Rare Disease means Little Holiday Joy for Thousands

We are entering a season that involves an abundance of eating. Enjoyment of holiday foods is an important part of  gatherings with family and friends. However, there are going to be thousands of people that will have problems feeling festive and merry, because they can't eat.

I have seen in recent weeks a few patients with a blistering condition known as pemphigoid. This condition causes painful blisters in the mucous membranes inside the mouth and into the esophagus. These blisters can also affect the skin, causing intense itching and burning, which is why patients visit a dermatologist.

This is an extremely rare condition. Estimates range from 1 per million to 5 per 100,000. When I see a patient with this condition, I do all I can to make sure the patient is getting the best possible care. Often, patients have been misdiagnosed for months, even years. Some patients with mouth blistering see several dentists at first to figure out the problem.

Pemphigoid is an autoimmune disease. For some reason, the immune system attacks healthy tissue, causing a separation of the different layers of skin.

These patients suffer. Painful blisters on the face, legs, arms and even groin seriously effect quality of life. Some patients have to quit working and rely on public assistance for survival. Patients whose blistering is located internally are unable to enjoy even soft foods due to the slightest pressure on the blister causing extreme pain. Pemphigoid patients take corticosteroids to control the condition, some even take drugs that are designed to control organ transplant rejection, even though these patients have not had transplants.  As you can probably imagine, these drugs can cause side affects that also interrupt quality of life for patients.

If you or someone you love has unexplained blisters on the skin or inside the mouth, consider visiting a dermatologist who will do a biopsy to help diagnose the condition. The longer pemphigoid goes undiagnosed, the worse the condition will become and the more likely unsightly scarring will result.

There are support groups in some cities. The International Pemphigus and Pemphigoid Foundation offers educational materials and treatment referrals.

So during this season of festivities and good cheer, just remember that so many of our fellow citizens, perhaps even someone you know, can't celebrate the way they wish they could due to a wide variety of illnesses and health challenges. Be thankful for your continued good health, for that is the best holiday gift you could ever receive.

Razor sales news emphasizes need for new technology

Milton Moore, MD

The news of declining razor sales may have some in the shaving industry distressed, but I am not one of them. I see more than 125 men a week in my busy Houston dermatology practice and I can tell you the desire for a clean shaven face remains strong.

I understand the numbers from Euromonitor and I realize that overall, in terms of statistical analysis, things look grim for the big razor makers. Sure, sporting facial hair may be fashionable in some areas and of course let’s not forget the U.S. unemployment rate hovering at about 7%, contributing to the need to economize. But that doesn't tell the entire story.

In my practice, I see many men who need specialized products for their personal grooming. I see men of all races and ethnicities with straight and very curly hair who rely on certain types of products to achieve a close, problem-free shave for professional reasons and to feel good about themselves.

I believe there is and always will be a segment of our population that will purchase boutique personal care products and pay the price for them. But people shouldn't be paying premium prices for inferior technology. And that is what's happening in the mens shaving industry, an industry at a crossroads. New technology is sorely needed. 

I have addressed this issue in the past with uniquely formulated shaving solutions. Now, I have moved the mark for the entire industry by developing the only 9 blade razor in the world. I recently received a U.S. patent and a City of Houston proclamation for this innovative razor, which I call Eagle Wings. This is truly new technology. Not only does it feature 9 blades with two wings that pivot, the razor dispenses a heated patented shave gel, providing lubrication before the blades ever hit the skin.

Moore Unique Eagle Wings Razor

This is the type of new technology that many men are searching for. My initial research underscores this. I've spoken to many men about this new, innovative razor and they remark, "Okay, now we’re talking, 9 blades that last longer than a few days that provides a better, cleaner shave!  No cuts and irritation! I’ll take it!”

I believe savvy consumers demand and are willing to pay for this advancement in technology. Therefore, in my view, the razor market not only remains viable but is poised for growth, provided the technology keeps pace with what consumers are really looking for.