Derm 9 and 10 Flashcards
(27 cards)
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What percentage of community pharmacy queries relate to dermatology?
Around 15% of queries.
What is essential skin maintenance advice?
Avoid soap/bubble baths; use emollients regularly; wash with lukewarm water; use around 500g emollient per week if needed.
How should emollients be applied?
Dot onto skin, smooth in direction of hair growth, avoid rubbing; apply while standing on a towel due to slipperiness.
Why are emollients a fire hazard?
They contain paraffin, which is highly flammable when absorbed into clothing.
What should a full dermatology patient history include?
Onset, associated symptoms, environmental exposures, recent travel, contact with affected individuals, drug/allergy history.
What drugs commonly cause skin rashes?
Antibiotics (e.g. penicillin), NSAIDs, antiepileptics (e.g. carbamazepine).
How do drug-induced rashes typically present?
Symmetrical, without systemic symptoms, onset 4–14 days after drug start, resolves after stopping drug.
What are causes of drug-induced skin rashes?
Allergy, toxicity, photosensitivity.
What is Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS)?
Life-threatening drug reaction with large blisters and epidermal necrosis, often from NSAIDs, sulfa antibiotics.
What is anticoagulant-induced necrosis?
Necrotic black skin lesions caused by anticoagulants such as warfarin.
What drugs commonly cause photosensitivity?
Tetracyclines, isotretinoin.
What PPE is advised before a dermatology examination?
Wash hands, use sanitiser, use gloves/PPE if needed.
What are red flags in dermatology assessment?
Systemic illness, weight loss, persistent lesions, bleeding, irregular borders suggesting malignancy.
What framework aids dermatology history taking?
ICE: Ideas, Concerns, Expectations.
What is the SOCRATES acronym used for?
Site, Onset, Character, Radiation, Associated symptoms, Timing, Exacerbating/relieving factors, Severity.
How do you assess temperature of a skin lesion?
Use back of hand to compare lesion temperature to surrounding skin.
What lesion textures should you check for?
Rough or smooth texture.
What does bilateral and symmetrical rash suggest?
Likely drug-induced reaction.
What is NEWS2 used for?
Assess risk of sepsis: respiratory rate, oxygen saturation, blood pressure, pulse, consciousness, temperature.
What is differential diagnosis?
Using signs and symptoms to create a list of possible conditions, then ruling in/out based on evidence.
What factors influence treatment choice?
Severity, patient age, comorbidities, allergies, patient preference, guidelines (e.g. NICE, BNF).
What is an example of intentional non-adherence?
Patient choosing not to take medication due to beliefs, fear, or misunderstanding.
What is an example of unintentional non-adherence?
Forgetting, misunderstanding instructions, poor communication by healthcare provider.
