HLTENN007

Skin Functions

• Regulates temperature
• Reflects disease processes in the body
• Has sensory function, e.g., detecting temperature
• Acts as the first line of defense

Topical Applications

• Skin preparations act as "vehicles" for carrying substances into the skin
• Examples: lotions, creams, gels, ointments
• Anti-inflammatory topical applications:
  • Indications for use: mild inflammatory conditions requiring anti-inflammatory and analgesia
  • Should not be used on broken skin
  • Examples: menthol or camphor preparation (Deep heat), NSAID (Diclofenac/Voltaren)

Skin Conditions

Eczema

• Characterized by skin inflammation, redness, itching, and scaly eruptions
• Treatment:
  • Identify and remove cause (e.g., wool, soaps, fragrances)
  • Relieve symptoms and suppress inflammation
  • Moisturizers
  • Topical corticosteroids
  • Antihistamines to relieve itch
  • Antibiotics to treat secondary infections

Psoriasis

• Chronic disease of unknown cause, characterized by auto-immune response
• Silvery scaly lesions occurring on most skin areas
• Treatment:
  • Topical corticosteroids to reduce inflammatory response (e.g., Betamethasone)
  • Apply only to lesion
  • Cyclosporin to suppress immune system from overactivity

Acne

• Disease of the sebaceous glands, commonly associated with Proprionbacterium acnes
• Treatment aimed at reducing lesions, preventing scarring
• Treatment:
  • Topical bacteriocidals
  • Topical cleansers (e.g., cetrimide, chlorhexidine)
  • Topical Benzoyl Peroxide (Clearasil)
  • Antibiotics (creams and systemic preparations)

Anti-Pruritics

• Action: reduce the desire to scratch, aiding the healing process
• Examples: Calamine lotion, antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine), corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone topical cream), local anesthetics applied topically

Vitamins

Vitamin A

• Helps form and maintain healthy teeth, bones, soft tissue, mucous membranes, and skin

Vitamin C

• Antioxidant that promotes healthy teeth and gums
• Helps the body absorb iron and maintain healthy tissue
• Essential for wound healing

Vitamin D

• Also known as the "sunshine vitamin"
• Can be produced by the body after exposure to sunlight (10-15 minutes, 3 times a week)
• Important for bone health

Vitamin E

• Antioxidant that helps the body form red blood cells and use vitamin K

Vitamin K

• Needed for blood to coagulate
• Important for bone health

Vitamin B6

• Also known as pyridoxine
• Helps form red blood cells and maintain brain function

Vitamin B12

• Important for metabolism
• Helps form red blood cells and maintain the central nervous system

Niacin

• Helps maintain healthy skin and nerves
• Has cholesterol-lowering effects at higher doses

Folate

• Works with vitamin B12 to help form red blood cells
• Needed for the production of DNA, which controls tissue growth and cell function
• Important for pregnant women to prevent birth defects (e.g., spina bifida)

Thiamine (Vitamin B1)

• Helps the body cells change carbohydrates into energy
• Essential for heart function and healthy nerve cells

Riboflavin (Vitamin B2)

• Works with the other B vitamins
• Important for body growth and the production of red blood cells

Biotin

• Essential for the metabolism of proteins and carbohydrates
• Important for the production of hormones and cholesterol