Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM

Browse over 1 million classes created by top students, professors, publishers, and experts.


See full index

A - MSRA - Dermatology [3] > Dermatitis > Flashcards

Dermatitis Flashcards

1
Q

What is dermatitis?

A

Dermatitis, also known as eczema, is a group of diseases that result in inflammation of the skin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

What is dermatitis characterised by?

A
  • Itchiness
  • Red skin
  • Rash
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

How much of the skin is affected in dermatitis?

A

Can range from a small amount to the whole body

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

What are the types of dermatitis?

A
  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Allergic contact dermatitis
  • Irritant contact dermatitis
  • Stasis dermatitis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is atopic dermatitis?

A

An inflammation of the skin, that tends to flare up from time to time. It can range from mild to severe

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

When does atopic dermatitis usually start?

A

In early childhood

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What proportion of children with atopic dermatitis grow out of it by their mid teens?

A

About 2/3

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

What causes atopic dermatitis?

A

The exact cause is unknown, although there is some evidence of genetic, environmental, and immunologic factors

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What suggest a genetic component to atopic dermatitis?

A
  • Most people with atopic dermatitis have a family history of atopy
  • About 30% of people with atopic dermatitis have a mutation in the gene for the production of filaggrin
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

What is the role of filaggrin?

A

It plays an important role in keeping the skin surface slightly acidic, hence giving it anti-microbial effects

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

What environmental factors may be involved in atopic dermatitis?

A
  • Hygiene hypothesis
  • Sensitisation to foods
  • Consumption of hard water
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

What is the hygiene hypothesis?

A

A theory that children who are raised in a sanitary environment are more likely to develop allergies - there is some support for this theory with regard to atopic dermatitis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

What are the symptoms of atopic dermatitis?

A
  • Dry skin
  • Some areas of the skin become red and inflamed. The inflamed skin is itchy, and may become blistered and weepy
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

What areas of skin are most commonly affected in atopic dermatitis?

A

The areas next to skin creases, such as the front of the elbows and wrists, backs of knees, and around the neck, however any area of skin might be affected

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

What typically happens to inflamed areas of skin in atopic dermatitis?

A

They tend to flare up from time to time, and then settle down

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

How do flare-ups of atopic dermatitis vary?

A

The severity and duration of flare-ups varies from person to person, and from time to time in the same person

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

What might a flare-up cause in mild cases?

A

One or two small patches of inflammation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What might a flare-up cause in severe cases?

A

Inflammation covering many areas of skin that lasts for several weeks or more

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

On what basis is atopic dermatitis diagnosed?

A

Clinically

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

What are the UK diagnostic criteria of atopic dermatitis?

A

The person must have itchy skin, or evidence of rubbing/scratching, plus 3 or more of;

  • Involvement of skin creases
  • History of asthma or allergic rhinitis
  • Symptoms began before age 2 (if patient >4 years old)
  • History of dry skin (within past year)
  • Dermatitis visible on flexural surfaces (patient >4), or on cheeks, forehead, and extensor surfaces (patients <4)
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

How often should you assess atopic dermatitis?

A

At every consultation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

Why is it important to assess atopic dermatitis at every consultation?

A

In order to determine the most approrpiate treatment

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

How should assessment of severity of atopic dermatitis be done?

A

Examine all areas of affected skin, and ask about itching

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

What can dermatitis be categorised as, based on severity?

A
  • Clear
  • Mild
  • Moderate
  • Severe
  • Infected
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

What is classified as clear in atopic dermatitis?

A

Normal skin, no evidence of acute dermatitis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

What is classified as mild in atopic dermatitis?

A

Areas of dry skin, and infrequent itching (with or without small areas of redness)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

What is classified as moderate in atopic dermatitis?

A

Areas of dry skin, frequent itching, and redness

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

What is classified as severe in atopic dermatitis?

A

Widespread areas of dry skin, incessant itching, redness, may be extensive skin thickening, bleeding, oozing, cracking, and alteration of pigmentation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

What is classified as infected in atopic dermatitis?

A

Weeping, crusted, pustules, fever, malaise

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

How is mild atopic dermatitis managed?

A
  • Prescribe generous amounts of emollients, and advise frequent and liberal use
  • Consider prescribing a mild topical corticosteroid (such as hydrocortisone 1%) for areas of red skin. Treatment should be continued for 48 hours after flare has been controlled
  • Give appropriate information and advice
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

What information and advice should be given to patients with mild atopic dermatitis?

A
  • How to maintain skin and reduce risk of flares
  • Self care advice
  • Avoid trigger factors a=
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

What are the potential trigger factors of atopic dermatitis?

