Agents Used in the Treatment of Skin Disorders Chapter 43 Agents Used in the Treatment of Skin Disorders

The Skin The largest organ Several functions Protective barrier—microbials and trauma Senses temperature changes Secretes wastes through sweat glands Stores fat Synthesizes vitamin D Provides a site for drug absorption Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.

Drug Classification of Dermatological Agents Emollients Keratolytics Local anesthetic agents Local antipruritic agents Antibacterial agents (continues) Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.

Drug Classification of Dermatological Agents (continued) Drug Classification of Dermatological Agents Antiviral agents Antifungal agents Anti-inflammatory agents Antiparasiticidal agents Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.

Additional Dermatologic Agents Debriding agents Antineoplastic agents Burn treatment agents Eczema agents Psoriasis agents Topical hair agents Agents for diabetic foot ulcer Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.

Topicals Available in a variety of forms Ointment Gel or jelly Oil Cream Vaginal cream Paste Aerosol foam Aerosol spray Lotion Powder Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.

Dermatologic Classifications This presentation will discuss three dermatologic classifications: Topical debriding agents Eczema treatments Psoriasis treatments Several classifications, such as antimicrobials, were discussed in previous chapters and are not discussed here. Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.

Topical Debriding Agents Purpose Remove dead skin Promote healing (continues) Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.

Topical Debriding Agents (continued) Topical Debriding Agents Made of enzymes General action Digest dead necrotic tissue Specific action Made of enzymes that digest: Collagen: collagenase (Santyl) Fibrin in a blood clot: fibrinolysin (Elase) Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.

Eczema S & S of acute or chronic conditions Area appears inflamed Skin may be dry and may include wet or weepy drainage Definition Inflammatory skin condition. Symptoms are pustules, redness, vesicles, crusts, skin thickening, and persistent itching and burning. (continues) Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.

Eczema Drug agent Pimecrolimus (Elidel) Topical immunomodulator (continued) Eczema Drug agent Pimecrolimus (Elidel) Topical immunomodulator Adverse effects Site irritation Headache Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.

Psoriasis A chronic skin condition Consists of painful reddened papules that form plaques with distinct borders Other patches appear as silvery yellow-white scales Usually located Elbows, scalp, knees, and genitalia (continues) Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.

Psoriasis Drug agent Alefacept (Amevive) Immunosuppressant (continued) Psoriasis Drug agent Alefacept (Amevive) Immunosuppressant Stops the activity of T lymphocytes Given intramuscularly Adverse effects Infection Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.

Topical Application Methods Depend on the etiology of the skin problem Require thorough cleansing of the skin before the agent is applied or reapplied Must be applied appropriately or the agents will not work Copyright 2007 Thomson Delmar Learning, a division of Thomson Learning Inc. All rights reserved.