Derm 1

Question 1

What are the signs of chickenpox

Answer 1

Caused by varicella-zoster virus.

Commonly affects children, but can also occur in adults.

Main symptoms:

Red, itchy rash

Fever

Aches and pains

Loss of appetite

Rash progresses through three distinct stages:

Small red spots

Painful fluid-filled blisters

Scab formation

The infection is usually:

Self-limiting

Uncomplicated

Resolves without serious complications in most cases

Question 2

How can chickenpox be treated

Answer 2

No specific cure, but symptoms can be managed:

Calamine lotion or cooling gels → relieve itching

Paracetamol → reduce pain and fever
(❗ Avoid ibuprofen unless medically advised — may increase risk of complications)

Fluids → prevent dehydration

Antihistamines → reduce itching, improve sleep

High-risk individuals (e.g., pregnant women, newborns, immunocompromised) may be given:

Antivirals such as aciclovir

To prevent spread:

Isolate until all spots have crusted over

Maintain good hygiene

Varicella Zoster Immune Globulin (VZIG):

Used in high-risk groups

Provides temporary passive immunity

Contains anti-VZV antibodies to help prevent severe illness

Question 3

What are the three categories of skin disorders

Answer 3

1. Contagious Skin Disorders
   Caused by infections, spread between people.

Examples:

Cold sores → caused by Herpes simplex virus

Cellulitis → bacterial infection (Streptococcus or Staphylococcus)

Ringworm → fungal infection (dermatophytes)

🔹 2. Non-Contagious Skin Disorders
Not spreadable; often genetic, inflammatory, or autoimmune.

Examples:

Psoriasis → autoimmune; causes red, scaly patches

Eczema → linked to allergies; causes skin inflammation

Alopecia areata → autoimmune hair loss

🔹 3. Idiopathic Skin Disorders
Cause is unknown.

Examples:

Hives (urticaria) → itchy welts; often unexplained

Rosacea → chronic facial redness and inflammation with no clear cause

Question 4

What are warts/ verrucae and how are they transmitted

Answer 4

Human Papillomavirus (HPV) causes warts:

Flesh-coloured, rough-textured skin lumps

Common locations: hands, feet, and anogenital region

A wart on the foot is specifically called a verruca

Mechanism:

HPV triggers overproduction of keratin

This leads to formation of thickened, raised skin growths

Warts are contagious:

Spread via direct skin-to-skin contact

Can also spread by autoinoculation (e.g., scratching or picking at a wart and transferring the virus to another body part)

Natural course:

Often regress spontaneously without treatment over time

Question 5

How can warts/verrucae be treated

Answer 5

Salicylic Acid:

Topical treatment

Works by breaking down keratin, the tough protein in the wart

Helps gradually remove the wart tissue

Cryotherapy:

Involves freezing the wart with liquid nitrogen

Causes tissue destruction

The wart typically falls off after treatment

Question 6

What is impetigo and how is it transmitted

Answer 6

Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection, mainly caused by Staphylococcus aureus, most common in young children but can affect all ages. It presents as red sores or blisters, which burst and form a yellow, itchy crust. The infection spreads easily through direct contact with sores or by touching contaminated items like towels or clothing.

Question 7

What is dermatitis/eczema

Answer 7

Skin inflammation can be triggered by soaps, detergents, cosmetics, clothing or jewellery (e.g. nickel), sweat, temperature changes, stress, or allergens like pollen or pet dander. It causes irritation, itching, and dry skin. There are subtypes including allergic contact dermatitis, where an allergic reaction leads to redness, itching, and swelling at the contact site, and atopic dermatitis (eczema), a chronic condition linked to genetics and environmental triggers, causing dry, itchy, inflamed skin, often on the face, hands, or inner elbows.

Question 8

How is dermatitis/eczema treated

Answer 8

Treatment of skin inflammation includes using moisturisers to soothe and protect dry, irritated skin by retaining moisture and forming a barrier.

Topical corticosteroids are prescribed to reduce inflammation and itching in more severe cases.

Avoiding triggers like harsh soaps, detergents, allergens, and wearing hypoallergenic jewellery can prevent flare-ups.

Additionally, stress management techniques such as mindfulness, meditation, and regular exercise may help reduce the severity of symptoms.

Question 9

What is Acne

Answer 9

Acne is a non-contagious skin condition influenced by genetics, hormonal changes (e.g. puberty, pregnancy), and environmental factors like pollution, humidity, cutibacterium acne, and lifestyle choices. It results from excess oil clogging pores, leading to different types of spots: whiteheads, blackheads, papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts. Acne typically affects areas with many oil glands, including the face, forehead, chest, upper back, and shoulders.

Question 10

How can Acne be treated

Answer 10

Acne can be effectively managed with topical treatments like benzoyl peroxide or salicylic acid to reduce inflammation and unclog pores. For more severe cases, dermatologists may prescribe topical retinoids, antibiotics, or oral medications such as isotretinoin. Additionally, lifestyle changes including a healthy diet, stress management, and a consistent skincare routine can help control and reduce acne.

Question 11

What common skin lesions are there?

Answer 11

Papules/Nodules: Solid, raised lesions with no visible fluid, usually larger than 0.5 cm in diameter.

Macules: Flat, distinct coloured areas of skin less than 1 cm wide; there is no change in skin texture or thickness.

Ulcers and Fissures: Represent a loss of the epidermis and dermis, sometimes affecting deeper tissue.

Vesicles and Bullae: Small (<0.5 cm), elevated blisters containing serous (clear) fluid.

Question 12

What other common childhood diseases are there

Answer 12

MMR
Meningitis
Glandular fever
Molluscum contagiosum
Slapped cheek

Question 13

What other considerations should be taken when diagnosing

Answer 13

Temperature assessment (by touch):

Warm skin → may indicate inflammation or infection

Cool skin → may suggest poor circulation

Texture evaluation (palpation):

Rough texture → may point to psoriasis

Smooth texture → could indicate bruising or subdermal issues

Lesion distribution patterns:

Can be:

Bilateral or Unilateral

Symmetrical or Asymmetrical

Localized, Discrete, Grouped, Coalescing

Trauma indicators:

Check for:

Swelling

Cuts

Bruising

Monitor lesion changes over time:

Look for changes in:

Size

Shape

Color

Bleeding

Changes may indicate worsening or evolving disease

General skin assessment:

Evaluate:

Color

Moisture

Turgor (elasticity)

Abnormalities (e.g., dryness, lesions, discoloration)

Examine across diverse skin tones:

Conditions may present differently on:

Darker vs. lighter skin

Mucous membranes

Palms and soles

Sclera (white of the eye)