Pharmacology: Topical Skin Therapeutics Flashcards
What is crotamiton used for?
Relieves residual itch after treatment of scabies
When would you use a steroid cream?
For moist or weeping lesions
What is wet wrap therapy?
Liberal emollients (and topical steriods if required) are applied and then covered with two layers of tubifast bandage, the first wet and the other dry
What is camphor/phenol used for?
Pruritus ani
What is imiquid used for?
Solar damage and superficial basal cell carcinoma
What is a cream?
Semi-solid emulsification of oil in water that cools and moisturises the skin
What is the consequence of systemic toxicity from excess topical steroid?
Suppression of pituitary-adrenal axis and Cushingoid features
What is 5-flurouracil used for?
Solar damage, Bowen’s disease and superficial basal cell carcinoma
When would you use steroid in an ointment?
Dry, lichenified, scaly lesions or where a more occlusive effect is required
What are the features of steroid rosacea?
Facial flushing, telangiectasia, inflammatory lesions
What is a paste?
Semi-solids made up of finely powdered materials e.g. zinc oxide
They cool and hydrate the skin and are often used in cooling bandages
What are calicneurin inhibitors?
Topical treatment used in atopic eczema to suppress lymphocyte action
What are emollients?
Treatments that enhance rehydration of the dermis to break the itch-scratch cycle, allowing the skin to restore its barrier function Ointments, creams, lotions and gels
What is a foam?
Usually a hydrophilic liquid in continuous phase with foaming agent dispersed in gaseous phase Used on large areas of skin as they can spread easily
How does capsacin reduce pruritus?
Depletes substance P at nerve endings and reduces neurotransmission
What is a gel?
Semi-solid thickened aqueous solution used to treat hair-bearing areas and the face
Name two side effects of vitamin D analogues
Hypercalcaemia and hypercalcuria
What is rebound psoriasis?
Unstable pulstular psoriasis can be triggered as ‘rebound’ when topical steriod therapy is withdrawn from chronic plaque psoriasis
What are keratolytics used for?
Used to soften keratin e.g. viral warts, hyperkeratotic eczema and psoriasis
What is an ointment?
Semi-solid grease which have a high lipid content, act as occlusives and limit transdermal water loss
How is menthol used to treat pruritus?
Added to calamine and other lotions and creams to impart cooling sensation
What is salicylism?
Toxic condition produced by twice daily 40% salicylic acid ointment, can (rarely) lead to death
When would you use steroid in a lotion?
Minimal application to a large area, application to hair-bearing areas or for the treatment of exudative lesions
What is a lotion?
Liquid formulations of medications suspended in alcohol or water used to treat dry, hair-bearing areas and the face
