Pharmacology

Antiacne agents - Reduce acne through multiple mechanisms - decrease bacteria in the follicles of the skin to prevent the formation of acne; others disrupt the stickiness of the follicular skin cells and decrease micro comedones (widening of the follicle, which fills with debris and bacteria to form comedones)

• Benzoyl Peroxide

• Tretinoin

Antifungals - Alter the cell wall of fungi or disrupt enzyme activity, resulting in cell death

• Itraconazole

• Terbinafine

• Fluconazole

Antihistamines - Inhibit allergic reactions of inflammation, redness, and itching caused by the release of histamine

• Diphenhydramine

• Hydroxyzine

Antiparasitic - Kill insect parasites, such as mites and lice

• lindane

• Permethrin

Antiseptics - Topically applied agents that inhibit the growth of bacteria, thus preventing infections in cuts, scratches, and surgical incisions

• Ethyl or isopropyl alcohol

• Hydrogen Peroxide

• Povidone-Iodine

Corticosteroids - Decrease inflammation and itching by suppressing the immune system’s inflammatory response to tissue damage

• Hydrocortisone

• Triamcinolone

Keratolytic - Destroy and soften the outer layer of skin so that it is sloughed off or shed