Dermatological Emergencies Flashcards
(13 cards)
What is erythroderma?
Any inflammatory skin condition which covers >90% of the body’s surface area.
List some causes of erythroderma
Psoriasis Ezcema Cutaneous lymphoma Idiopathic (10%) Rarer causes
How would you manage a patient with erythroderma?
- Admit, preferably to a warm side room
- 50/50 white soft paraffin/liquid paraffin every 1-2 hours (acts as temporary ‘skin’)
- Strict fluid balance monitoring
- Stop any precipitating cause e.g. drugs
- Treat the underlying cause
- Treat sepsis if present
What is eczema herpeticum?
Complication of eczema where there is viral infection by herpes virus 1 or 2
How do the lesions appear in eczema herpeticum?
Monomorphic, painful, ‘punched out’ lesions
What is the management for eczema herpeticum?
- Viral PCR
- IV aciclovir
- Flucloxacillin to treat secondary staphylococcal infection if necessary
What is toxic epidermal necrolysis?
Dermatological emergency characterised by widespread skin failure and loss of mucosa
What is the primary cause of toxic epidermal necrolysis?
Drugs - especially anti-convulsants, antibiotics and antifungals
What is the management of toxic epidermal necrolysis?
- Stop the underlying cause i.e. drug
- Admit to ITU, preferably in specialist burns unit
- Strict fluid balance monitoring
- Treat sepsis
- Analgesia
- Ophthalmology involvement due to scarring
What are the key lesions seen in erythema multiforme?
Target lesions
Give 2 infective causes of erythema multiforme
HSV
Mycoplasma
What is the difference between toxic epidermal necrolysis and Steven Johnsons syndrome?
They differ only in the amount of skin affected
SJS = Under 10%
TEN = Over 30%
Are the lesions in eczema herpeticum painful?
Yes - painful, ‘punched out’ lesions
