| Which topical formulation is described as semi-solid, greasy, and occlusive? | Ointment | Standard Treatment Workflow (STW) RATIONAL USE OF TOPICAL MEDICATIONS Topical formulation Key aspects of usage Cream Emulsion of oil and water; preferred for oozy/wet lesions Ointment Semi-solid, greasy, occlusive; preferred for better penetration, especially over thick keratotic lesions Gel Aqueous or alcoholic monophasic emulsion Liquefies upon contact with skin Preferred for greater cosmetic acceptance, and hairy areas Lotion Usually thicker than a solution and likely to contain oil/water/alcohol Use lotions over hairy areas and larger body surface areas Aerosol foam/spray A solution with pressurized propellant; alternative to lotion Powder Solid, for example, talc/corn starch; doubtful penetration/efficacy | 175 | definition | 0.940 | https://www.icmr.gov.in/icmrobject/uploads/STWs/1725967365_rational_use_of_topical_medications.pdf | Standard Treatment Workflow (STW) RATIONAL USE OF TOPICAL MEDICATIONS Topical formulation Key aspects of usage Cream Emulsion of oil and water; preferred for oozy/wet lesions Ointment Semi-solid, greasy, occlusive; preferred for better penetration, especially over thick keratotic lesions Gel Aqueous or alcoholic monophasic emulsion Liquefies upon contact with skin Preferred for greater cosmetic acceptance, and hairy areas Lotion Usually thicker than a solution and likely to contain oil/water/alcohol Use lotions over hairy areas and larger body surface areas Aerosol foam/spray A solution with | 1 | page=1,block=35 | 0.700 | valid |
| In what situations is routine topical sunscreen use considered essential? | special situations with intense, prolonged sun exposure, such as mountaineering | • For photosensitive dermatoses like lupus erythematosus, liberal uniform film of sunscreen (2 mg/cm2) should be applied on sun-expoxed sites, and application should be atleast 15 minutes before sun exposure • Routine topical sunscreen use is not essential except in special situations with intense, prolonged sun exposure, such as mountaineering | 267 | list | 0.820 | https://www.icmr.gov.in/icmrobject/uploads/STWs/1725967365_rational_use_of_topical_medications.pdf | • For photosensitive dermatoses like lupus erythematosus, liberal uniform film of sunscreen (2 mg/cm2) should be applied on sun-expoxed sites, and application should be atleast 15 minutes before sun exposure • Routine topical sunscreen use is not essential except in special situations with intense, prolonged sun exposure, such as mountaineering | 1 | page=1,block=94 | 0.700 | valid |
| What are some commonly used moisturizers for skin care? | white soft paraffin/light liquid paraffin, glycerin with water, coconut oil | • One of the most commonly applied topical preparations for normal skin care and in diseased skin to improve barrier function of skin • Moisturizer alone are therapeutic in conditions like eczema and psoriasis • Bland, fragrance-free moisturizer should be preferred • Moisturizers in common use – white soft paraffin/light liquid paraffin, glycerin with water, coconut oil • Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) alone, or in combinations with Retinoids/ Clindamycin are effective for mild acne, or in conjunction with a topical retinoid, or systemic antibiotic therapy for moderate to severe acne • BPO is effective in the prevention of bacterial resistance and is recommended for patients on topical or systemic antibiotic therapy • Topical antibiotics like Clindamycin are effective acne treatments, but are not recommended as monotherapy because of the risk of bacterial resistance | 297 | list | 0.820 | https://www.icmr.gov.in/icmrobject/uploads/STWs/1725967365_rational_use_of_topical_medications.pdf | • One of the most commonly applied topical preparations for normal skin care and in diseased skin to improve barrier function of skin • Moisturizer alone are therapeutic in conditions like eczema and psoriasis • Bland, fragrance-free moisturizer should be preferred • Moisturizers in common use – white soft paraffin/light liquid paraffin, glycerin with water, coconut oil • Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) alone, or in combinations with Retinoids/ Clindamycin are effective for mild acne, or in conjunction with a topical retinoid, or systemic antibiotic therapy for moderate to severe acne • BPO is |
