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

2. 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
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3. Drug Classification of Dermatological Agents
Emollients
Keratolytics
Local anesthetic agents
Local antipruritic agents
Antibacterial agents
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4. Drug Classification of Dermatological Agents
(continued)
Drug Classification of Dermatological Agents
Antiviral agents
Antifungal agents
Anti-inflammatory agents
Antiparasiticidal agents
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5. Additional Dermatologic Agents
Debriding agents
Antineoplastic agents
Burn treatment agents
Eczema agents
Psoriasis agents
Topical hair agents
Agents for diabetic foot ulcer
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6. Topicals Available in a variety of forms Ointment Gel or jelly Oil
Cream
Vaginal cream
Paste
Aerosol foam
Aerosol spray
Lotion
Powder
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7. 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.

8. Topical Debriding Agents
Purpose
Remove dead skin
Promote healing
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9. 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)
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10. 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)
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11. Eczema Drug agent Pimecrolimus (Elidel) Topical immunomodulator
(continued)
Eczema
Drug agent
Pimecrolimus (Elidel)
Topical immunomodulator
Adverse effects
Site irritation
Headache
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12. 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)
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13. Psoriasis Drug agent Alefacept (Amevive) Immunosuppressant
(continued)
Psoriasis
Drug agent
Alefacept (Amevive)
Immunosuppressant
Stops the activity of T lymphocytes
Given intramuscularly
Adverse effects
Infection
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14. 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.