ACCREDITED CPD
ACCREDITED CPD
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persistence on the skin, but should not be used
repeatedly for generalized skin problems due to
its irritant and staining properties.
Benzoyl peroxide: It is metabolised in the skin
to benzoic acid. Much of its microbicidal activity
derives from the lowered skin pH which disrupts
microbial cell membranes. It is also an oxidizing
agent, which releases nascent oxygen into the
skin and produces a series of chemical reactions
resulting in permeability changes and rupture of
bacterial membranes. It has an excellent prophylactic effect and its follicular flushing, keratolytic
degreasing and comedolytic activity are additional benefits. It is generally used in concentrations
of 2 to 3%, which are well tolerated, but irritation
can occur at higher concentrations (erythema,
pruritus and pain).
Quaternary ammonium compounds: They are
surface acting agents. They have less effect and
are only useful for limited bacterial involvement.
They have no residual effect and have to be applied often for good effect.
Keratomodulating shampoos
These shampoos are indicated in cases with allergy
induced keratoseborrhoeic changes. Keratomodulating agents include:
• Salicylic acid (0, 5 – 2%) is keratolytic. It causes
a reduction in skin pH, which leads to increased
hydration of keratin. These actions help to soften the corneal layer. It acts synergistically with
sulphur and is often present in small quantities in
shampoos.
• Sulphur (0, 5% - 2 %) is mildly keratolytic (forms
hydrogen sulphide in the stratum corneum), keratoplastic (has a direct cytostatic effect) and has
numerous anti-seborrheic effects.
Topical lipids
• Topical lipids have been used with success in improving the epidermal barrier in human atopic
dermatitis.
• There are a few published studies in the veterinary
literature that have documented the effects of
topical fatty acids on the barrier function in dogs.
In one study the topical application of either a fatty
acid containing spot-on (applied weekly) or spray
(applied daily) improved both the lesions and pruritus in dogs with CAD. Another study showed
that the spot-on formulation applied weekly for
8 weeks was beneficial in alleviating the clinical
signs of both mild and severe cases of CAD.
• A study by Piekutowska and Pin demonstrated an
increase in epidermal lamellar lipids. This suggested that treatment with topical lipids stimulated the
production and secretion of endogenous stratum
corneum lipids, contributing to the formation of
an improved epidermal barrier.
• Topical lipids are more effective in restoring the
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hydrolipidic film faster when compared to oral
EFAs.
Topical lipids also moderate sebaceous gland activity and sebum production, rebalance dry or oily
coat and skin, are skin barrier enhancing and reduce TEWL for optimal skin hydration.
Topical sprays:
• A steroid-free topical spray has been developed
for the symptomatic treatment of CAD. It has
100% natural active ingredients which have a synergetic efficacy and does not have any side effect
of steroids. The spray is soothing, reduces skin
inflammation, regenerates and repairs the epidermal barrier, decreases TEWL and has antimicrobial
properties.
• A corticosteroid spray that is not absorbed systemically is also available.
Other topical treatments:
• Topical glucocorticoids are useful in Veterinary
Dermatology. They are the sole ingredient or part
of combination formulations with antimicrobial
and other agents and are useful for localised lesions. Tachyphylaxis, atrophy and microbial infections can occur in cases of overuse.
• Immunomodulators: Tacrolimus, a calcineurin
inhibitor has been shown to be effective in the
treatment of localized lesions of CAD.
• Antibiotics: formulations containing fusidic acid
and mupiro