Dermatology

Question 1

Outline the classification of acne

Answer 1

Mild - open + closed comedones ± sparse inflammatory lesions
Moderate - widespread non-inflammatory lesions + numerous papules + pustules
Severe - extensive inflam lesions, may incl noduels, pitting + scarring

Question 2

Management of acne

Answer 2

1. Simple topicals - retinoids, benzoyl peroxide
2. Topical combination - Abx, benzoyl peroxide, retinoid
3. Oral Abx - oxytetracycline, doxycycline
4. Oral isotretinoin (only under specialists)

Question 3

What is pityriasis versicolor? What is it caused by?

Answer 3

Superficial cutaneous fungal infection caused by Malassezia furfur.

Most commonly affects the trunk, patches may be hypopigmented, pink or brown
Scale is common
Mild pruritis

Question 4

Management of pityriasis versicolor

Answer 4

Topical antifungal - ketoconazole

Question 5

What is pityriasis rosea? What are the features?

Answer 5

Acute, self-limiting rash which tends to affect young adults.
Aetiology is not fully understood, but it’s thought that a herpes virus may play a role

Features - herald patch (on trunk), erythematous oval scaly patches

Question 6

Management of impetigo

Answer 6

Limited + localised:
- topical fusidic acid

Extensive disease:
- oral flucloxacillin (erythromycin if pen allergy)