Pharmacotherapy - Dermatology III Dermatitis and Dry Skin

Vocabulary flashcards covering key terms and definitions from the lecture notes on atopic dermatitis, dry skin, contact dermatitis, and diaper dermatitis.

Atopic dermatitis (eczema)

Inflammatory skin condition characterized by itch (pruritus), flares/remission, and a focus on skin hydration; part of the atopic triad.

Atopic triad

Association of atopic dermatitis with asthma and allergic rhinitis.

SCORAD

SCORing Atopic Dermatitis; a tool used to assess severity of atopic dermatitis.

Pruritus

Itching; a major symptom of atopic dermatitis.

Lichenification

Thickened, often leathery skin plaques from chronic scratching.

Emollients

Skin-softening moisturizers (e.g., silicones, dimethicone, petrolatum) used to hydrate skin; typically applied twice daily.

Ointments

Oil-in-water or water-in-oil emulsions that penetrate the skin best but can feel greasy.

Lotions

Water-based moisturizers; may be less occlusive and can be drying if they contain certain emollients.

Topical corticosteroids

First-line pharmacologic therapy for atopic dermatitis; example: hydrocortisone (low potency).

Hydrocortisone (0.5% or 1%)

Over-the-counter, low-potency topical steroid suitable for mild dermatitis; approved for ages >2 years.

Twice daily (steroid regimen)

Frequency for applying topical steroids during flares.

Calcineurin inhibitors

Topical immunomodulators (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) used for atopic dermatitis.

Bleach bath

0.5 cup of bleach in 40 gallons of water; used in some pediatric AD cases to reduce infection risk.

Phototherapy

Second-line nonpharmacologic treatment option for acute/chronic atopic dermatitis.

Probiotics (AD)

Mixed evidence for prevention and treatment of atopic dermatitis.

Xerosis (dry skin)

Decreased water content of the stratum corneum; common in older adults.

Xerosis causes

Environmental exposure, aging, medications, UV exposure, irritants, hot baths, smoking, heredity, hormonal changes.

Emollients ingredients

Hydrators and barrier restorers (e.g., glycerin, petrolatum, ceramides); aimed at restoring the skin barrier.

Humectants

Substances that attract water to the skin (e.g., glycerin, propylene glycol, urea, certain AHAs).

Ceramides

Barrier-enhancing lipids frequently included in moisturizers to restore skin integrity.

Vehicle options (moisturizers)

Lotions, creams, ointments, butters, gels; choice depends on drying tendency and feel.

Diaper dermatitis

Inflammation of the diaper area; common in infants; managed with skin protectants and barrier creams.

Skin protectants (diaper rash)

Barrier products (zinc oxide, petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oils) to prevent/relieve diaper rash.

Urushiol

Oil from Toxicodendron (poison ivy/oak/sumac) causing allergic contact dermatitis; can spread via smoke or contact with contaminated items.

Toxicodendron leaves of three

Identifying feature of poison ivy/oak/sumac; “Leaves of 3, let it be.”

Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD)

Immune-mediated type IV hypersensitivity to a sensitizing allergen; reaction often appears 24–48 hours after exposure.

Irritant contact dermatitis (ICD)

Inflammation caused by direct contact with an irritant; common with wet work and chemicals.

IvyBlock (bentoquatam)

FDA-approved barrier product to help prevent poison ivy contact; MOA not fully understood.

Dermatitis prevention (ACD/ICD)

Identify and avoid triggers; protective clothing; proper cleansing; barrier products.

Leaves of three mnemonic

A reminder for identifying poison ivy/oak/sumac toxicity: three leaflets per stem.

Go-to diaper rash protectants

Zinc oxide, petrolatum, lanolin, mineral oils, cornstarch, and similar emollients used at diaper changes.

Nonpharmacologic diaper care

Frequent diaper changes, air exposure, gentle cleansing, barrier creams to reduce occlusion and irritation.

Counseling points (diaper rash)

Change diapers often, keep area dry, use protectants, seek care if not improved in 7 days.

Nonpharmacologic AD care

Trigger avoidance, short baths with mild cleansers, post-bath moisturization, gentle clothing, sun protection.