Topical Skin Therapeutics

Question 1

name six possible bases that topical medications can come in

Answer 1

gel
cream
ointment 
paste 
lotion 
foam

Question 2

what is a cream?

Answer 2

a semisolid emulsion of oil in water

Question 3

what do creams contain?

Answer 3

emulsifier
preservative

high water content

Question 4

what do creams do?

Answer 4

cool and moisturise the skin

Question 5

what are the pros of creams?

Answer 5

non greasy

easy to apply

Question 6

what is an ointmennt?

Answer 6

a semisolid grease or oil

Question 7

what is the action of an ointment?

Answer 7

occlusive and emollient to restrict epidermal water loss

Question 8

what is the downside to ointments?

Answer 8

they are greasy

Question 9

what is a lotion?

Answer 9

a suspension of a medication in a liquid

Question 10

what are lotions used for?

Answer 10

treating skin in hair bearing areas i.e. scalp

Question 11

what are gels?

Answer 11

thick semi solid solutions

Question 12

what do gels contain?

Answer 12

HMW polymers i.e. methylcellulose

Question 13

what are pastes?

Answer 13

semi-solids containing finely powdered material

Question 14

what are the downsides to pastes?

Answer 14

stiff
greasy
hard to apply

Question 15

what are pastes used for?

Answer 15

protection
occlusion
hydration
soothing

Question 16

what are foams?

Answer 16

a colloid with two/three phases i.e. liquid and then a foam

Question 17

what do emollients do?

Answer 17

enhance the rehydration of the epidermis

Question 18

what common condition are emollients used for?

Answer 18

eczema

Question 19

what dose of an emollient is prescribed for eczema?

Answer 19

300-500g

Question 20

what can be used to treat xerotic skin?

Answer 20

wet wrap therapy

Question 21

what is xerotic skin?

Answer 21

skin that is very dry

Question 22

what three effects can topical corticosteroids have on the skin?

Answer 22

vasoconstrictive
anti inflammatory
anti proliferative

Question 23

name a mild topical corticosteroid

Answer 23

hydrocortisone

Question 24

name three moderate topical corticosteroids

Answer 24

modrasone
clobetasone
butyrate

Question 25

name two potent topical corticosteroids

Answer 25

mometasone
betamethasone valerate

Question 26

name a very potent topical corticosteroid

Answer 26

clobetasol propionate

Question 27

what do you need to be aware of when prescribing a topical corticosteroid for pustular psoriasis?

Answer 27

rebound triggering

Question 28

how much topical corticosteroid is required for an application to the whole adult body?

Answer 28

20-30g

Question 29

how much is 1 fingertip unit of topical corticosteroid and how much does this cover?

Answer 29

0.5g

two hand areas

Question 30

name a calcineurin inhibitor

Answer 30

tacrolimus

pimecrolimus

Question 31

how do calcineurin inhibitors work?

Answer 31

suppress lymphocyte activation

Question 32

what are calcineurin inhibitors used for?

Answer 32

atopic eczema

especially for the face and in children