5-13

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5-13. COMMON DERMATOLOGICAL DRUGS

a. Drying Agents.

(1) Calamine lotion. Calamine lotion is a drying agent. This medication is a shake lotion, termed that because it is essential to shake the medication well before using it. The lotion contains prepared calamine, zinc oxide, glycerin, magma of bentonite, and lime water. The lotion should be applied locally 3 to 4 times daily or as needed. Calamine lotion can be used for acute dermatitis. Do not use it for long periods of time because the lotion will cause excessive drying. Add one percent phenol to reduce itching. The advantage of lotion such as calamine is that it is easy to apply and sticks to the surface well. The disadvantages include excessive drying and the fact that calamine does not penetrate chronic skin lesions as well as creams or ointments. People who have had poison oak or poison ivy are probably very familiar with calamine lotion.

 

(2) Zinc oxide. Zinc oxide, another drying agent, can be applied topically as a mild antiseptic and astringent for a wide variety of skin disorders. Zinc oxide can be put into ointments, pastes, lotions, or powders to be applied to the skin. Paste composed of zinc oxide, gelatin, glycerin, and water can be used successfully as a supportive and protective plaster for eczema.

 

(3) Salicylic acid and sulfur (Fostex^®). This preparation is available in cream or soap form to treat acne. The medication contains two percent salicylic acid and two percent sulphur. Salicylic acid has a slight antiseptic action with a marked keratolytic effect when applied to the skin. Under ordinary circumstances, it is painless. It should be applied for a period of time for its full effect on thickened keratin. Apply petrolatum to the normal skin around the affected area. This will prevent normal skin from becoming irritated by the medication. Be careful to keep salicylic acid away from your eyes because this medicine can damage the cornea. Salicylic acid, a keratolytic or peeling agent, can be applied to the skin in collodion, lotion, or ointment form.

 

(4) Hexachlorophene. This medication is very useful as treatment in the management of acne, furuncles, diaper rash, eczema, and similar conditions. Usage reduces the residual bacterial count on the skin. No tissue reaction is seen on wounds and burned surfaces from the action of the medication even when it is used daily over a long period of time. The medication should be applied to skin that has just been moistened and also thoroughly cleansed of blood and other organic matter. Hexachlorophene is used as an active germicidal ingredient in Dial^® and pHisoHex^® as well as many other products.

b. Lubricating Agents. Both surgical lubricant (K-Y Jelly) and petrolatum (Vaseline Petroleum Jelly) are used as lubricating agents.

c. Topically Applied Drugs. These medications may seem somewhat basic and unimportant. They do, however, often provide beneficial relief from local skin irritations and discomfort. They also prevent the development of more serious skin problems.

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