CDT CDT Dermatologic Pharmacology & Medications 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary dermatologic use of topical retinoids like tretinoin?
- Treating fungal infections
- Treating acne and photoaging (Correct answer)
- Reducing hyperhidrosis
- Eliminating warts
Correct answer: Treating acne and photoaging
Topical tretinoin treats acne by normalizing follicular keratinization and photoaging by stimulating collagen production and accelerating epidermal cell turnover.
Question 2: What condition are biologic agents like dupilumab (Dupixent) approved to treat?
- Bacterial skin infections
- Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis (Correct answer)
- Onychomycosis
- Acne vulgaris
Correct answer: Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis
Dupilumab blocks IL-4 and IL-13 receptor signaling and is approved for moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis unresponsive to topical therapies.
Question 3: What is the most common adverse effect of prolonged topical corticosteroid use on the face?
- Hyperpigmentation
- Skin atrophy and telangiectasias (Correct answer)
- Antibiotic resistance
- Increased facial hair growth
Correct answer: Skin atrophy and telangiectasias
Prolonged facial use of topical corticosteroids causes skin atrophy, visible telangiectasias, and perioral dermatitis due to chronic steroid effect on thin facial skin.
Question 4: Antifungal agents like ketoconazole shampoo are used to treat which scalp condition?
- Alopecia areata
- Seborrheic dermatitis (Correct answer)
- Scalp psoriasis
- Tinea capitis
Correct answer: Seborrheic dermatitis
Ketoconazole targets Malassezia yeast overgrowth that contributes to seborrheic dermatitis, reducing scalp flaking and associated inflammation.
Question 5: What is the mechanism of action of salicylic acid in dermatologic products?
- Direct antibacterial action
- Keratolytic — softens and removes excess keratin (Correct answer)
- Antifungal action
- Anti-inflammatory action only
Correct answer: Keratolytic — softens and removes excess keratin
Salicylic acid is a keratolytic beta-hydroxy acid that dissolves intercellular cement between skin cells, promoting shedding of dead skin and clearing clogged pores.
Question 6: Which antibiotic class used in dermatology requires patients to use sunscreen due to photosensitivity?
- Topical hydrocortisone
- Oral tetracyclines (doxycycline, minocycline) (Correct answer)
- Topical calamine lotion
- Oral antihistamines
Correct answer: Oral tetracyclines (doxycycline, minocycline)
Oral tetracyclines cause photosensitivity reactions, requiring patients to apply broad-spectrum sunscreen and minimize direct sun exposure during treatment.
CDT CDT Dermatologic Pharmacology & Medications 2
What is the primary dermatologic use of topical retinoids like tretinoin?