eczema emollients and steroids C6

Question 1

how should emollients be applied

Answer 1

frequently and liberally
in direction of hair
apply and smooth into skin
should remain white as it soaks into skin
keep away from open flames IF IT CONTAINS PARAFFIN - flammable

Question 2

how should topical corticosteroids be applied

Answer 2

1 fingertip for area of 2 palms
apply thin layer
wash hands before and after
usually once a day
only apply to areas of active eczema

Question 3

how much time should be left between steroid application and emollient application (no particular order)

Answer 3

min 30 mins

Question 4

name some common coticosteroids used in eczema in children

Answer 4

mild potency hydrocortisone
moderate potency betametasone valerate (betnovate), clobetasone butyrate (Eumovate)
potent betamethasone valerate 1% (betnovate)
vert potent clobetasol propionate (dermovate)

Question 5

what is the licencing around hydrocortisone OTC

Answer 5

Hydrocortisone 1% is available over-the-counter for the treatment of mild-to-moderate eczema not involving the face or genitals
over 12 years of age

Question 6

how long should a topical corticosteroid be used for

Answer 6

1 week and 48 hours after eczema has cleared

Question 7

monitoring involved in steroid use in children

Answer 7

height

Question 8

non-pharmacological approach to atopic eczema

Answer 8

identify triggers - food, pets, pollen etc - avoid triggers

gloves on babies and children if they scratch at night

light clothing

unscented soaps

Question 9

are antihistamines recomended

Answer 9

no
only in SEVERE itching

Question 10

Risk of long-term steroid use

Answer 10

adrenal surpression

Hormonal changes can inhibit height by causing premature closure of growth plates in bones

Question 11

can steroids be applied to broken skin

Answer 11

yes under medical guidance
must use clean hands to prevent infection

Question 12

what can increase risk of systemc absorbtion of topical steroids

Answer 12

amount being used
larger area of skin being treated
longer treatment
use under bandages and dressings
young age
elderly age

Question 13

systemic adverse effects of topical corticosteroids

Answer 13

Adrenal suppression.
Cushing’s syndrome.
Growth suppression in children.

Question 14

how do topical steroids work

Answer 14

redicing inflammtion in the skin

steroids mimic cortisol, hormone

bind to glucocorticoid receptors in skin cells. This triggers changes in gene expression that:

Inhibit pro-inflammatory signals (e.g., cytokines, prostaglandins)

Reduce immune cell activity (like T cells and mast cells)

Stabilize blood vessels, decreasing redness and swelling