Applications
Usually viscous solutions, emulsions or suspensions for application to skin (+ scalp) or nails
Collodions
Painted onto skin, allowed to dry to leave a flexible film over site of application
Creams
Emulsions of oil + water. Generally absorbed well into skin
Gels
High water content - suitable for face and scalp application
Lotions
Have a cooling effect - preferred for hairy areas
Ointments
Greasy + mostly insoluble in water - for chronic dry lesions
Pastes
Stiff preparations - high proportion of finely powdered solids suspended in an ointment
Dusting Powders
Used rarely. Reduce friction between opposing skin surfaces
Excipient and sensitisation: The following excipients in topical preparations are rarely, associated with sensitisation:
What does ACBS mean
Preparations marked ‘ACBS’ are regarded as drugs when prescribed in accordance with the advice of the Advisory Committee on Borderline Substances for the clinical conditions listed. Rx issued in accordance with this advice and endorsed ‘ACBS’ are not usually investigated.
Dry + Scaling skin disorders
Examples: of emollients
Emollients: MHRA warning:
Fire risk with paraffine-containing emollients:
Avoid smoking or going near a naked flame (could cause the dressing or clothing to catch fire).
Clothing and bedding should be changed regularly (e.g. daily) as emollients soak into fabric and can become a fire hazard.
Barrier Creams
(E.g. Sudocrem, Metanium, Conotrane)
Infections of skin: bacterial
Impetigo, Erysipelas, Cellulitis, Animal & Human bites, Mastitis during breast-feeding
Impetigo
Erysipelas - A superficial infection with clearly defined edges (and often affecting the face)
Cellulitis - Rapidly spreading deeply seated inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue
Animal & Human bites
Mastitis during breast-feeding
Treat if unwell, nipple fissure or symptoms do not improve after 12-24h of effective milk removal
- First Line: Flucloxacillin for 10-14 days
Alternate (if pen allergy): Erythromycin
- Continue breast-feeding / expressing
Fungal:
To prevent relapse, local antifungal treatment should be
continued for 1–2 weeks after the disappearance of all signs of infection
Ringworm
• Tinea Corporis (Body), Tinea Cruris (Groin), Tinea Pedis (Foot), Tinea Manuum (Hand)
Ketoconazole:
15g tube is available OTC to treat tinea pedis, tinea cruris + candidal intertrigo. Can be sold OTC for prevention + treatment of dandruff + seborrhoeic dermatitis of the scalp as a shampoo formulation containing ketoconazole max. 2%, in a pack containing max. 120 mL + labelled to show a max. freq. of application of once every 3 days.
Tinea Capitis (Scalp): Systemic Treatment