Topical Skin Therapeutics Flashcards
Name a common mild topical steroid
Hydrocortisone 1%
Capsaicin is useful in the treatment of what?
Pruritis
Why is capsaicin useful in the treatment of pruritis?
Depletes substance P at nerve endings and reduces the neurotransmission which would normally aid pruritis
What is commonly used to treat ringworm (dermatophytes)?
Clotrimazole
Terbinafine
In which condition are steroids generally avoided, or used with extreme caution?
Roseacea
(can cause steroid-induced rosacea)
What is the main advnatge for topical treatment?
Reduces systemic effects
Topical corticosteroids have which 3 main effects?
- Anti-inflammatory
- Antiproliferative
- Vasoconstrictive
Which topical treatment is used in every case of psoriasis?
Emollient
Besides emollients, which other treatments can be used for psoriasis?
Coal tar
Vitamin D analogue
Keratolytic
Topical steroids
Dithranol
What is nystatin?
Topical antifungal
How can candida be treated?
Nystatin
Clotrimazole
Oral fluconazole
What is tachyphylaxis?
Decrease in response to anti-inflammatory effects
Name a potent steroid
Mometasone
When thin skin becomes a problem with steroid use, what is an alternative class of drugs?
Calicneurin inhibitors
(tacrolimus or pimecrolimus)
How do calcineurin inhibitors work?
Suppress lymphocyte activation
Which dermatological condition are calcineurin inhibitors typically used for?
Eczema
Which side effect do steroids have which calcineurin inhibitors avoid?
Thin skin
What are the side effects of calcineurin inhibitors?
Burning sensation on application is commonly reported
Increase risk of cutaneous infection
Skin cancer (with chronic use)
Which effective treatment for psoriasis is irritant and will stain normal skin?
Dithranol
Which steps can ensure emollients are applied to ensure the best results?
Apply after bathing
Apply at least once per day
Apply in the direction of hair growth
Use a spoon or spatula to remove the emollient when applying
