MANAGEMENT DERM

Question 1

What complication is ciclosporin used to control psoriasis associated with?

Answer 1

nephrotoxicity so need to monitor renal function
ask patient if they are comfortable with regular blood tests

measure serum creatinine every 2 weeks for the first 3 months
Check serum creatinine once a month after

Question 2

What are the side effects of acitretin (oral retinoid)?

Answer 2

dryness of skin and mucosal membranes
cheilitis (red swollen patches in corners of the mouth)
POTENT teratogen so discuss contraceptive options

Question 3

why is cyclosporin used cautiously in psoriasis management?

Answer 3

adverse side effects like hypertension, renal dysfunction and deranged liver function and psoriasis tends to recur after stopping treatment

Question 4

What are the ASF for methotrexate?

Answer 4

liver dysfunction, pulmonary fibrosis

*used as an oral therapy in severe unresponsive psoriasis due to it slowing down the proliferation of epidermal cells