dermatology Flashcards
(76 cards)
1
Q
What are the three main layers of the skin?
A
Epidermis, Dermis, Hypodermis
2
Q
What is the role of keratinocytes as they migrate to the stratum corneum?
A
They undergo changes including keratinization and flattening.
3
Q
What are desmosomes and what condition is associated with their disruption?
A
Desmosomes are cell structures that provide adhesion between cells; associated condition: pemphigus.
4
Q
What are Langerhans cells and their role in the skin?
A
Langerhans cells are antigen-presenting immune cells in the skin.
5
Q
What are Merkel cells and their function?
A
Merkel cells are involved in the sensation of touch.
6
Q
What are pigment-forming cells commonly referred to as, and what pigment do they produce?
A
Melanocytes; they produce melanin.
7
Q
The uncontrolled growth of pigment-forming cells leads to what type of skin cancer?
A
Melanoma
8
Q
What does the ‘A’ in the ABCDE acronym for melanoma detection stand for?
A
Asymmetry
9
Q
What does the ‘B’ in the ABCDE acronym for melanoma detection stand for?
A
Border irregularity
10
Q
What does the ‘C’ in the ABCDE acronym for melanoma detection stand for?
A
Color variation
11
Q
What does the ‘D’ in the ABCDE acronym for melanoma detection stand for?
A
Diameter greater than 6 mm
12
Q
What does the ‘E’ in the ABCDE acronym for melanoma detection stand for?
A
Evolving or Expert
13
Q
What is the main composition of the dermis?
A
Fibrous tissue made mostly of collagen and elastin.
14
Q
What types of cells are found in the dermis?
A
- Fibroblasts
- Mast cells
- Macrophages
15
Q
What role does the hypodermis play?
A
Insulation and protection against mechanical injuries.
16
Q
How are sweat glands classified?
A
Eccrine and apocrine glands.
17
Q
Which part of the central nervous system controls sweat glands?
A
Autonomic nervous system
18
Q
What condition is caused by excessive activity of sweat glands?
A
Hyperhidrosis
19
Q
What is the treatment for hyperhidrosis?
A
Antiperspirants containing aluminium salts.
20
Q
What is alopecia?
A
The generic term for hair loss.
21
Q
What is alopecia areata?
A
An autoimmune disease causing hair loss in patches.
22
Q
What is the recommended treatment for alopecia androgenetica?
A
Topical application of minoxidil 5%.
23
Q
What is onychomycosis?
A
A fungal infection of the nail.
24
Q
What is the main component of the nail plate?
A
Keratin
25
What are sebaceous glands responsible for producing?
Sebum
26
What are some functions of the skin?
* Physical protection
* Temperature homeostasis
* Sensation
* Vitamin D synthesis
27
What is a dermatosis?
A general term for skin disease.
28
What is the difference between a blackhead and a whitehead?
Blackhead: open comedone; Whitehead: closed comedone.
29
What is a flat area of discoloration that is less than 10-15 mm called?
Macule
## Footnote
A macule is a flat, distinct, discolored area of skin that does not involve any change in texture or thickness.
30
What term describes a raised, solid dome-shaped lesion that is less than 10 mm?
Papule
## Footnote
Papules are small, raised bumps on the skin that can vary in color.
31
What is a larger and deeper papule called?
Nodule
## Footnote
Nodules are larger than papules and can be deeper in the skin.
32
What are lesions filled with clear liquid called, and what is the size classification for small and large blisters?
Vesicles (<5 mm) and Bulla (>5 mm)
## Footnote
Vesicles are small blisters, while bulla are larger blisters that can occur in various skin conditions.
33
What is a papule with a pus head called?
Pustule
## Footnote
Pustules contain pus and can be indicative of infection or inflammation.
34
What is characterized by an evanescent papule, nodule, or plaque due to dermal swelling?
Urticaria
## Footnote
Urticaria, commonly known as hives, can be red and itchy due to swelling in the dermis.
35
What is the term for the traumatic loss of epidermis due to trauma?
Excoriation
## Footnote
Excoriation is often caused by scratching or rubbing the skin.
36
What is the condition characterized by a crack in the epidermis due to extreme skin dryness?
Fissure
## Footnote
Fissures can occur in areas of the skin that are particularly dry or irritated.
37
What is the term for a general category of skin conditions, often referred to as skin diseases?
Dermatoses
## Footnote
Dermatoses encompass a wide range of skin conditions that can be inflammatory, infectious, or reactive.
38
List at least three childhood dermatoses.
* Atopic dermatitis
* Napkin dermatosis
* Viral diseases and rashes
## Footnote
Childhood dermatoses include a variety of conditions that affect infants and young children.
39
List at least three adult dermatoses.
* Eczema
* Psoriasis
* Skin cancer
## Footnote
Adult dermatoses can vary widely and may include chronic skin conditions as well as neoplastic diseases.
40
What is cradle cap and what age group does it commonly affect?
Seborrheic dermatitis affecting infants from 1-3 weeks to several months old
## Footnote
Cradle cap is characterized by greasy, itchy scales and erythema due to overproduction of sebum.
41
What are the main treatment options for seborrheic dermatitis?
* Washing and loosening
* Topical imidazoles ± hydrocortisone
* Ketoconazole shampoo (adults)
## Footnote
Treatment focuses on managing symptoms and controlling flare-ups.
42
What is napkin dermatitis also known as?
Nappy rash
## Footnote
Napkin dermatitis refers to skin lesions occurring under the nappy area, often due to moisture and irritation.
43
What are common factors that increase the risk of nappy rash in infants?
