The document discusses various topical agents used in dermatology. It describes emollients like mineral oil and glycerin that soothe skin, protectants like talc and starch that bind to the skin surface, and astringents like acetic acid and tannic acid that precipitate skin proteins. It outlines the differences between creams, lotions, and ointments. It also covers counterirritants, keratolytics, antifungals, phototherapy agents, sunscreens, acne medications, and topical corticosteroids and antipruritics to treat inflammation and itching.

1. Dr. RAGHU PRASADA M S
MBBS,MD
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR
DEPT. OF PHARMACOLOGY
SSIMS & RC.

2. 
Figure 6.2

3.  Are inert substances which sooth inflamed/denuded
mucosa or skin by preventing contact with air/
irritants in the surroundings.
 Liquorice
 Methylcellulose
 Propylene glycol
 Glycerine

4.  Indication: To soften and soothe rough, dry skin and
increase absorbability of topical medications
 Directions: Apply as necessary or as prescribed;
generally after showering/bathing and pat drying;
apply liberally to affected areas
 Olive oil, sesame oil, cocoa butter, liquid paraffin

5.  They are finely powdered, inert and insoluble solids
capable of binding to their surface
 Magnesium/zinc stearate
 Talc-hydrous megnesium silicate
 Calamine
 Starch
 Boric acid
 Aloe vera gel
 Polyvinyl polymer

6. Astringents are agents which precipitate surface
protiens and protect the under lying tissue
 Best used in eczema where vesicular or draining
lesions are present
 Acetic Acid 5% (white vinegar) – especially useful in
Pseudomonas infections
 Burow’s Solution (others)
 Potassium Permanganate
 Tannic acid
 Zinc

7. Creams:
 Less greasy and most
acceptable to patient
 Applies more easily
 Penetrates skin well
 Works well in intertriginous
and hairy areas
 Can be drying
 Have a cooling effect
 Easy to wash off
Lotions: more water content
and less viscous than
creams
Ointments:
 Petrolatum based
 Alleviates dryness by
prevention of evaporation
 Removes scales
 Enables medication to
penetrates skin well
 Water repellant
 Remains on the skin
 Occlusive and protective
 Soothing and lubricating

8.  They stimulate the sensory nerve endings and
induce inflammation at the site of application
 Rubificiants –irritation+hyperemia+sensory
stimulation
 Vesicants –strong irritation+hyperemia
 +sensory stimulation+ capillary
 permeability

9. Volatile oils- turpentine oil,
Clove oil, eucalyptus oil, camphor, menthol
Mustard seeds, capsicum, canthridin
Methyl salicylate
Alcohol

10.  Corrosive
 Podophyllium resin
 Silver nitrate
 Phenol
 Tri chloro acetic acid

11.  These are the substances that dissolve the
intercellular cementing substance and cause peeling
of the superficial layers of skin
 Treatment -Warts, cones, calluses, severe xerosis
Salicylic acid, lactic acid, urea, sulfur
 Resorcinol –antiseptic, antifungal, local irritant
 Urea –hygroscopic, with steroid
 Benzyl peroxide- keratolytic effects of acne

12.  Selenium sulfide
 Zinc pyrithione
 Corticosteroids
 Immidazole antifungals
 Sulfur, coal tar

13.  Increase sensitivity to solar radiation
 Psoralen
 Methoxsalen
 Trioxsalen

14.  Calcipotriol- supresses epidermal proliferation
 Tazarotene –synthetic retinoid
 Coaltar –exerts phototoxic action
 Photochemotherapy-PUVA
 Acitretin-synthetic retinoid
 Etanercept
 Methotrexate

15.  Tegrin cream and lotion
 Medotar ointment
 PsoriGel gel
 Polytar and Tegrin soaps
 Tegrin, T/Gel, and other shampoos
Indication: to relieve and control itching, and flaking
skin associated with psoriasis and seborrhea as well
as eczema
Directions: Depending on product 1-4 times daily

16. Contraindications:
 Hypersensitivity
Precautions:
 Do not use on broken skin, genital or rectal area
except on the advise of your health care provider.
 Photosensitivity x 24hr after application
 May stain light colored hair
Warning:
 High concentrations of some chemicals in coal tar
may cause cancer. Concentrations of 0.5% to 5%
appear to be safe.

17.  Hydroquinone
 Monobenzene
 Azelaic acid

18.  These are the agents that protect the skin from the
effects of UV rays photo-aging and photo-toxicity
 UVB screens –PABA, benzophenones
 Cinnamates, Salicylates
 UVA screens- Avobenzene, Oxybenzene, Titanium
dioxide, Zinc oxide
 Reflection of UV rays-Physical – petroleum jelly, zinc
oxide, calamine

19.  Topical therapy-benzoyl peroxide benzoic acid
antibacterial, comedolytic, keratolytic action
 Retinoic acid –topically reduces hyperkeratinization,
comedolytic and decreases pigmentation and prevents
formation of comedones
 Adapalene – synthetic tretinoin
 Isotretinoin-orally
 Topical antibiotics
 Azelaic acid-from pityrosporium ovale  inhibits aerobic
and anaerobic organisms. Also used for melasma
 Systemic therapy

21.  Antiinflammatory topicals
Hydrocortisone creams, 0.5% to 1%
 Antipruritics and others
1. Benadryl (diphenhydramine 25-50mg q6h prn)
2. Calamine Lotion (zinc oxide and ferric oxide
used as a mild astringent)
3. Caladryl Lotion (both of above)
4. Burrow’s solution