Skin Therapeutics

Question 1

Define cream
Used for?
Benefits?

Answer 1

Semisolid emulsion of oil in water – contain emulsifier and preservative. They have a high water content and are used to cool & moisturize.
They are non-greasy, easy to apply, and cosmetically acceptable.

Question 2

Define ointment

Disadvantage?

Answer 2

These are a semisolid grease or oil. They don’t contain any preservative so need to take care to keep them clean.
They are occlusive and emollient and restrict transepidermal water loss.
Greasy – less cosmetically attractive.

Question 3

Define lotion.

Use?

Answer 3

These are a liquid formulation – suspension or solution of medication in water, alcohol or other liquids. If they contain alcohol, they may sting.
Used for hair bearing/scalp problems.

Question 4

Define gel

Uses?

Answer 4

These are thickened aqueous lotions.
They are semi-solids, containing high molecular weight polymers e.g. methylcellulose.
Treat scalp, hair bearing areas, face.

Question 5

Define paste

Answer 5

These are semisolids and contain finely powdered material e.g. ZNO.
They are stiff, greasy and difficult to apply.
Protective, occlusive, hydrating.

Question 6

Emollients

• Function?
• How much should be prescribed for a week?

Answer 6

• Enhance rehydration of epidermis for all dry/scaly conditions esp. eczema
• 300-500g weekly

Question 7

Give three modes of action of topic corticosteroids

Answer 7

Vasoconstrictive
Anti-inflammatory
Antiproliferative

Question 8

Give an example of each of the types of topical corticosteroid

Answer 8

Mild - hydrocortisone
Moderate -Clobetasone
Potent - Betamethasone
Very potent - Clobetasol

Question 9

Give four uses of topical corticosteroids

Answer 9

1. Eczema (dermatitis)
2. Psoriasis
3. Other non-infective inflammatory dermatoses e.g. lichen planus
4. Keloid scars (usually intralesional)

Question 10

Give some side effects of topical corticosteroids

Answer 10

• Thinning of the skin, purpura and stretch marks
• Steroid rosacea
• Fixed telangiectasia
• Perorial dermatitis
• May worsen or mask infections
• Systemic absorption
• Tachyphylaxis - decrease in response to anti-inflammatory effects
• Rebound flare of disease (esp. psoriasis)

Question 11

Give three uses for topical antibiotics

Answer 11

Acne – clindamycin, erythromycin, tetracycline
Rosacea – metronidazole
Impetigo - mupirocin, fusidic acid

Question 12

Treatment for each of the following conditions?

• Herpes simplex (cold sore)
• Eczema herpeticum
• Herpes zoster (shingles)

Answer 12

Herpes simplex (cold sore)- topical antiviral
Eczema herpeticum – oral antiviral
Herpes Zoster (shingles) – oral antiviral

Question 13

Treatment for each of the following conditions?

• Candida
• Dermatophytes
• Pityriasis versicolor

Answer 13

• Candida (thrush) - antiyeast e.g. nystatin, clotrimazole
• Dermatophytes (ringworm) - antifungal e.g. clotrimazole, terbinafine cream
• Pityriasis versicolor - ketoconazole

Question 14

What are keratolytics used for?

Answer 14

These are used to soften areas of hard skin, e.g. salicylic acid

• Viral warts
• Hyperkeratotic eczema & psoriasis
• Corns and calluses
• To remove keratin plaques in scalp