Page 1241 - Saunders Comprehensive Review For NCLEX-RN

1. Coal tar and ultraviolet B (UVB) irradiation: Treatment
that involves the application of coal tar for 8 to 10
hours; coal tar is washed off and the area is exposed
to short-wave UV radiation (UVB).
2. Photochemotherapy (psoralen and ultraviolet A
[UVA] therapy)
a. Combines the use of long-wave
radiation (UVA) with oral methoxsalen
(used in very specific cases;
photosensitive medication)
b. Can cause pruritus, nausea, erythema;
may accelerate the aging process of the
skin; may increase the risk of skin
cancer.

VII. Acne Products (Box 43-5; Fig. 43-1)

A. Description
1. Acne lesions that are mild may be treated with
nonpharmacological measures such as gentle
cleansing 2 or 3 times daily (oil-based moisturizing
products need to be avoided), dermabrasion, or
comedo extraction.
2. Mild acne is usually treated pharmacologically with
topical agents (antimicrobials and retinoids).
3. Moderate acne is usually treated with oral antibiotics
and comedolytics.
4. Severe acne is usually treated with isotretinoin.
5. Hormonal medications may be prescribed to treat acne
in female clients.
6. A type of combination therapy may be prescribed to
treat acne.
7. Actions of the medications may include suppressing
the growth of Propionibacterium acnes, reducing
inflammation, promoting keratolysis, unplugging
existing comedones and preventing their
development, and normalizing hyperproliferation of
epithelial cells within the hair follicles; some
medications cause thinning of the skin, which
facilitates penetration of other medications.
8. For topical applications: Site should be washed and
allowed to dry completely before application; hands
should be washed after application.
9. All topical products are kept away from the eyes,
inside the nose, lips, mucous membranes, hair, and
inflamed or denuded skin.
B. Topical antibiotic products
1. Benzoyl peroxide
a. Can produce drying and peeling

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