Pharmacology Flashcards
Name 5 temporary side effects of steroids
Name 3 permanent side effects of steroids
How can the risk of side effects be reduced?
Temporary
- Acne
- Poor wound healing
- Pigmentary changes
- Contact allergy to hydrocortisone
- Tachyphylaxis (reduced sensitivity over time)
Permanent
- Atrophy
- Striae
- Poor wound healing
- Hirstutism
- Glaucoma
Only use steroids when appropriate
Use high potency for a short period and then tail off more rapidly than giving long term lower potency
How much is 1 fingertip of cream appropriate for?
Both palms
~500mg
List the following steroids from least to most potent
- Hydrocortisone
- Dermovate
- Eumovate
- Betnovate
- Elocon
Hydrocortisone
Eumovate (clobetasone butyrate)
Betnovate + Elocon (betamethasone valverate)
Dermovate (clobetasol propionate)
Why are children more at risk of steroid side effects than adults?
Larger SA to body volume
Creams
Oil in water
Non greasy
Preservation
Ointments
NO PRESERVATIVE
- v important not to share
- spatula can be used to avoid bacterial
restrict transepidermal water loss
Lotions
Liquid formulation
Treat scalp, hair bearing areas
Gels
Thickened
ADD
Pastes
contain finely powdered material
Protective
Used in bandages
Foams
Advantage of increased penetration of active ingredients
Types of topical therapies
Emollients
Topical steroids
Use emollients when?
Enhance rehyradration of epidermis
For all DRY/SCALY conditions
300-500g a week
Can be used as soap substitutes
Wet wraps
Effective for very dry skin
How do steroids work?
Reduce inflam
Cause immune suppresion
Use of topical steroids?
Eczema
Psoriasis - (can have rebound flare after stopping treatment)
Non-infective inflam dermatoses e.g. lichen planus
Keloid scars
