Dermatological treatments Flashcards
Give advantages of topical emollients?
Direct application
Reduced systemic effects
Give disadvantages of topical emollients?
Time consuming
Messy to use, inconvenient
Correct dosing is difficult
What are the types of topical emollients in dermatology?
Gels
Creams
Ointments
Pastes
Lotions
Foam
What type of emollients have a fire risk associated with them?
Paraffin-based emollients
Give some emollient prescribing tips?
Apply after bathing
Apply in direction of hair growth
Be aware of slippery surfaces
Use a spatula to remove from tubs
What are the three key actions of topical corticosteroids?
Vasoconstrictive
Anti-inflammatory
Antiproliferative properties
What are topical corticosteroids used for in dermatology?
Eczema and psoriasis
Keloid scars
Non-infective inflammatory dermatoses (lichen planus etc)
What can occur as a result of strong steroids / sudden steroid halting?
Rebound flare of disease
Note* mostly seen in psoriasis
What is the fingertip rule?
One fingertip unit of topical steroid should cover the front and back of the hand
Usually 1-2g
List some side effects of topical steroids?
Rebound flare of disease
Thinning of the skin
Purpura
Stretch marks
Steroid rosacea
Perioral dermatitis
Fixed telangiectasia
Tachyphylaxis
Systemic absorption
When are antiseptics used in dermatology?
Recurrent infection
Skin cleansing
Wound irrigation
What are antibiotics used to treat in dermatology?
Acne and rosacea
Skin infection
Infected eczematous process
What are antivirals used to treat in dermatology?
Herpes simplex
Eczema herpeticum
Herpes Zoster
What are topical antifungals used to treat in dermatology?
Candida
Dermatophytes
Pityriasis versicolor
Name some antipruritics?
Menthol
Capsaicin
Crotamiton
Camphor / phenol
What are keratolytics and what are they used to treat?
Drugs used to soften keratin
Viral warts, hyperkeratotic eczema & psoriasis, corns, calluses etc.
When area cytotoxic & antineoplastic therapies used in dermatology?
Solar damage
Bowen’s disease
Superficial basal call carcinoma
Give examples of cytotoxic & antineoplastic therapies?
Fluorouracil
Imiquimod
Give some side effects of topical therapies?
Burning and irritation
Contact allergic dermatitis
Local toxicity
Systemic toxicity
What are some systemic effects of topical therapies?
Salicylism
Hypercalcaemia / hypercalciuria
Suppression of pituitary - Cushingoid features
