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

Test your knowledge of administering and monitoring medicines and intravenous therapy with this quiz on HLTENN007. Learn about the functions of the skin and the use of topical applications in carrying substances into the skin. Practice and enhance your understanding of skin sensory functions and the role of the skin as the body's first line of defense.