Dermatology Flashcards
(133 cards)
What is eczema ?
A chronic atopic condition caused by defects in the normal continuity of the skin barrier leading to inflammation in the skin.
How does eczema present ?
Dry, red, itchy and sore patches of skin over the flexor surfaces.
What is the pathophysiology of eczema ?
Eczema is caused by defects in the barrier that the skin provides. Tiny gaps in the skin barrier provide an entrance for irritants, microbes and allergens that create an immune response resulting in inflammation.
What is the management of eczema ?
Maintenance - emollients and specially designed soap substitutes.
Flares - thicker emollients, topical steroids and wet wraps
What are some thin cream emollients ?
E45
Diprobase cream
Oilatum cream
Aveeno
What are some thick cream emollients ?
50:50 ointment
Hydromol
Diprobase
What is the steroid ladder for eczema ?
Mild - hydrocortisone
Moderate - eumovate
Potent - betnovate
Very potent - dermovate
What is eczema herpeticum ?
A viral skin infection caused by the herpes simplex virus or varicella zoster virus.
HSV-1 is the most common causative organism.
How does eczema herpeticum present ?
Widespread, painful, vesicular rash with systemic symptoms such as fever, lethargy, irritability and reduced oral intake.
Lymphadenopathy
What is the management of eczema herpeticum ?
Aciclovir
What are some investigations for eczema herpeticum ?
Viral swabs
What are some complications of eczema herpeticum ?
Immunocompromised
Bacterial superinfection
What is psoriasis ?
A chronic autoimmune condition that causes recurrent symptoms of psoriatic skin lesions.
Genetic component
What is plaque psoriasis ?
Thickened erythematous plaques with silver scales, commonly seen on extensor surfaces and scalp.
What is guttate psoriasis ?
Small raised papules across the trunk and limbs.
Mildly erythematous and slightly scaly.
What is pustular psoriasis ?
Pustules form under areas of erythematous skin. The pus in these areas is not infectious.
Should be treated as a medically emergency
How does psoriasis present ?
Dry flaky scaly
Slightly erythematous skin lesions
Extensor surfaces and scalp
What is the management of psoriasis ?
Topical steroids
Topical vitamin D analogue ( calcipotriol )
Topical dithranol
Phototherapy
What is nail psoriasis ?
Nail changes that can occur in patients with psoriasis.
Nail pitting, thickening, discolouration, ridging and onycholysis.
What are some associations of psoriasis ?
Nail psoriasis
Psoriatic arthritis
Psychosocial implications
What is acne vulgaris ?
An extremely common skin condition often affecting people during puberty and adolescence.
What is the pathophysiology of acne vulgaris ?
Chronic inflammation with or without localised infection, in pockets within the skin known as pilosebaceous unit.
Acne can result from increased production of sebum, trapping of keratin and blockage of the pilosebaceous unit.
How does acne vulgaris present ?
Red, inflamed and sore spots on the skin.
Macules, papules, pustules, comedomes
Blackheads
What is a macule ?
Flat marks on the skin