Page 1238 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

axilla, or genitalia, because the
medication is readily absorbable,
making the skin vulnerable to
glucocorticoid-induced atrophy
2. Tazarotene
a. Is a vitamin A derivative
b. Local reactions include itching,
burning, stinging, dry skin, and
redness; other, less common effects
include rash, desquamation, contact
dermatitis, inflammation, fissuring,
and bleeding.
c. Sensitization to sunlight can occur, and
the client should be instructed to use
sunscreen and wear protective
clothing.
d. Medication is usually applied once
daily in the evening to dry skin.
3. Calcipotriene
a. Is an analog of vitamin D
b. May take up to 1 to 3 weeks to produce
a desired effect
c. Can cause local irritation; high-dose
applications rarely have caused
hypercalcemia.
4. Coal tar
a. Suppresses DNA synthesis, miotic
activity, and cell proliferation
b. Has an unpleasant odor and may cause
irritation, burning, and stinging; can
also stain the skin and hair and
increase sensitivity to sun
c. May increase risk for cancer
development in high doses
5. Keratolytics
a. Soften scales and loosen the horny layer
of the skin, resulting in minimal
peeling to extensive desquamation

b. Salicylic acid: Can be absorbed

systemically and can cause salicylism,
which is characterized by dizziness
and tinnitus, hyperpnea, and
psychological disturbances; salicylic
acid is not applied to large surface
areas or open wounds because of the
risk of systemic effects.
c. Sulfur: Promotes peeling and drying

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