topical skin therapies

Question 1

what are advantages of topical treatments

Answer 1

• direct application

- reduced systemic effects

Question 2

what are disadvantages of topical treatments

Answer 2

• time consuming
• correct dosage can be difficult
• messy to use

Question 3

what are creams

Answer 3

• semisolid emulsion of oil in water

- contain emulsifier and preservative

Question 4

what are ointments

Answer 4

• semisold grease/oil
• no preservative
  (risk of bacterial contamination)

Question 5

what is a lotion

Answer 5

• liquid formulation

- suspension or solution of medication in water, alcohol and other liquids

Question 6

what is a paste

Answer 6

semi solid
contains finely powdered material
stiff, greasy and difficult to apply

Question 7

what are foams

Answer 7

• colloid with 2 or 3 phases

Question 8

what are emollients

Answer 8

• enhance rehydration of epidermis
• for all dry/scaly conditions esp eczema
• need to be effective and cosmetically suitable

Question 9

what are emollient prescribing tips

Answer 9

• apply immediately after bathing
• apply in direction of hair growth
• make skin and surfaces slippery - hazard
• use clean spoon or spatula to remove from tub
• fire risk if paraffin based

Question 10

what is wet wrap therapy

Answer 10

this is used for very dry (xerotic) skin

Question 11

name possible side effects of topical steroids

Answer 11

• thinning of the skin
• purport and stretch marks
• steroid rosacea
• fixed telangiectasia
• perioral dermatitis
• may worsen or mask infection
• systemic absorption
• tachyphylaxis (decrease in response to antiinfalnnatory effects)
• rebound flares of disease
• glaucoma and cataract

Question 12

what are the mode of action of topical steroids

Answer 12

• vasoconstrictive
• anti inflammatory
• antiproliferative

Question 13

what are some uses of topical corticosteroids

Answer 13

• eczema (dermatitis)
• psoriasis - beware of rebound, triggering pustular psoriasis
• other non infective inflammatory dermatoses eh lichen plans
• keloid scars (intralesional or tape)

Question 14

what are calicneurin inhibitors

Answer 14

ie Tacrplimus and pimecrolimus

• suppress lymphocyte activation
• topical treatment of atopic eczema (especially face and children)

Question 15

what is the function of antiseptics

Answer 15

have bacteriostatic or bactericidal effects

• provide iodine (butadiene) skin cleanser
• chlorhexidine
• triclosan
• hydrogen peroxide

Question 16

what is the clinical use of antiseptics

Answer 16

clinical uses:

• recurrent infections (broad spectrum)
• skin cleansing
• wound irrigation

Question 17

what are antipruritics

Answer 17

to relieve itching

Question 18

what are keratolytics

Answer 18

used to soften keratin

Question 19

what can be used to treat stable chronic plaque psoriasis

Answer 19

• coal tar
• vitamin D analogues
• dithranol

Question 20

what are treatments for scalp psoriasis

Answer 20

• greasy oil ointments to soften scale
• tar shampoo
• steroids in alcohol base or shampoo
• vitamin D analoges

Question 21

what are some side effects of topical therapies

Answer 21

• burning or irritation
• contact allergic dermatitis
• local toxicity
• systemic toxicity