Download ch 5 - pharmacology - skin | CLAS 1030 - Medical Terminology and more Quizzes Medical Sciences in PDF only on Docsity! TERM 1 antifungals DEFINITION 1 Alter the cell wall of fungi or disrupt enzyme activity, resulting in cell death Antifungals are used to treat ringworm (tinea corporis), athlete's food (tinea pedis), and fungal infection of the nail (onychomycosis). When topical antifungals are not effective, oral or intravenous antifungal drugs may be necessary nystatin - Mycostatin, Nyston itraconazole - Sporanox TERM 2 antihistamines DEFINITION 2 inhibit allergic reactions of inflammation, redness, and itching caused by the release of histamine In a case of severe itching, antihistamines may be given orally. As a group, these drugs are also known as antipruritics (pruritis = itching) diphenhydramine - Benadryl loratadine - Claritin TERM 3 antiseptics DEFINITION 3 Topically applied agents that inhibit growth of bacteria, thus preventing infections in cuts, scratches, and surgical incisions ethyl or isopropyl alcohol hydrogen peroxide TERM 4 corticosteroids DEFINITION 4 decrease inflammation and itching by suppressing the immune system's inflammatory response to tissue damage Topical corticosteroids are used to treat contact dermatitis, poison ivy, insect bites, psoriasis, seborrhea, and eczema. Oral coricosteroids may be prescribed for systemic treatment of severe or widespread inflammation or itching hydrocortisone - Certacort, Cortaid triamcinolone - Azmacort, Kenalog TERM 5 keratolytics DEFINITION 5 destroy and soften the outer layer of skin so that it is sloughed off or shed Strong keratolytics remove warts and corns and aid in penetration of antifungal drugs. Milder keratolytics promote shedding of scales and crusts in eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and other dry, scaly conditions. Weak keratolytics irritate inflamed skin, acting as a tonic to accelerate healing tretinoin - Retin-A, Vesanoid
