Topical Solutions

Question 1

What are emollients used for and how are they applied?

Answer 1

1. Sooth, smooth, and hydrate skin for dry and scaling conditions.
2. Apply frequently and liberally.

Question 2

What are topical corticosteroids used for?

Answer 2

Allergic, immune, blistering, and inflammatory conditions.

Question 3

Rank these topical corticosteroids, strongest to weakest.

1. Eumovate
2. Hydrocortisone
3. Dermovate
4. Betnovate

Answer 3

1. Dermovate (strongest)
2. Betnovate
3. Eumovate
4. Hydrocortisone (weakest)

Question 4

What are the side effects of topical corticosteroids?

Answer 4

1. Skin thinning, telangiectasia, striae, mask/cause infection, acne.
2. Cushing’s HTN, DM, OP, psychosis.

Question 5

What is the difference between cream and ointments?

Answer 5

1. Creams - emulsions of water and oil well absorbed into skin.
2. Ointments - greasy preparation, no added water, for dry and chronic lesions.

Question 6

What is oral acyclovir used for?

Answer 6

Viral infections due to herpes simplex and zoster.

Question 7

What are the side effects of oral acyclovir?

Answer 7

GI upset, raised liver enzymes

Question 8

What are oral antihistamines used for?

Answer 8

Anti-pruritic effect

Question 9

What are the side effects of oral antihistamines?

Answer 9

Sedative and anticholinergic effects

Question 10

What are the side effects of topical/oral antibiotics?

Answer 10

1. Topical - skin irritation, allergy

2. Oral - GI upset, rashes, thrush

Question 11

What are oral retinoids used for?

Answer 11

Acne, psoriasis

Question 12

What are the side effects of oral retinoids?

Answer 12

1. Dry skin, lips, and eyes
2. Deranged LFTs
3. High lipids, cholesterol
4. Depression
5. Must use contraception around use of some oral retinoids