Topical Flashcards
What is the stratum corneum?
This is a layer of dense dead skin on top of the epidermis. It is almost impermeable, and is also known as the horny layer. It is the main barrier.
Why is skin important?
Protects body
Important for temperature control
Mediator for heat, pain, cold, touch
What is the epidermis?
This is the first layer under the horny layer, and is multilayered. This is is able to swell to several times it normal size when wet.
What is the dermis?
Matrix of connective tissue woven from fibrous proteins.
Nerves,blood vessels and lymphatic a travers the matrix and skin appendages pierce it
What is the subcutaneous tissue?
U deepest layer of skin, has a layer of fat which provides a cushion and thermal barrier.
Synthesises and stores readily avalible chemicals.
What do the endocrine sweat glands produce?
Sweat, drugs, proteins,antibodies and antigens.
Used to aid heat control
What do apocrine sweat grands produce?
Milky or oily secretion containing proteins or fats and sugars.
Surface bacteria metabolise this to produce smell.
What do the sebaceous glands produce?
Sebum, containing fatty acids, cholesterol and was esters.
What is the main aim of topical application to the skin?
Emoliation of the horny layer.
Sooths, smooths and hydrate the skin
Good for all dry skin or scaling disorders
What can be used to treat overactive sweat glands?
U aluminium chloride
What treatments can be used for acne?
TopiCal exfoliants
What are the two ways to treat dry skin?
To add water externally IE an aqueous base formulation
To put on an oily occlusive layer that prevents sweat from evaporating and prevents water loss.
What is a liniment?
Alcoholic or oily solution or emulsion
What is a lotion?
Jaqueous solution or suspension
Evaporation cools and soothe skin
What is an ointment?
Greasy semisolid preparations Hydrocarbon bases Fats and fixed oil bases Silicone bases Absorption bases Emulsifying bases Water soluble bases
