Topical Skin Therapeutics

Question 1

What are the 2 advantages of topical treatments

Answer 1

Direct application

Reduced systemic effects

Question 2

What are the 3 disadvantages of topical treatments

Answer 2

Time consuming
Correct dosage can be difficult
Messy to use

Question 3

What are the 5 main types of bases/ vehicles used

Answer 3

Gels
creams
ointments
pastes
lotions

Question 4

Creams contain preservatives. What is the function of having them in creams

Answer 4

The prevent bacterial contamination and also increase shelf life

Question 5

What are some benefits of creams

Answer 5

Cool and provide moisture
Non- greasy
Easy to apply
cosmetically acceptable

Question 6

What are creams made from

Answer 6

Semisolid emulsion of oil in water

Question 7

What are ointments made from

Answer 7

Semisolid grease/ oil (soft paraffin)

Question 8

What is the main benefit of an ointment

Answer 8

Restrict transepidermal water loss

Question 9

What is the main disadvantage of an ointment

Answer 9

Greasy - less cosmetically attractive and can problems at work etc.

Question 10

Do ointments contain preservatives

Answer 10

No

Question 11

What are lotions made up of

Answer 11

Liquid formulation

Medication in water, alcohol or other liquids

Question 12

What may happen if alcohol is in the lotion

Answer 12

It may cause the area to sting

Question 13

What areas are lotions used to treat

Answer 13

Scalp, hair-bearing areas

Question 14

What are gels

Answer 14

Thickened aqueous lotins

Question 15

Describe the texture of gels

Answer 15

Semi-solids, containing high molecular weight polymer

Question 16

Where are gels used to treat?

Answer 16

scalp, hair bearing areas, face

Question 17

What texture are pastes

Answer 17

Semisolids

Question 18

What do pastes contain

Answer 18

fines powdered material e.g. ZNO

Question 19

What is the difficulty in using pastes

Answer 19

Stiff, greasy and difficult to apply

Question 20

What are the benefits of using a paste

Answer 20

protective, occlusive and hydrating

Question 21

When are pastes often used

Answer 21

In cooling, drying and soothing bandages

Question 22

What do emollients do

Answer 22

Wnhance rehydration of epidermis

Question 23

What are emollients used for

Answer 23

For all dry/ scaly conditions especially eczema

Question 24

How much of an emollient should be prescribed weekly

Answer 24

300-500g

Question 25

What are wet wrap therapy used for

Answer 25

Very dry (xerotic) skin

Question 26

What is the main disadvantage of applying wet wraps

Answer 26

Difficult and time consuming to apply

Question 27

Why are topical corticosteroids effective

Answer 27

Vasoconstrictive Anti-inflammatory Antiproliferative

Question 28

What is a mild topical steroid

Answer 28

Hydrocortisone

Question 29

What is a very potent topical steroid

Answer 29

Clobetasol Proprionate

Question 30

How do topical steroids work

Answer 30

Reduce inflammation and cause immune suppression

Question 31

For a whole adult to be covered by an ointment, how much would be required

Answer 31

20-30g

Question 32

What are some side effects of topical steroids

Answer 32

``` Thinning of the skin Purpura stretch marks telangectasia perioral dermatitis steroid rosacea systemic absorption ```

Question 33

What are 3 clinical uses of antiseptics

Answer 33

Recurrent infections Antibiotic resistance Wound irrigation

Question 34

What is a popular antiseptic

Answer 34

Potassium permanganate

Question 35

What 2 conditions really benefit from potassium permanganate

Answer 35

Acute exudative eczema | Pompholyx

Question 36

What 4 conditions benefit from topical antibiotics

Answer 36

Acne Rosacea Impetigo Infected eczema

Question 37

What are 3 conditions that benefit from antiviral agents

Answer 37

Herpes simplex Eczema herpeticum Herpes Zoster (shingles)

Question 38

What are 3 uses for topical antifungals

Answer 38

Candida (thrush) Dermatophytes (ringworm) Pityriasis versicolor

Question 39

Why might menthol be used as an antipruritics

Answer 39

Impart cooling sensation

Question 40

How does capsaicin work

Answer 40

depletes substance P at nerve ending and reduces neurotransmission

Question 41

What is the function of keratolytics

Answer 41

Used to soften keratin

Question 42

When might keratolytics be used

Answer 42

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

Question 43

Give an example of a keratolytic

Answer 43

Salicylic acid

Question 44

Give some examples of the treatment of warts

Answer 44

``` Keratolytics Formaldehyde Glutaraldehyde Silver nitrate Liquid nitrongen - cryotherapy Podophyllin (genital warts) ```

Question 45

Give some examples of topical psoriasis treatments

Answer 45

``` Emollients of choice Coal tar Vitamin D analogue Keratolytic Topical steroid DIthranol ```

Question 46

What are some side effects of topical therapies

Answer 46

Burning or irritation Contact allergic dermatitis Local toxicity Systemic toxicity