Chapter 2: Topical Therapy and Topical Corticosteroids

Question 1

What is more thicker; Creams or Lotions?

Answer 1

Creams are thicker and more lubricating

- Petroleum Jelly and mineral oil contain no water

Question 2

What is the best time to use creams and lotions

Answer 2

most effective if applied to moist skin (i.e. after bathing).

Question 3

What are the classes of steroids

Answer 3

I-VII

I is the strongest (clobetasol)
VII is the weakest

Question 4

How do steroids make initial anti-inflammatory action

Answer 4

vasoconstriction

Question 5

what are some examples of class I steroids

Answer 5

Clobetasol propionate
Halobetasol propionate
Betamethasone dipropionate
diflorasone diacetate

Question 6

How are the side effects of topical steroids minimized

Answer 6

by applying once or twice daily for 2 weeks followed by one week of rest

Question 7

What are the different vehicles for steroids

Answer 7

Creams
Ointments
Gels
Solutions/Lotions
Foams

Question 8

What are creams

Answer 8

a mixture of several different organic materials that is white in color and has a greasy texture

• some components may cause irritation or allergy
• highly versatile as it can be used in nearly in area.

Question 9

What are ointments

Answer 9

Contains a limited number of organic compounds

• Translucent
• Greasy feeling
• Greater penetration of medicine than creams.

Question 10

What are gels

Answer 10

Greaseless mixtures of propylene glycol and water; some contain alcohol.

• clear base
• useful for exudative inflammation (poison ivy) and in the scalp where other vehicles mat the hair

Question 11

What are solutions or lotions

Answer 11

contain water and alcohol.

• clear or milky appearance
• most useful for the scalp because they penetrate through hair leaving no residue.

Question 12

What are foams

Answer 12

Useful for the tx of scalp dermatoses an in other areas for acute eczematous inflammation such as poison ivy an plaque psoriasis

Question 13

how much is one FTU (finger tip unit)

Answer 13

0.5 grams

Question 14

What is steroid rosacea

Answer 14

A side effect frequently observed in fair skinned females who initially complain of erythema with or without pustules.

• flusher blusher complexion

Question 15

What is the treatment for steroid rosacea

Answer 15

100 mg doxycycline qd or bid for 10 days initially.

• 50 mg BID may be continued until the eruption clears.

Question 16

What percentage of patients are allergic to corticosteroids

Answer 16

4-5% of patients noted to have allergy during patch tests.