| What items are listed under “TOPICAL STEROIDS ARE A DOUBLE EDGED SWORD - USE JUDICIOUSLY”? | • Before prescribing, make sure the dermatosis is steroid responsive • Rule out fungal and bacterial infections at the local site • Super potent and potent TCS usually, for a maximum duration of 2 weeks • For children and over face- only low potency TCS • For larger surface area, use finger tip unit (FTU) method for application of TCS • For use over smaller area, less than 1 FTU maybe required; advise not to apply beyond the lesion | TOPICAL STEROIDS ARE A DOUBLE EDGED SWORD - USE JUDICIOUSLY
• Before prescribing, make sure the dermatosis is steroid responsive • Rule out fungal and bacterial infections at the local site • Super potent and potent TCS usually, for a maximum duration of 2 weeks • For children and over face- only low potency TCS • For larger surface area, use finger tip unit (FTU) method for application of TCS • For use over smaller area, less than 1 FTU maybe required; advise not to apply beyond the lesion | 60 | list | 0.820 | https://www.icmr.gov.in/icmrobject/uploads/STWs/1725967365_rational_use_of_topical_medications.pdf | • Before prescribing, make sure the dermatosis is steroid responsive • Rule out fungal and bacterial infections at the local site • Super potent and potent TCS usually, for a maximum duration of 2 weeks • For children and over face- only low potency TCS • For larger surface area, use finger tip unit (FTU) method for application of TCS • For use over smaller area, less than 1 FTU maybe required; advise not to apply beyond the lesion |
| What skin conditions can be therapeutically managed with moisturizers alone? | eczema and psoriasis | • One of the most commonly applied topical preparations for normal skin care and in diseased skin to improve barrier function of skin • Moisturizer alone are therapeutic in conditions like eczema and psoriasis • Bland, fragrance-free moisturizer should be preferred • Moisturizers in common use – white soft paraffin/light liquid paraffin, glycerin with water, coconut oil • Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) alone, or in combinations with Retinoids/ Clindamycin are effective for mild acne, or in conjunction with a topical retinoid, or systemic antibiotic therapy for moderate to severe acne • BPO is effective in the prevention of bacterial resistance and is recommended for patients on topical or systemic antibiotic therapy • Topical antibiotics like Clindamycin are effective acne treatments, but are not recommended as monotherapy because of the risk of bacterial resistance | 189 | list | 0.740 | https://www.icmr.gov.in/icmrobject/uploads/STWs/1725967365_rational_use_of_topical_medications.pdf | • One of the most commonly applied topical preparations for normal skin care and in diseased skin to improve barrier function of skin • Moisturizer alone are therapeutic in conditions like eczema and psoriasis • Bland, fragrance-free moisturizer should be preferred • Moisturizers in common use – white soft paraffin/light liquid paraffin, glycerin with water, coconut oil • Benzoyl peroxide (BPO) alone, or in combinations with Retinoids/ Clindamycin are effective for mild acne, or in conjunction with a topical retinoid, or systemic antibiotic therapy for moderate to severe acne • BPO is |
| What combination is recommended for impetiginized eczematous lesions? | TCS+ Fusidic acid 2% cream/ointment | Should be used only in specific situations and under strict supervision • TCS+ Fusidic acid 2% cream/ointment (for impetiginized eczematous lesions) • TCS + Salicylic Acid (3-6%) ointment (for thick hyperkeratotic eczema/psoriasis) • Topical Calcipotriene-TCS (for mild to moderate psoriasis) • Hydroquinone 2% + Tretinoin 0.025% + Fluocinolone Acetonide 0.1% Cream (use with great caution in melasma – high abuse potential) | 74 | factual | 0.570 | https://www.icmr.gov.in/icmrobject/uploads/STWs/1725967365_rational_use_of_topical_medications.pdf | Should be used only in specific situations and under strict supervision • TCS+ Fusidic acid 2% cream/ointment (for impetiginized eczematous lesions) • TCS + Salicylic Acid (3-6%) ointment (for thick hyperkeratotic eczema/psoriasis) • Topical Calcipotriene-TCS (for mild to moderate psoriasis) • Hydroquinone 2% + Tretinoin 0.025% + Fluocinolone Acetonide 0.1% Cream (use with great caution in melasma – high abuse potential) | 1 | page=1,block=13 | 0.700 | valid |
