Derm therapies Flashcards
What is essential to the efficacy of any topical med?
active ingredient (strength), location, vehicle, concentration
What is a vehicle that is lucricating, occlusive and greasy?
ointment (vaseline)
When should ointments be used?
smooth, non-hairy skin lesions; dry, thick, or hyperkeratotic lesions
What is a less greasy, drying effective agent that can sting, is not occlusive and may cause irritation?
creams
When are creams indicated?
acute exudative inflammation, intertriginous areas (skin-skin contact)
when should oils be used?
on scalp
What is a jelly like vehicle that may contain alcohol, greaseless, least occlusive and dries quickly?
gel
When are gels indicated?
acne, exudative inflammation (contact dermatitis); scalp/hairy areas w/o matting
What is a more expensive, easily spread and applied substance that is cosmetically elegant?
foams
When are foams indicated?
hairy areas; inflammation
What conditions are topical corticosteroids effective against?
hyperproliferation, inflammation, immunologic involvement
In what lesions do topical corticosteroids provide relief?
burning and pruritic lesions
How are corticosteroids organized into classes?
based on strength (potency)
T/F steroids w/in any class are equivalent in strength
true => strength based on concentration
What is a class I (super high) topical corticosteroid? When is it used?
clobetasol propionate => severe dermatoses over nonfacial/nonintertrignous areas
What is a class II (high) topical corticosteroid? When is it used?
fluocinonide => mild to moderate nonfacial/nonintertriginous areas
What is a class III-V (medium) topical corticosteroid? When can it be used?
triamcinolone=> ointment>cream>lotion => mild to moderate nonfacial/nonintertriginous areas
What is a class VI-VII (low) topical corticosteroid? When can it be used?
fluocinolone, desonide, hydrocortisone => large areas and thinner skin=> face, eyelid, genital, intertriginous areas
What are some local side effects occurring greater with potency?
skin atrophy, acne, telangiectasias, striae, steroid rosacea, hypopigmentation
What are systemic side effects of topical steroids? (rare due to low absorption)
glaucoma (eyelid application), hypothalamic pituitary axis suppression, cushing’s, HTN, hyperglycemia
What is the key to reducing the risk of side effects with steroid use (local/systemic)?
least potent used for shortest time while maintaining effectiveness
Duration of Tx is limited by side effects. How long do you Tx with class I steroids?
<3 weeks