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ICHTHYOSIS - Kristina's Story

Dr Tirant first started to treat Kristina in May 2003. Due to her young age, the condition proved to be a little more complex in that many of the orals were unsuitable in strength for her, or made her sick. As she got older her tolerance of the orals improved and it was agreed to bring her out to Australia for the eight week intensive treatment program. Her progress was documented throughout her intensive treatment program with photographs.

As with Andras, the treatment regime for Kristina involves a daily 5 minute warm bath with Cleansing gel and Skin Conditioner added to in an alternating cycle.

Followed by application of Scalp & Body Ointment. This ointment/moisturizer is also applied first thing in the morning and early afternoon. To ensure that the hands and feet are further protected during the day additional applications are applied as required. This keeps the skin of the hands and feet supple and moist, allowing greater movement of the fingers and toes without splitting the skin.

The regime also involves the taking oral medicatins including “Skin Intensive”, “Skin Biotic”, “Inflamedic Formula” and “Biobalance” orals as well as dietary changes. With a child this young the tablet is usually crushed and the powder taken mixed in a drink. Taking of the oral medication and enforcing the dietary changes required, are the most difficult part of the regime in one so young.

Kristina spent 8 weeks in Australia in the later half of 2004. During this time Dr Tirant evaluated Kristina's response to the medications, initially, twice weekly. As the response to the topical and oral medications stabilized the evaluations then took place on a weekly basis. With a child this young, who is susceptible to colds and viruses, stabilization can be difficult to maintain. The overall aim is to generally improve the health of the patient and ensure that the skin's condition continues to improve.

Again, as with Andras, the regime is tailored specifically to Kristina and her progress is monitored via a dermatologist who keeps Dr Tirant informed of her health and current status. Medications are altered, from time to time, according to her progress and state of health.

Contact is via phone consultations, fax and email, with pictures attached. Dr Tirant's treatment instructions are also sent via email or fax replies.

All of the photographs show the improvement over a period of six (6) weeks and are the clinical photographs taken during her treatment stay in Australia.

Although there was a vast improvement in the skin's condition with the thickened flaky "shell" being softened and removed, the exposed new skin was still very sensitive and delicate. You can see in the right hand photograph, the marks caused by close fitting shoes rubbing and squeezing the new skin. However in general the response was very good and it is expected that the skin's strength and elasticity will continue to improve as treatment continues.

In the photographs above and below, also note the change in the underlying erythema of the skin to give a more normal "pink" rather than a "red" hue. This improved skin colour should also continue to "normalize" with ongoing treatment.

 

Note the reduction in the flakyness of the skin.

PLEASE NOTE THAT:- ICTHYOSIS CANNOT BE CURED, BUT AS ATTESTED TO BY THESE PHOTOGRAPHS - THE CONDITION CAN BE MANAGED .

SEE ALSO ARTICLES PUBLISHED - A NEWSPAPER REPORT FROM THE LEADER - FRANKSTON

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