Topical Skin Therapeutics

Question 1

What does a cream consist of?

Answer 1

semisolid emulsion of oil in water with preservative

Question 2

What is an advantage of ointments over creams?

Answer 2

No preservative so irritate the skin less

Question 3

Where is a good area of the body to apply lotion?

Answer 3

Scalp and hair bearing areas

Question 4

What do gels consist of?

Answer 4

contain high molecular weight polymers and are very aqueous

Question 5

When would a paste be used?

Answer 5

surgical wards, soothing bandages

Question 6

What do emollients do and what kind of conditions do they treat?

Answer 6

rehydrate epidermis; for dry/scaly conditions eg eczema

Question 7

Most mild topical steroid?

Answer 7

Hydrocortisone 1%

Question 8

Most potent topical steroid?

Answer 8

Clobetasol proprionate 0.05%

Question 9

What is purpura?

Answer 9

less subcutaneous tissue so you get very thin skin

Question 10

Side effects of topical steroids?

Answer 10

rosacea, perioral dematitis, fixed telangectasia, kidney failure, cushing’s syndrome

Question 11

What is telangectasia?

Answer 11

dilated blood vessels near the surface of the skin

Question 12

Give an example of an antiseptic

Answer 12

potassium permanganate

Question 13

Main viral skin infections?

Answer 13

herpes simplex, eczema herpeticum, herpes zoster (shingles)

Question 14

Characteristic clinical presentation of ringworm?

Answer 14

unilateral scaling annular rash in someone who gardens

Question 15

Examples of antipruritics?

Answer 15

menthol
camphor
capsaicin

Question 16

In what conditions would keratolytics be beneficial?

Answer 16

viral warts,
hyperkeratotic eczema/psoriasis,
corns
calluses

Question 17

Example of a keratolytic?

Answer 17

salicylic acid

Question 18

Good topical treatment for psoriasis

Answer 18

coal tar
emollients
vitamin d analogues
dithranol