A
  • Soaps and detergents
  • Animals
  • Heat
  • Synthetic fibres
  • House-dust mits
  • Stess and habit scratching
  • Pregnancy and pre-menstural hormone changes
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

How is a current flare of moderate atopic dermatitis managed?

A
  • Consider possibility of trigger factors or infection, which can precipitate or worsen a flare
  • Prescribe a general amount of emollients, and advise frequent and liberal use
  • If the skin is inflamed, prescribe a moderately potent topical corticosteroid, for example betamethasome valerate 0.025% to be used on inflamed areas. Treatment should be continued for 48 hours after falre has improved
  • If severe itch or urticarial, consider prescribing one month trial of non-sedating antihistamine
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

What should preventative treatment be prescribed based on in moderate atopic dermatitis?

A

The usual severity of the condition between flares

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

What is the first line option in the prevention of future flares in moderate atopic dermatitis?

A

A maintenance regime of topical corticosteroids to control areas of skin prone to frequent flares (not recommended for face, genitals, or axilla)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

What is the second line option in the prevention of future flares in moderate atopic dermatitis?

A

Topical calcinneurin inhibitors

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

What does optimal follow-up time depend on in moderate atopic dermatitis?

A

A number of factors, such as severity of condition, treatment the person is receiving, and their health/age

38
Q

How often should emollient use be reviewed in moderate atopic dermatitis?

A

Annual basis

39
Q

What is the purpose of annual review of emollient use in moderate atopic dermatitis?

A

Ensure optimal usage

40
Q

How often should topical corticosteroid use be reviewed in moderate atopic dermatitis?

A

Regular review if there is heavy useage, however this is unlikely to be necessary with moderate dermatitis

41
Q

How often should the use of non-sedating antihistamines be reviewed in moderate atopic dermatitis?

A

Every 3 months

42
Q

How is severe atopic dermatitis management?

A
  • Treatment largely the same as for moderate flare, except use a more potent topical corticosteroid on inflamed areas, such as betamethasone valerate 0.1%
  • If itching is severe and affecting sleep, consider prescribing short course (maximum 2 weeks) of sedating antihistamine
  • If there is severe, extensive dermatitis causing psychological distress, consider prescribing short course of oral corticosteroid
43
Q

What needs to be done in all people who have had a severe and extensive flare requiring treatment with oral corticosteroids or oral antibiotics?

A

Need reviewing after course is finished, and consider the need for referral

44
Q

How is currently infected dermatitis managed when there is extensive areas of infected eczema?

A

Swab the skin and prescribe an oral antibiotic

45
Q

What is the first line oral antibiotic in the treatment of extensive infected dermatitis?

A

Flucloaxicillin

46
Q

What oral antibiotic is prescribed in extensive infected dermatitis if flucoxacillin is contraindicated (e.g. penicillin allergy) or if there is known resistance?

A

Erythromycin

47
Q

What oral antibiotic is prescribed in extensive infected dermatitis if the person has been unable to tolerate erythromycin?

A

Clarithromycin

48
Q

What should be done in extensive infected dermatitis if the first line antibiotic is ineffective?

A

Prescribe an alternative

49
Q

How is currently infected dermatitis that is localised managed?

A

Topical antibiotics

50
Q

How long should topical antibiotics be used for in infected eczema?

A

No longer than 2 weeks

51
Q

How are future occurences of infected dermatitis prevented?

A
  • Prescribe new supplies of topical products for use after infection as cleared, and advise the person to discard old products
  • Consider the use of topical antiseptic preparation as an adjunct to standard treatment to reduce bacterial load in areas prone to infection
52
Q

What is contact dermatitis?

A

An inflammatory skin reaction in response to an external stimulus, acting as either an allergen or an irritant

53
Q

What are the types of contact dermatitis?

A
  • Allergic contact dermatitis
  • Irritant contact dermatitis
54
Q

What is allergic contact dermatitis?

A

A type IV delayed hypersensitivity reaction that occurs after sensitisation and subsequent re-exposure to an allergen

55
Q

What is irritant contact dermatitis?

A

An inflammatory response that occurs after damage to the skin, usually by chemicals

56
Q

Is irritant contact dermatitis an allergy?

A

No, it can occur in any individual significantly exposed to an irritant

57
Q

Is irritant contact dermatitis acute or chronic?

A

Can be either

58
Q

What can the insults causing contact dermatitis be classified into?

A

Chemical, biological, or physical

59
Q

How can contact with allergens arise?

