The Role of Ceramides in Restoring and Maintaining Skin Barrier Function in the Treatment and Prevention of Common Dermatologic Conditions
CeraVe.
Faculty Presenters
Kathleen Kenny, PharmD, RPh
Chief Executive Officer
Med Ink Exec, LLC
Colorado Springs, Colorado
Program Description
The skin is the body's largest organ, and the significance of its protective biological role and the critical nature of skin care can be taken for granted by many individuals until a dermatological issue arises. The skin is an effective barrier primarily due to the structure of the stratum corneum, the outermost layer of the epidermis. Ceramides are the principal lipids in the stratum corneum and play a key role in skin barrier function and help retain moisture. Modifications of ceramides or stratum corneum lipid composition results in the development of skin disorders with barrier defects, such as atopic dermatitis (the most common type of eczema), psoriasis, acne, rosacea, and photosensitivity/UV damage. Pharmacists are well positioned to provide education to patients about the treatment and management of common skin conditions as well as proper selection and use of over-the-counter moisturizers and cleansers to maintain the functional and structural integrity of the skin. Pharmacy technicians also play an important role in recognizing patients that may be appropriate candidates for referral to the pharmacist for further education on products related to the skin. This activity will highlight the role of the pharmacy team through the inclusion of patient counseling videos featuring multiple patient scenarios.
Please click here to view Video vignettes featuring a pharmacist providing education and recommendations to various patients about over-the-counter skin care products to improve their dermatologic conditions.
Please click here to view/download a Pocket Pharmacist guide detailing common dermatologic conditions and ceramides.
Target Audience: Community pharmacists
Type of Activity: Application for pharmacists
Release date: December 21, 2020
Expiration date: February 15, 2022
Time to complete activity: 2.0 hours
Fee: Free
Educational Objectives
At the completion of this activity, participants will be able to:
- Explore the function of the skin barrier and what factors may disrupt it
- Examine the effect of decreased ceramide levels in the pathogenesis of common skin conditions, such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis, rosacea, acne, and photosensitivity/UV damage, and the clinical data supporting the use of ceramide-containing cleansers and moisturizers in their treatment and management
- Analyze the current American Academy of Dermatology recommendations for the treatment and management of common skin conditions, including routine skin care regimens involving the use of cleansers and moisturizers that restore skin barrier function
- Illustrate the role of the pharmacist in educating patients about common skin conditions and the role of ceramides as well as in making clinical recommendations that may augment outcomes in patients with these skin conditions
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ is accredited by the Accreditation Council for Pharmacy Education (ACPE) as a provider of continuing pharmacy education. This activity is approved for 2.0 contact hours (0.20 CEU) under the ACPE universal activity number 0290-0000-20-391-H01-P. The activity is available for CE credit through February 15, 2022.
For Technician credit, click here.
Instructions for Completing the Activity and Receiving CPE Credit
To receive CPE credit, participants must complete the pretest, read the article in its entirety, complete the posttest, and complete the online activity evaluation. After successful completion of the online activity evaluation, you can submit your credit to CPE Monitor. You may view your credit within 48 hours at www.mycpemonitor.net. All participants must request credit before the activity expiration date. CE credit will not be issued after this date.
Disclosures
Kathleen Kenny, PharmD, RPh, has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
Pharmacy Times Continuing Education™ Planning Staff – Jim Palatine, RPh, MBA; Maryjo Dixon, RPh; Liza Patel, PharmD, RPh; Crissy Wilson; Susan Pordon; and Brianna Winters have no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
An anonymous peer reviewer is used as part of content validation and conflict resolution. The peer reviewer has no relevant financial relationships with commercial interests to disclose.
Educational Disclaimer
CPE activities are offered solely for educational purposes and do not constitute any form of professional advice or referral. Discussions concerning drugs, dosages, and procedures may reflect the clinical experience of the author(s) or they may be derived from the professional literature or other sources and may suggest uses that are investigational in nature and not approved labeling or indications. Participants are encouraged to refer to primary references or full prescribing information resources.
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