Contact dermatitis Flashcards
what is contact dermatitis?
inflammatory skin condition as a result of exposure to external irritant or allergen
what type of hypersensitivity reaction?
type 4 - delayed
sensitisation and re-exposure
common allergies
personal care products
metals
topical medications
plants
what is irritant contact dermatitis?
non-immunological inflammatory reaction by direct physical or toxic effects of irritating substance on skin
common irritants
wet work
detergents
cleaning agents
plants
complications
reduced QOL
threaten employment
secondary skin infection
how does acute contact dermatitis present?
erythema
vesiculation - dry, scaling, bullae
how does chronic contact dermatitis present?
dryness, lichenification and fissuring
investigations
patch testing
differentials
atopic/seborrhoeic dermatits
skin infection - cellulitis, fungal
urticaria
psoriasis
treatment of acute contact dermatitis
avoid contact with stimulus
emollient
topical corticosteroid
treat 2 skin infection
when to refer to dermatology
occupation
severe, chronic or recurrent
