Derm Drugs

Question 1

What medications treat actinic keratosis?

Answer 1

Efudex: inhibits DNA and RNA synthesis to attack abnormal cells. Apply twice/day for 2-4 weeks. Can cause redness, crusting, and intense stinging.

Imiquimod: Immune modulator that activates immune system to attack abnormal cells. Applied 3-5 times per week for 1-2 months.

Question 2

What medications treat atopic dermatitis?

Answer 2

Glucocorticoids: Suppresses immune responses in the skin which thereby reduces inflammation and itching. Avoid the face with this medication to prevent skin thinning.

Calcineurin Inhibitors (Tacrolimus): Suppresses T cell activation and immune responses.

Question 3

What medications treat verruca?

Answer 3

Salicylic acid

Podophyllin Solution: stops wart cell division. Apply twice daily for 3 days, take a 4 day rest and then repeat if needed.

Question 4

What medications treat alopecia?

Answer 4

Minoxidil: stimulates hair growth by decreasing the rest phase of hair follicles.

Finasteride.

Question 5

What medications treat cellulitis?

Answer 5

Oral and IV abx are best but if it is a superficial infection,

Mupirocin: Inhibits bacterial protein synthesis. Apply 2-3 times a day for 5-10 days.

Question 6

What medications treat impetigo?

Answer 6

Mupirocin

Retapamulin: antibiotic that also inhibits protein synthesis of bacteria.

Question 7

What medications help treat Rosaeca?

Answer 7

Sodium Sulfacetamide with Sulfur: Antibacterial and keratolytic (removes dead skin cells). Use as a daily wash. (Least used; used second line when the other two are not effective)

Metrogel: Antibacterial (First line)

Azelaic Acid: Anti-inflammatory; reduces redness and acne like lesions. (Commonly used in adjunt with metrogel)

Question 8

What medications are used to treat psoriasis?

Answer 8

Mild to moderate
Topical Corticosteroids (Glucocorticoids): first line; high-potency steroids reserved for severe cases and used only for short durations.
Vitamin D Analogues (Calcipotriene, Calcitriol): inhibit keratinocyte growth and can be used alone or with corticosteroids.
Topical Retinoids (e.g., Tazarotene): These are Vitamin A derivatives that reduce skin cell turnover and have anti-inflammatory effects, often used as adjunctive therapy for mild to moderate psoriasis.
Calcineurin Inhibitors (e.g., Tacrolimus, Pimecrolimus): Used primarily for sensitive areas, like the face. they are usually prescribed as a secondary option due to side effects like skin irritation/ skin infections.

Severe:

Methotrexate: it suppresses rapid cell division, which reduces plaque formation. However, it has significant potential side effects like liver toxicity and bone marrow suppression.
Cyclosporine: this immunosuppressant targets T-cells. While effective, it poses risks such as kidney toxicity and high blood pressure, limiting its use to short-term or rotating therapy​.
TNF-Alpha Blockers (Adalimumab, Etanercept, Infliximab):

Phototherapy (PUVA and Narrowband UVB): For moderate to severe psoriasis, phototherapy slows skin cell turnover and reduces inflammation. It is beneficial for patients unable to tolerate systemic agents, though it requires frequent clinic visits and carries risks like skin aging and cancer with prolonged use