Pharmacology for Dentistry

Drugs used in Skin Disorders 453

PSORIASIS

It is an autoimmune disease which is
characterized by marked increase in
undifferentiated epidermal cell proliferation
and can increase the number of superficial
cells having abnormal keratinization.

ACITRETIN

It is a metabolite of the aromatic retinoid,
etretinate used in the treatment of psoriasis.

Adverse effects include elevation of
cholesterol and triglycerides levels;
hepatotoxicity and raised liver enzyme
levels has also been reported.

TAZAROTENE

It is an acetylenic retinoid prodrug
which is hydrolysed to active metabolite
tazarotenic acid, binds to retinoic acid
receptors resulting in modified gene
expression.

CALCIPOTRIENE

It is a synthetic vitamin D 3 derivative
effective in the treatment of plaque type
psoriasis vulgaris. Adverse effects include
itching and mild irritation.

KERATOLYTIC AGENTS

These are the agents used in the treat-
ment of disorders of keratin which cause
mild peeling of superficial layers of the
skin.

Salicylic acid is used to treat various
hyperkeratotic lesions like corns, warts,
ring- worm, athlete’s foot, chronic dermatitis
etc.

Propylene glycol is an effective kera-

tolytic agent for the removal of hyperk-

eratotic debris. It is also used in combi-

nation with salicylic acid in the treatment

of ichthyosis, psoriasis, keratosis pilaris

and hypertrophic lichen planus.

Podophyllum resin, an alcoholic extract

of Podophyllum palatum is used in the

treatment of condyloma acuminatum and

other verrucae.

Urea is used in cream or ointment to

make it less greasy, it increases the water

content of stratum corneum which may be

because of its hygroscopic property. It also

possesses keratolytic property.

Cantharidin is the active irritant isolated

from cantharides. It is mainly used in the

treatment of molluscum contagiosum and

verruca vulgaris, particularly periungual

warts.

Fluorouracil, a fluorinated pyrimidine

antimetabolite is used topically for the

treatment of multiple actinic keratoses and

intralesionally for keratoacanthomas.

Benzoic acid is a antifungal with mild

keratolytic action.

ANTIPRURITIC AGENTS

Pruritus is a common symptom in skin along

with itching. Antihistaminics and

hydrocortisone are very effective in pruritus

due to inflammation.

DOXEPIN

Topical doxepin in the form of cream is

used in the treatment of pruritus associated

with atopic dermatitis or lichen chronicus.

Adverse effects include marked burning

and stinging at the treatment site.