Therapeutics Flashcards
What are the advantages of topical skin therapeutics?
Direct application
Reduced systemic effects
What are the disadvantages of topical treatments?
Time consuming
Correct dosage can be difficult
Messy to use
What are gels?
Thickened aqueous lotions
Semi-solids containing high molecular weight polymers
What areas of the body are gels mostly used for?
Scalp
Hair bearing areas around the face
What are creams?
Semi-solid emulsion of oil in water
What do creams contain?
Emulsifier and preservative
High water content
What are the benefits of creams?
Cools and moisturises
Easy to apply
Non-greasy
Cosmetically acceptable
What are ointments?
Semi-solid grease/oil
What do ointments contain?
Soft paraffin
No preservative
What are the negatives of ointments?
Greasy
Restrict trans-epidermal water loss
What do pastes contain?
FInely powdered material (ZNO)
What are creams used for?
In drying, cooling and soothing bandaged
Often used on leg ulcers
What are the negatives of creams?
Stiff, greasy and difficult to apply
What are lotions?
Liquid formation
Suspension or solution of medication in water, alcohol or another liquid
Where are lotions used to treat?
The scalp or hair bearing areas
What are foams?
Hydrophillic liquid in continuous phase with foaming agent dispersed in gaseous phase
What are the benefits of foams?
Increased penetration of active agents
Can spread easily over large area of skin
No greasy/oily film
What are some types of topical therapies?
Emollients Topical steroids Anti-infective agents Antipruritics Keratolytics Psoriasis therapies Wet wrap therapy
What do emollients do?
Enhance the rehydration of the epidermis
What are emollients used for?
All dry/scaly conditions
What is the dose of emollients?
300-500g weekly
What do topical steroids do?
Vasoconstriction
Anti-inflammatory
Anti-proliferative
What are some examples of topical steroids?
Hydrocortisone
Modrasone clobetasoone butyrate
Mometasone betamethasone valerate
Clobetasol proprionate
What are topical steroids used for?
Eczema
Psoriasis
Lichen planus
Keloid scars
What are the side effects of topical steroids?
Thinning of the skin Purpura Stretch marks Steroid rosacea Perioral dermatitis May worsen infections Systemic absorption causing adrenal suppression or cushings Rebound flare
What are antiseptics used for?
Recurrent infections
Antibiotic resistance
Wound irrigation
What are examples of antiseptics?
Povidone iodine skin cleanser
Chlorhexidine
Triclosan
Hydrogen peroxide
What are antivirals used for?
Herpes simplex
Eczema herpeticum
Herpes zoster
What are antifungals used for?
Candida
Dermatophytes
Piityrasis versicolor
What are examples of anti-pruritics?
Menthol
Capsaicin
Camphor
Crotamiton
What are Keratolytics used for?
Softening kerating Viral warts Corns Calluses Hyperkeratotis eczema and psoriases
What are some treatments for psoriasis?
Emollients Coal tar Vitamin D Keratolytics Dithranol
What are treatments for scalp psoriasis?
Greasy ointments to soften scale
Tar shampoo
Steroids in alcohol based shampoo
What is wet wrap therapy used for?
Very dry xerotic skin
