Skin therapeutics/ topical therapy Flashcards
What are the advantages and disadvantages of topical treatments ?
Advantages:
- Direct application
- Reduced systemic effects
Disadvantages:
- Time consuming
- Correct dosage can be difficult
- Messy to use
Describe some of the features of creams
- Semisolid emulsion of oil in water
- Contain emulsifier & preservative
- High water content
- Cool & moisturise
- Non greasy
- Easy to apply
- Cosmetically acceptable
Describe some of the features of ointments
- Semisolid grease/oil (soft paraffin)
- No preservative
- Occlusive and emollient
- Restrict transepidermal water loss
- Greasy - less cosmetically attractive
Describe some of the features of lotions and the areas of skin they are used to treat
- Liquid formulation - Suspension or solution of medication in water, alcohol or other liquids
- Treat scalp, hair-bearing areas
Describe some of the features of gels and the areas of skin they are used to treat
- Thickened aqueous lotions (semi-solid)
- Treat scalp, hair bearing areas, face
Describe some of the features of pastes and what some of the treatments they are often used in
- Semisolids
- Contain finely powdered material eg ZNO
- Stiff, greasy,difficult to apply
- Protective,occlusive,hydrating
- Often used in cooling, drying, soothing bandages
Give some examples of bases/vehicles drugs used on the skin are often dissolved in
- Gels
- Creams
- Ointments
- Pastes
- Lotions
Give some examples of the different types of topical therapies
- Emollients
- Topical steroids
- Antinfective agents - antiseptics, antibiotics, antivirals, antifungals
- Antipruritics
- Keratolytics
- Psoriasis therapies
What are the features/function of emollients and what type of skin diseases are they mainly used in ?
- They Enhance rehydration of epidermis
- Require frequent application
- Used for all dry/scaly conditions esp. eczema
What are the two main types of emollients and what differs the two from each other
Two main types are proprietary and non-proprietary
Proprietary costs more but is more cosmetically acceptbale hence better complicance
Examples of non-proprietary is soft paraffin, emulsifying ointment (can be used as a replacement for soap)
What are wet wraps used to treat?
They are used for very dry (xerotic) skin
e.g. xerotic eczema - a form of eczema that is characterized by changes that occur when skin becomes abnormally dry, itchy, and cracked
Are wet wraps effective to use for xerotic skin ?
Very effective but also very time consuming to put on
What are the 3 main modes of action of corticosteroids ?
- Vasoconstrictive
- Anti-proliferative
- Anti-inflammatory
Put the following topical steroids in order of increasing potency:
- Hydrocortisone
- Clobetasol, Proprionate
- Modrasone, Clobetasone, Butyrate
- Mometasone, Betamethasone, Valerate
- Mild - Hydrocortisone
- Moderate - Modrasone, Clobetasone, Butyrate
- Potent - Mometasone, Betamethasone, Valerate
- Very Potent - Clobetasol, Proprionate
List some of the skin diseases topical steroids are used in
- Eczema (dermatitis)
- Psoriasis
- Other non-infective inflammatory dermatoses e.g. lichen planus
- Keloid scars (a tough heaped-up scar that rises quite abruptly above the rest of the skin. It usually has a smooth top and a pink or purple color.)
What are some of the side effects of topical steroids ?
Thinning of the skin, purpura and stetch marks
Also steroid rosacea, fixed telangectasia, Perioral dermatitis
The pic below shows some of the other side effects of steroids:
- Steroid rosacea (a condition in which certain facial blood vessels enlarge, giving the cheeks and nose a flushed appearance.)
- Fixed telangectasia
- Perioral dermaitis
What are the advantages and disadvantages of using dithranol?
Its effective but difficult to use and irrtiates/stains nromal skin
What is cosmetic camouflage and give an example of a disease it is used to help treat
Make up used to cover up skin disease e.g. vitiligo
