Pharmacology: Topical Skin Therapeutics

Question 1

What is crotamiton used for?

Answer 1

Relieves residual itch after treatment of scabies

Question 2

When would you use a steroid cream?

Answer 2

For moist or weeping lesions

Question 3

What is wet wrap therapy?

Answer 3

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

Question 4

What is camphor/phenol used for?

Answer 4

Pruritus ani

Question 5

What is imiquid used for?

Answer 5

Solar damage and superficial basal cell carcinoma

Question 6

What is a cream?

Answer 6

Semi-solid emulsification of oil in water that cools and moisturises the skin

Question 7

What is the consequence of systemic toxicity from excess topical steroid?

Answer 7

Suppression of pituitary-adrenal axis and Cushingoid features

Question 8

What is 5-flurouracil used for?

Answer 8

Solar damage, Bowen’s disease and superficial basal cell carcinoma

Question 9

When would you use steroid in an ointment?

Answer 9

Dry, lichenified, scaly lesions or where a more occlusive effect is required

Question 10

What are the features of steroid rosacea?

Answer 10

Facial flushing, telangiectasia, inflammatory lesions

Question 11

What is a paste?

Answer 11

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

Question 12

What are calicneurin inhibitors?

Answer 12

Topical treatment used in atopic eczema to suppress lymphocyte action

Question 13

What are emollients?

Answer 13

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

Question 14

What is a foam?

Answer 14

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

Question 15

How does capsacin reduce pruritus?

Answer 15

Depletes substance P at nerve endings and reduces neurotransmission

Question 16

What is a gel?

Answer 16

Semi-solid thickened aqueous solution used to treat hair-bearing areas and the face

Question 17

Name two side effects of vitamin D analogues

Answer 17

Hypercalcaemia and hypercalcuria

Question 18

What is rebound psoriasis?

Answer 18

Unstable pulstular psoriasis can be triggered as ‘rebound’ when topical steriod therapy is withdrawn from chronic plaque psoriasis

Question 19

What are keratolytics used for?

Answer 19

Used to soften keratin e.g. viral warts, hyperkeratotic eczema and psoriasis

Question 20

What is an ointment?

Answer 20

Semi-solid grease which have a high lipid content, act as occlusives and limit transdermal water loss

Question 21

How is menthol used to treat pruritus?

Answer 21

Added to calamine and other lotions and creams to impart cooling sensation

Question 22

What is salicylism?

Answer 22

Toxic condition produced by twice daily 40% salicylic acid ointment, can (rarely) lead to death

Question 23

When would you use steroid in a lotion?

Answer 23

Minimal application to a large area, application to hair-bearing areas or for the treatment of exudative lesions

Question 24

What is a lotion?

Answer 24

Liquid formulations of medications suspended in alcohol or water used to treat dry, hair-bearing areas and the face