acute & emergency dermatology Flashcards
1
Q
What is urticaria?
A
- (aka wheel or hive)
- central swelling (dermal oedema) of variable size, surrounded by erythema
2
Q
What are causes of acute urticaria?
A
- idiopathic
- infection
- drugs
- food
3
Q
what are the causes of chronic urticaria?
A
- autoimmune
- vasculitic
- physical
4
Q
Signs/ symptoms of urticaria?
A
- itching
- sometimes burning
5
Q
Management of acute urticaria?
A
- oral antihistamine
- short course of oral steroid of benefit, if clear cause is removed
- avoid NSAIDs & opiates
6
Q
Management of chronic urticaria?
A
- H1 antihistamine
- higher dose
- 2nd line agent – anti-leukotriene
- immunomodulant eg omalizumab
7
Q
What is eczema herpeticum?
A
disseminated herpes virus infection on a background of poorly controlled eczema
8
Q
what is the clinical assessment of eczema herpeticum? (4)
A
- clusters of itchy blisters
- punched out erosions
- fever
- lethargy
9
Q
Management of eczema herpeticus?
A
- aciclovir
- mild topical steroids to treat eczema
- treat secondary infection eg if skin eroded –> bacterial infection
10
Q
What is pustular psoriasis?
A
- rare type of psoriasis causing pus-filled blisters on the skin
- due to sudden withdrawal of steroids
11
Q
clinical assessment in pustular psoriasis?
A
- fever
- elevated WCC
- erythema +/- clusters of pustules
12
Q
Treatment of pustular psoriasis?
A
- bland emollient
- avoid steroids – only if v inflamed
- often require initiation of systemic therapy
13
Q
What is Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome ?
A
- characterised by red blistering skin that looks like a burn or scald
- common in kids
- can occur in immuno-compromised adults
14
Q
clinical assessment of Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome ?
A
- Diffuse erythematous rash with skin tenderness
- blistering & desquamation follows
- more prominent in flexures
- fever
- irritability
15
Q
Treatment of Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome ?
A
-IV antibiotics initially & supportive care
