Topical Skin Therapeutics

Question 1

Name a common mild topical steroid

Answer 1

Hydrocortisone 1%

Question 2

Capsaicin is useful in the treatment of what?

Answer 2

Pruritis

Question 3

Why is capsaicin useful in the treatment of pruritis?

Answer 3

Depletes substance P at nerve endings and reduces the neurotransmission which would normally aid pruritis

Question 4

What is commonly used to treat ringworm (dermatophytes)?

Answer 4

Clotrimazole

Terbinafine

Question 5

In which condition are steroids generally avoided, or used with extreme caution?

Answer 5

Roseacea

(can cause steroid-induced rosacea)

Question 6

What is the main advnatge for topical treatment?

Answer 6

Reduces systemic effects

Question 7

Topical corticosteroids have which 3 main effects?

Answer 7

1. Anti-inflammatory
2. Antiproliferative
3. Vasoconstrictive

Question 8

Which topical treatment is used in every case of psoriasis?

Answer 8

Emollient

Question 9

Besides emollients, which other treatments can be used for psoriasis?

Answer 9

Coal tar

Vitamin D analogue

Keratolytic

Topical steroids

Dithranol

Question 10

What is nystatin?

Answer 10

Topical antifungal

Question 11

How can candida be treated?

Answer 11

Nystatin

Clotrimazole

Oral fluconazole

Question 12

What is tachyphylaxis?

Answer 12

Decrease in response to anti-inflammatory effects

Question 13

Name a potent steroid

Answer 13

Mometasone

Question 14

When thin skin becomes a problem with steroid use, what is an alternative class of drugs?

Answer 14

Calicneurin inhibitors

(tacrolimus or pimecrolimus)

Question 15

How do calcineurin inhibitors work?

Answer 15

Suppress lymphocyte activation

Question 16

Which dermatological condition are calcineurin inhibitors typically used for?

Answer 16

Eczema

Question 17

Which side effect do steroids have which calcineurin inhibitors avoid?

Answer 17

Thin skin

Question 18

What are the side effects of calcineurin inhibitors?

Answer 18

Burning sensation on application is commonly reported

Increase risk of cutaneous infection

Skin cancer (with chronic use)

Question 19

Which effective treatment for psoriasis is irritant and will stain normal skin?

Answer 19

Dithranol

Question 20

Which steps can ensure emollients are applied to ensure the best results?

Answer 20

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