| What combination is used for thick hyperkeratotic eczema or psoriasis? | TCS + Salicylic Acid (3-6%) ointment | Should be used only in specific situations and under strict supervision • TCS+ Fusidic acid 2% cream/ointment (for impetiginized eczematous lesions) • TCS + Salicylic Acid (3-6%) ointment (for thick hyperkeratotic eczema/psoriasis) • Topical Calcipotriene-TCS (for mild to moderate psoriasis) • Hydroquinone 2% + Tretinoin 0.025% + Fluocinolone Acetonide 0.1% Cream (use with great caution in melasma – high abuse potential) | 151 | factual | 0.570 | https://www.icmr.gov.in/icmrobject/uploads/STWs/1725967365_rational_use_of_topical_medications.pdf | Should be used only in specific situations and under strict supervision • TCS+ Fusidic acid 2% cream/ointment (for impetiginized eczematous lesions) • TCS + Salicylic Acid (3-6%) ointment (for thick hyperkeratotic eczema/psoriasis) • Topical Calcipotriene-TCS (for mild to moderate psoriasis) • Hydroquinone 2% + Tretinoin 0.025% + Fluocinolone Acetonide 0.1% Cream (use with great caution in melasma – high abuse potential) | 1 | page=1,block=13 | 0.700 | valid |
| What is the recommended quantity for a single application to the whole body of an adult? | 20 to 30 g of product (cream/ointment/lotion) | Educate the patient about the optimum quantity (in grams) of TCS required An area of one hand (palm and digits) will require 0.3 g per application Treatment under occlusion should be avoided; only prescribed by specialists A single application to the whole body of an adult will require 20 to 30 g of product (cream/ointment/lotion) No more than 45 g/week of potent or 100 g/week of a moderately potent TCS should be applied | 287 | factual | 0.570 | https://www.icmr.gov.in/icmrobject/uploads/STWs/1725967365_rational_use_of_topical_medications.pdf | Educate the patient about the optimum quantity (in grams) of TCS required An area of one hand (palm and digits) will require 0.3 g per application Treatment under occlusion should be avoided; only prescribed by specialists A single application to the whole body of an adult will require 20 to 30 g of product (cream/ointment/lotion) No more than 45 g/week of potent or 100 g/week of a moderately potent TCS should be applied | 1 | page=1,block=44 | 0.700 | valid |
| Which combination should be used with great caution in melasma due to its high abuse potential? | Hydroquinone 2% + Tretinoin 0.025% + Fluocinolone Acetonide 0.1% Cream | Should be used only in specific situations and under strict supervision • TCS+ Fusidic acid 2% cream/ointment (for impetiginized eczematous lesions) • TCS + Salicylic Acid (3-6%) ointment (for thick hyperkeratotic eczema/psoriasis) • Topical Calcipotriene-TCS (for mild to moderate psoriasis) • Hydroquinone 2% + Tretinoin 0.025% + Fluocinolone Acetonide 0.1% Cream (use with great caution in melasma – high abuse potential) | 295 | factual | 0.570 | https://www.icmr.gov.in/icmrobject/uploads/STWs/1725967365_rational_use_of_topical_medications.pdf | Should be used only in specific situations and under strict supervision • TCS+ Fusidic acid 2% cream/ointment (for impetiginized eczematous lesions) • TCS + Salicylic Acid (3-6%) ointment (for thick hyperkeratotic eczema/psoriasis) • Topical Calcipotriene-TCS (for mild to moderate psoriasis) • Hydroquinone 2% + Tretinoin 0.025% + Fluocinolone Acetonide 0.1% Cream (use with great caution in melasma – high abuse potential) | 1 | page=1,block=13 | 0.700 |
| How much topical corticosteroid is required for an area of one hand per application? | 0.3 g per application | Educate the patient about the optimum quantity (in grams) of TCS required An area of one hand (palm and digits) will require 0.3 g per application Treatment under occlusion should be avoided; only prescribed by specialists A single application to the whole body of an adult will require 20 to 30 g of product (cream/ointment/lotion) No more than 45 g/week of potent or 100 g/week of a moderately potent TCS should be applied | 125 | factual | 0.490 | https://www.icmr.gov.in/icmrobject/uploads/STWs/1725967365_rational_use_of_topical_medications.pdf | Educate the patient about the optimum quantity (in grams) of TCS required An area of one hand (palm and digits) will require 0.3 g per application Treatment under occlusion should be avoided; only prescribed by specialists A single application to the whole body of an adult will require 20 to 30 g of product (cream/ointment/lotion) No more than 45 g/week of potent or 100 g/week of a moderately potent TCS should be applied | 1 | page=1,block=44 | 0.700 | valid |