiencing pain in a targeted area, topical anesthetics can be a possible solution.

Compounding helps provide a multi-faceted approach to pain relief. Every patient will have individual needs and requirements to be considered.

Common anesthetics used in topical medications include:
  • Lidocaine
  • Tetracaine
  • Benzocaine
  • Prilocaine

The anesthetic used, the amount used, and the type of base used will depend on the kind of pain being addressed and the patient’s pain levels.

Psoriasis and Eczema

Psoriasis is an autoimmune disease that damages the skin. Thick and scaly growths occur on the body, most commonly on the scalp, elbows, knees, and lower back.

Left untreated, it can cause severe itching, white scales/plaque buildup, and bleeding.

Eczema causes similar damaging symptoms on the skin but is not exactly the same. Eczema can be caused by both genetic and environmental factors.

It can leave red or brown patches that can crack and bleed. This condition mainly affects the patient’s arms, legs, and face.

Compounding allows for various topical medications to be developed for the patient. Potent moisturizers are usually included to improve barrier function and reduce flaking.

Additionally, corticosteroids are prescribed to reduce itching and inflammation in the skin.

Sun Protection, Photoaged Skin, and Wrinkles

The sun is our friend, but the sun is also… our enemy?

If you love being outside, you understand protection from the sun is very important. UV rays from the sun can have adverse effects on our skin, including:
  • Inflammation due to cell death
  • Skin photodamage (premature aging)
  • Dermatitis

Our compounding pharmacy makes topical medications to help combat these negative symptoms. With your doctor’s recommendation, ingredients such as metformin, melatonin, retinol, and more can be implemented into a topical cream.

Everyone’s skin is different, and compounding allows for the best customization.

Examples of Topical Compounded Medications

All formulations are customized per prescription to meet each patient’s unique needs. Therapeutic results depend not only on the selection of the drug but also on the use of a proper base and preparation technique.

We work with your doctor to determine the dosage form, strength, and medication or combination that is most appropriate.

Here is a list of notable medications for dermatology:
  • Alpha Lipoic Acid cream
  • “BLT” gel (benzocaine, lidocaine, and tetracaine)
  • Cholestyramine ointment
  • 2-Deoxy D-Glucose (2-DDG) in various dosage forms, such as creams, lip balms, and oral rinses
  • Dapsone cream
  • KOH solution – 5% and 10%
  • Kojic Acid, Hydroquinone, Retinoic Acid gel
  • Pseudocatalase cream
  • Tamoxifen topical
  • Trichloroacetic Acid/Lactic Acid/Azelaic Acid topical solution
  • Urea 40% ointment

Contact Us for Compounded Medications for Dermatology

Our compounding professionals will help you determine the best solution for your needs. Please get in touch with us for more information, and we will answer your questions.

You can call our Littleton or Cherry Creek locations.

You can also text us directly here:
Littleton: 303-707-1500
Cherry Creek: 303-333-2010

Or send us a message on social media! Follow us and get a peek at how we make our medications in the lab.

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Cherry Creek
201 University Blvd. #105 Denver, CO 80206
Call/Text: 303-333-2010
Fax: 303-333-2208
HOURS

Monday – Friday: 9AM – 6PM
Saturday: 9AM – 3PM

Littleton
8031 Southpark Circle Suite B Littleton, CO 80120
Call/Text: 303-707-1500
Fax: 303-707-1717
HOURS

Monday – Friday: 9AM – 6PM
Saturday: 9AM – 1PM

Long-Term Care
8031 Southpark Circle Suite A Littleton, CO 80120
Call/Text: 303-795-4300
Fax: 303-795-5849
HOURS
Monday – Friday: 8AM – 5PM
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DISCLAIMER: A prescription from a licensed practitioner is required for compounded medications.

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