Symptoms In The Pharmacy - Skin Flashcards
What skin conditions can be treated in the pharmacy?
*acne
*chickenpox
*ingrowing toenail
*nappy rash
*athletes foot
*cold sores
*intertrigo/ringworm
*verruca
*dermatitis (acute)
*scabies
What is atopic eczema?
Chronic, itchy skin condition – common
in children
Often accompanies other “atopic” conditions
Rash is dry, flaky and inflamed
Aetiology unclear – trigger factors
What is contact dermatitis?
Commonly on the hands
Consider patient history and occupation
Nappy rash is a type of contact dermatitis
What can be used to treat eczema and contact dermatitis?
Emollients are the mainstay of treatment – they soothe
the skin and can form a waterproof barrier to prevent drying
May be applied to soothe the skin or used as soaps or bath
additives
Topical corticosteroids, e.g. hydrocortisone 1%
w/v, are available as P medicines.
More potent corticosteroids are also available
Antipruritics to prevent itching are also available but generally not
recommended (Doxepin Cream is POM)
When to refer someone with eczema + contact dermatitis?
Infected rashes, e.g. weeping from the rash
Suspected ADR or unidentifiable cause
Failed medication, e.g. >1 week of topical corticosteroid use
Always consider meningitis / septicaemia
What is seborrhoeic dermatitis?
Affects the sebaceous gland-rich regions of
the skin, e.g. scalp
Can also occur at other hairy sites,
e.g. under arms, chest
Dandruff is an (uninflamed) form of
seborrhoeic dermatitis
Presents as scaly patches which typically
do not itch
May be referred to as “cradle cap” in babies
What can be used to treat seborrhoeic dermatitis?
- Treatment may involve the use of keratolytics such as
salicylic acid - Antifungals may also be required
- For infants: mild shampoos +/- baby oil
What is Psoriasis?
- A skin condition sometimes confused
with eczema - Characterised by inflamed skin topped
with silver or white “plaques” - Cause unclear but immune system
believed to be involved
What can be used to treat psoriasis?
- Mild psoriasis typically treated with
topical agents:
Emollients
Coal tar preparations
Dithranol and salicylic acid
Topical corticosteroids - Phototherapy an option for treatment
What are some fungal skin conditions?
*ringworm, spread person-person or animal contact (scalp is rare + to be referred)
*fungal nail infections should be referred as system antibiotics usually required
*athletes foot spread person-person contact or from shared towels in changing rooms
What is used to treat fungal skin infections?
- Ringworm and athlete’s foot can be treated OTC with
topical antifungals - Imidazoles, e.g. miconazole cream (Daktarin®), are the
usual first line treatment for ringworm and are also used for
athlete’s foot - Itraconazole and terbinafine (an allylamine) are also used
OTC in athlete’s foot treatment - Powder and spray formulations are commonly used for
athlete’s foot
When to refer fungal skin infections?
Treatment failure (>2 weeks)
Bacterial infection
Diabetic patients
Involvement of the nail
What is herpes?
- Herpes simplex labialis or cold sores
can usually be managed OTC (viral infection) - Skin infection – usually around lips /
nose caused by the herpes simplex
virus (HSV-1 in most cases or HSV-2)
*HSV2 - genital usually
What triggers herpes?
*sunlight
*other infections (colds/flu)
*menstrual cycle
What is used to treat herpes?
OTC with acyclovir 5% cream (apply 5x5+5)
