Appropriate Management of Dry Skin

Pharmacy Times Office of Continuing Professional Education

Appropriate Management of Dry Skin: What Pharmacists Need to Know

Danielle C. Ezzo, PharmD, BCPS, GCPAssociate Clinical Professor of Clinical Pharmacy Practice, St. John's University , College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professions, Queens, NYClinical Coordinator of Ambulatory Care, Long Island Jewish Medical Center, New Hyde Park, NY

Dry skin is a common condition that impacts patients’ level of discomfort, and ultimately quality of life. Almost all patients will experience a component of dry skin at some point in their lives. This activity will examine the importance of cleansing, moisturizing, and using sunscreen in maintaining healthy skin; discuss complications of dry skin; compare the structure of the skin in normal vs. dry skin; identify other conditions that have a component of dry skin, including atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, and seborrheic dermatitis; discuss the management of dry skin, including nonpharmacologic and pharmacologic treatments; and identify the pharmacist's role in the management of the condition.

Educational Objectives

Upon completing the program, participants should be able to:

• Review epidemiology and pathophysiology of dry skin and its resulting complications.
• Identify management strategies for taking care of dry skin, including essential elements in moisturizers.
• Counsel patients on appropriate management of dry skin and itchy dry skin.

Credits: 2.0

Expiration date: September 15, 2013

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