Skin: Eczema and Psoriasis Flashcards
Pimecrolimus by topical application is licensed for what?
Mild to moderate atopic eczema.
Tacrolimus by topical application is licensed for what?
Moderate to severe atopic eczema.
Which calcineurin inhibitor by mouth can be used for severe psoriasis and for severe eczema?
Ciclosporin.
Azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil are used unlicensed for what?
Severe refractory eczema.
Methotrexate can be used for what skin condition?
Severe psoriasis
Etanercept, adalimumab and infliximab inhibit the activity of tumour necrosis factor (TNFa). They are used for what skin condition?
They are used for severe plaque psoriasis either refractory to at least 2 standard systemic treatments and photochemotherapy, or when standard treatment cannot be used because of intolerance or contra-indications.
Severe refractory eczema is best managed under specialist supervision; it may require phototherapy or drugs that act on the immune system. What is licensed for the treatment of severe chronic hand eczema refractory to potent topical corticosteroids?
Alitretinoin
In the management of psoriasis, why are calcitriol or tacalcitol used for longer-term treatment over calcipotriol?
Calcipotriol is more likely to cause irritation.
How do calcipotriol and tacalcitol work?
Calcipotriol and tacalcitol are analogues of Vit D that affect cell division and differentiation.
What is Calcitriol?
Calcitriol is an active form of vitamin D.
Dithranol is effective for chronic plaque psoriasis but should not be used where?
Flexures or on the face.
What is tazarotene?
A retinoid used in treatment of psoriasis
Phototherapy is available for psoriasis in specialist centres. UVB radiation is usually effective for what?
Chronic stable psoriasis and for guttate psoriasis.
It may irritate inflammatory psoriasis
Acitretin, a metabolite of etretinate, is a retinoid whose main indication is for psoriasis. Teratogenicity remains a risk for how long after atopping treatment with acitretin?
3 years.
