Week 5: Dermatology 2 (steroids and emolients)

Question 1

What is an emollient?

Answer 1

• A moisturiser which helps rehydrate the skin by forming a layer above the skin, preventing water loss
• Used top treat dry, itchy or scaly conditions

Question 2

types of emollients

Answer 2

• Ointments- has the highest oil content, therefor most effective at treating dry skin
• Creams- lighter and easier to leave on skin (less oil on skin)
  
  • Lots of people use creams in the day and ointment at night
• Lotions (least oil content)- least effect on dry skin

Question 3

uses of steroids

Answer 3

• Eczema
• Psoriasis

Question 4

Example emollients

Answer 4

Petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oil and dimethicone are common emollients.

Question 5

how to use emolient?

Answer 5

• Always wash and dry hands first (best after a shower)
• Never use fingers to decant emollient from a tub (bacteria can get into ointment)- use spatula or clean spoon
• How much? Depends on condition of skin
  
  • For adults with very dry skin use 500-1000g per week
• Follow the direction the hair lies and apply emollients with stroking motion
• If using a steroid cream or another treatment for skin condition, wait at least 30 mins after putting emollient on before applying (avoids dilution)
• Can be applies as often as you like (3-4 times a day
  
  • Esp hands and face
• Can use before swimming

Question 6

Adverse drug reactions of emolients

Answer 6

• an overheating, burning sensation or stinging that does not settle after a few days of treatment – usually caused by a reaction to a certain ingredient in the emollient
• blocked or inflamed hair follicles (folliculitis) that may cause boils
• rashes on the face that can aggravate acne

Question 7

What are topical steroids?

Answer 7

• Steroids preparations applied directly to skin
• Used to treat inflammatory skin conditions reducing redness and itchiness

Question 8

types of steroids

Answer 8

• Strengths
  
  • Stronger on body
  • Weaker on face
• Formulations
  
  • Creams
  • Ointment- oiler- better for dry skin

Question 9

main preparations of steroids

Answer 9

• tablets, syrups and liquids – such as prednisolone
• inhalers – such as beclometasone and fluticasone
• nasal sprays – such as beclometasone and fluticasone
• injections (given into joints, muscles or blood vessels) – such as methylprednisolone
• creams, lotions and gels – such as hydrocortisone skin cream

Question 10

Uses

Answer 10

• Asthma and COPD
• Hay fever
• Hives and eczema
• Sciatica
• Crohns
• Lupus
• Rheumatoid arthritis

Question 11

how to use topical steroids?

Answer 11

• Wash and dry hands
• Squeeze out about the same amount as the tip of your finger (this I enough for the same area as if you put your two hands flat together)
• Only apply to effected areas
• Avoid applying steroids with emollients (dilution)
• Dry and wash hands thoroughly after