Skin conditions Flashcards
What are the three layers of the human skin?
Epidermis, Dermis and Hypodermis
What are some of the symptoms of atopic eczema?
Dry, red, cracked, rough, flaky skin
What causes atopic eczema?
Allergies, Family history of eczema or it may develop over other conditions such as asthma.
Flare ups can be caused by washing detergents
What are the two types of OTC medications available for treatment of eczema? (also for contact dermatitis)
Emollients: creams and ointments used to soothe the skin
Topical hydrocortisone: also used for bites and allergic dermatitis
Antipruritic: reduces discomfort of itchy skin
What counselling advice would you give for topical hydrocortisones?
Do not apply to the face, genital area or broken skin unless recommended by a Doctor
Not suitable for under 10s
Needs to be applied once to twice a day but 8-12 hours in between
What is the cause of contact dermatitis?
Exposure to irritant such as soap, detergents, solvents or water.
What are the symptoms of contact dermatitis?
Red, blistered, dry and cracked skin
What areas of the body does Seborrheic dermatitis affect?
Normally the scalp but it can affect the face, sides of the nose, eyelids and chest.
What is the first and second line treatment for Seborrheic dermatitis?
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo; First line treatment, maximum application of once every 3 days
Selenium Sulphide: Second line treatment
How should cradle cap be treated?
With olive or archis oil followed by gentle baby shampoo
What are the symptoms of psoriasis?
The skin becomes inflamed with red scaly patches forming of the hands, knees and elbows.
What are the main treatments of psoriasis?
Emulsifying ointments: soothe and hydrate the skin
Calciptrol or tacalcitol: a newer treatment which contains Vitamin D
Topical steroids: suppress skin plaques, can’t use on the scalp
What is hives also known as?
Urticaria
What are the main symptoms of hives?
A raised, itchy rash that is very pale in colour. Can occur anywhere on the body.
What can cause hives?
Food
Pollen
Insect bites
Chemicals
How often should you take the four anti-histamines recommended for treating hives?
Certrizine: one daily
Loratidine: 10mg once a day
Chloraphenamine: 4mg every 4-6 hours. Maximum 24mg daily
Promethazine: 10-20mg 2-3 times a day
What are some of the alarm symptoms of warts?
If they are on the face Patient is diabetic Patient is pregnant Change in appearance of them Bleeding Genital warts Immunosuppressed patient
What treatments are available OTC for warts?
Salicylic acid based products
Glutaraldehyde and lactic acid
Cryotherapy: freezing warts using liquid nitrogen
When is it appropriate to refer to the Pharmacist for nappy rash?
If the skin is broken or weeping
The rash hasn’t cleared up after a week of using a OTC medication
What advice can you provide to the parent of a child with nappy rash?
Use non-perfumed wipes
Frequently change the nappy
Wash the bottom instead of wipes if possible
Keep bottom exposed to air if possible
What medication is available for nappy rash?
Emollient is generally the first line treatment. And is a water repellent.
Zinc acts as a soothing agent
Lanolin emollient helps to hydrate the skin
Castor oil/ cod liver oil provides a water resistance layer on the skin.
When should you refer to a Pharmacist with burns?
Burn size is greater than the patient’s hand
On the face
It is blistered or painful
Shortness or breath following chemical burns
What dressings are recommended for burns?
Alginate, paraffin gauze and clear film dressing may be used.
What are some symptoms of heatstroke?
Nausea
Dizziness
Headaches
What OTC products are available to treat cases of sunburn?
Painkillers such as paracetamol and ibuprofen can be used
Aftersuns soothe the burn and prevent the skin from peeling
Calamine and glycerine creams help to soothe the soreness
What causes the irritation of insect bits?
The injection of saliva into the skin
What are the alarm symptoms associated with insect bites?
If there is a risk of bacterial infection or cellulitis due to the puncture.
If the patient is struggling to breathe or has a tightness across the chest as this suggests they are experiencing anaphylaxis.
What is lifestyle advice that can be provided to reduce possibility of getting bitten?
Wear long sleeves
Anti-malarial drugs if going to a country where Malaria has high prevalence
Mosquito nets
Avoid camping near pools of water (mosquito breeding grounds)
Keep sweet smelling food covered when eating outside
What medications are available for dealing with bites and stings?
Anti histamine creams
Oral anti histamines
Topical steroids
Local anesthetics/ antiseptics for secondary bacterial infection
State three anti-histamines and their corresponding doses required for treating bites and stings?
Mepyramine Maleate: Apply two to three times a day to the affected area for up to three days
Loratadine: 10mg daily (Aged 2+)
Chloraphenamine: 4mg every 4-6 hours; maximum 24mg per day (Aged 12+)