A
  • Immersion
  • Direct handling of contaminated substances
  • From workbenches, tools, or clothing
  • Splashing
  • Dust from air
60
Q

Give some common irritants

A
  • Water, especially if hard, chalky, or heavily chlorinated
  • Detergents and soaps
  • Solvents and abrasives
  • Machining oils
  • Acids and alkalis, including cement
  • Reducing agents and oxidising agents
  • Powders, dust, and soil
  • Some plants
61
Q

Give some common allergens

A
  • Cosmetics
  • Metals, particularly nickel and coblat in jewellery and chromate in cement
  • Topical medications
  • Rubber additives
  • Textiles
  • Epoxy resin adhesives
  • Plants
62
Q

What symptoms do both irritant and allergic contact dermatitis present with?

A
  • Redness
  • Vesicles or papules on affected area
  • Crusting and scaling of skin
    Itching of affected area
  • Pain or burning sensation from affected area
63
Q

What features may arise in contact dermatitis with chronic exposure?

A
  • Fissures
  • Hyperpigmentation
64
Q

What are the predominant featues of irritant contact dermatitis?

A
  • Burning
  • Stinging
  • Soreness
65
Q

What are the predominant features of allergic contact dermatitis?

A
  • Redness
  • Itching
  • Scaling
66
Q

Describe the onset of irritant contact dermatitis?

A

Within 48 hours, may be immediate

67
Q

Describe the onset of allergic contact dermatitis?

A

Delayed onset

68
Q

Describe the location of the rash in irritant contact dermatitis

A

Rash only in areas of skin exposed to irritant

69
Q

Describe the location of the rash in allergic contact dermatitis

A

Rash may be in areas which have not been in contact with the allergen

70
Q

Describe the resolution of the rash in irritant contact dermatitis?

A

Resolution occurs quickly after removal of irritant, typically within 4 days

71
Q

Describe the resolution of allergic contact dermatitis

A

Resolution may take longer than irritant contact dermatitis, with or without treatment

72
Q

What is irritant contact dermatitis commonly associated with?

A

Atopic eczema

73
Q

What makes a diagnosis of irritant contact dermatitis more likely?

A

Exposure to friction, soap, detergents, solvents, or wet work

74
Q

What is the clinical relevance of the presentation and pattern of skin change in contact dermatitis?

A

It may give some indication of the likely irritant

75
Q

What area of the body is most commonly affected with direct contact?

A

Hands

76
Q

Where might chemicals on clothing cause contact dermatitis?

A
  • Axillae
  • Groin
  • Feet
77
Q

Where are dust irritants most likely to cause contact dermatitis?

A

Areas where dust might collect, such as collar line, belt line, sock line, or in flexural areas

78
Q

Where are irritants in vapour/mist most likely to affect?

A

The face and neck

79
Q

What investigations are done into contact dermatitis?

A

In many cases, no investigations will be required, and diagnosis is made based on clinical findings and history.

Some patients may require referral to a specialist clinic for patch testing

80
Q

What are the indications for referral to a specialist clinic for patch testing in contact dermatitis?

A
  • Severe or recurrent distressing symptoms despite adequate treatment with topical corticosteroids
  • Suspicion of contact dermatitis without clear history of exposure
81
Q

What are the differential diagnoses of contact dermatitis?

A
  • Atopic dermatitis
  • Seborrhoiec dermatitis
  • Ringworm
  • Urticaria
  • Psoriasis
  • Acute infections, such as cellulitis, impetigo, shingles, and chickenpox
82
Q

What is the most effective form of management of contact dermatitis?

A

Avoid the irritant producing the dermatitis, when it has been identified.

83
Q

When might avoidance of the irritant producing the contact dermatitis be the only treatment required?

A

In milder cases of recent origin

84
Q

How long will it take for dermatitis after removal of the irritant in milder cases of recent origin?

A

Approximately 3 weeks

85
Q

When can simple emollients be used in the management of contact dermatitis?

A

When the skin barrier has not been breached

86
Q

When will contact dermatitis require medication?

A

In more severe or chronic cases

87
Q

What medication is used in contact dermatitis?

A

Topical corticosteroid cream, or a short course of oral corticosteroid for acute, severe episodes

88
Q

What is the strength and period of use of corticosteroid cream in contact dermatitis adjusted based on?

A

The severity of the condition

89
Q

What are the second line options for use in contact dermatitis?

A
  • PUVA treatment
  • Ciclosporin
  • Azathioprine

These are used for chronic, steroid-resistant dermatitis

90
Q

What are the complications of contact dermatitis?

A

Secondary bacterial infection

91
Q

How does a secondary bacterial infection in contact dermatitis present?

A

As worsening of the skin condition, or as typical impetigo

A - MSRA - Dermatology [3] (28 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2024 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions