General Management of Common Skin Conditions

Question 1

Xerosis:

Answer 1

• most common cause of generalized itching
• often occurs in cold, dry weather
• strong alkaline soaps make it worse
  tx: hydrate with EMOLLIENTS! (you want lots of oil content), avoid non-pH balanced soaps and frequent bathing, moisturize air, use antihistamine if needed.

Question 2

topical corticosteroids:

Answer 2

1. creams and lotions = composed of oil and water, most effective in moist areas
2. ointment= used preferably on dry skin
3. solutions = best for scalp

Potency: Class 1 - most potent, class 6 = least potent. 
choose based on the least potent steroid that will give the BEST RESULT, without costing too much and being too difficult to apply.

Question 3

When might you use antibiotics to help treat a skin problem?

Answer 3

1 acne

2. bacterial skin infection
3. rosacea
4. hidradenitis suppurativa
5. folliculitis

Question 4

Describe when certain biopsy procedures might be used?

Answer 4

1. shave biopsy= small, raised, noninflammed lesion
2. punch biopsy = superficial inflammatory lesions, small benign or malignant tumors
3. excisional biopsy = deep inflammatory lesions, malignant melanoma.