Also see Integumentary System Introduction: Principles of Topical Therapy.

Drugs that may be used in the integumentary system fall into several therapeutic categories—antimicrobials (antibacterials, antifungals), antiparasitics, NSAID, immunomodulators, hormones, psychotropic agents, and vitamin and mineral supplements.

Several factors may contribute to the development of the particular clinical presentation. Each factor should be identified and treated for therapy to succeed. For example, recurrent otitis may have a primary underlying skin disease but be complicated by both predisposing and perpetuating factors. Further, successful treatment of skin disease may require longterm or lifelong therapy and is frequently a matter of successful control rather than “cure.”

Last full review/revision March 2012 by Michael Shipstone, BVSc, FACVSc, DACVD