CDT CDT Dermatologic Pharmacology & Medications 2

Question 1

What is the primary dermatologic use of topical retinoids like tretinoin?

Accepted Answer

Treating acne and photoaging

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Moderate-to-severe atopic dermatitis

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Skin atrophy and telangiectasias

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Seborrheic dermatitis

Answer

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?

Accepted Answer

Keratolytic — softens and removes excess keratin

Answer

Salicylic acid is a keratolytic beta-hydroxy acid that dissolves intercellular cement between skin cells, promoting shedding of dead skin and clearing clogged pores.

(CDT) Certified Dermatology Tech Practice Test

(CDT) Certified Dermatology Tech Practice Test

CDT CDT Dermatologic Pharmacology & Medications 2