* Prolonged exposure to moisture
* Friction
* Use of irritants (e.g., wipes)
## Footnote
Identifying these risk factors can help in preventing nappy rash.
44
What is chicken pox caused by?
Varicella zoster virus
## Footnote
Chicken pox is a common childhood infection characterized by fever and a blistered rash.
45
What are the common complications of chicken pox?
* Pneumonia
* Secondary bacterial infections
* Shingles (Herpes zoster)
## Footnote
Complications can be more severe in older children, adults, and immunocompromised patients.
46
What is Molluscum Contagiosum?
A viral skin infection characterized by small, painless papules
## Footnote
This condition is usually self-limiting in children but may require treatment in adults.
47
What virus causes cold sores?
Herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 or type 2
## Footnote
Cold sores manifest as vesicles triggered by various factors such as stress or sunlight.
48
What are the therapeutic management options for cold sores?
* Antiviral creams (e.g., acyclovir)
* Oral antivirals for severe cases
* Non-antiviral topical preparations
## Footnote
Treatment may help speed up healing, especially in at-risk populations.
49
What characterizes urticaria?
Presence of wheals and itchy skin
## Footnote
Urticaria is often a result of histamine release due to various triggers.
50
What are the therapeutic options for urticaria?
* Avoiding triggers
* Oral antihistamines
* Oral corticosteroids (rare)
## Footnote
Treatment aims to alleviate symptoms and prevent flare-ups.
51
What is acne vulgaris?
A pilosebaceous skin disease affecting up to 90% of the population
## Footnote
Acne is most common in adolescents and can have a significant psychological impact.
52
What are the key characteristics of acne?
* Comedones (open and closed)
* Pustules
* Nodules and cysts in severe cases
## Footnote
Acne is often caused by overproduction of sebum and blockage of pores.
53
What are the treatment options for acne?
* Keratolytics
* Benzoyl peroxide
* Topical retinoids
* Oral antibiotics
* Hormone treatment
* Isotretinoin
## Footnote
Treatment varies based on the severity of the condition.
54
What does eczema refer to?
Inflammation of the skin, often used interchangeably with dermatitis
## Footnote
Eczema can manifest in various forms and has multiple triggers.
55
What is atopic dermatitis, and how common is it?
A chronic condition affecting 10-30% of children and 2-10% of adults
## Footnote
Atopic dermatitis is characterized by itchy, red, and dry skin.
56
What are the first-line therapeutic options for atopic dermatitis?
* Topical emollients
* Topical corticosteroids
## Footnote
Emollients are essential for maintaining skin hydration.
57
What can prolonged use of corticosteroids lead to?
* Skin atrophy
* Allergic contact dermatitis
* Tachyphylaxis
## Footnote
Risks associated with corticosteroid use must be carefully managed.
58
What are topical calcineurin inhibitors, and when are they used?
Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus prescribed as second-line treatment
## Footnote
These agents prevent inflammation without the side effects of corticosteroids.
59
What is the importance of finger-tip units (FTUs) in corticosteroid application?
Guide for the amount of corticosteroid to apply to different body sites
## Footnote
FTUs help in standardizing treatment to avoid overuse.
60
What is atopic dermatitis?
A chronic inflammatory skin condition characterized by itchy, inflamed skin.
## Footnote
Unlike topical corticosteroids, calcineurin inhibitors do not cause skin atrophy.
61
What are some systemic treatments for atopic dermatitis?
Systemic treatments include:
* Antibiotics
* Corticosteroids
* Azathioprine
* Cyclosporine
* Methotrexate
* Biologicals
62
How do recommended treatments for atopic dermatitis vary?
They differ depending on the age of the patient: infants, children, and adults have different guidelines.
63
What is a finger-tip unit (FTU)?
A measure used to determine how much corticosteroid to apply, equal to the amount from a 5 mm nozzle that fits from the tip of an adult index finger to the first crease.
64
What is the amount of product represented by one FTU?
Approximately 500 mg of product.
65
What are the risks associated with potent corticosteroids?
Serious side effects increase with prolonged use, and considerations must include the chemical nature, formulation, and skin properties.
66
What corticosteroid strength is recommended for treating atopic dermatitis in infants?
Moderately potent agents for trunk and limbs; 1% hydrocortisone for facial lesions.
67
What corticosteroid strengths can be used for adults with atopic dermatitis?
Mild/moderate agents on face and neck; potent to very potent agents on trunk and limbs.
68
What is psoriasis?
An inflammatory condition characterized by red, flaky, crusty patches covered with silver scales.
69
What causes the patches in psoriasis?
Hyperproliferation of epidermal cells leading to accelerated turnover.
70
What are the different types of psoriasis?
Types include:
* Plaque
* Guttate
* Flexural
* Pustular
* Scalp
* Erythrodermic
* Nail
* Psoriatic arthritis
71
What is the estimated prevalence of psoriasis in the population?
Approximately 2-3%.
72
What age groups are most affected by psoriasis?
Mostly patients between 20-30 years and 50-60 years old.
73
What is the autoimmune aspect of psoriasis?
It is considered a T-lymphocyte auto-immune disease where T-cells accumulate in the skin and trigger an immune reaction.
74
What are some physiological complications of psoriasis?
Complications include:
* Erythrodermic dermatitis
* Pustular psoriasis
* Arthritis
* Nail disease
* Cardiovascular disease
75
What tools are available to assess the severity of psoriasis?
Tools include the psoriasis area and severity index (PASI) and DLQI.
76
What are therapeutic options for treating psoriasis?
Options include:
* Topical treatments (emollients, corticosteroids, vitamin D analogues)
* Light therapy (UVB, PUVA)
* Systemic therapy (methotrexate, cyclosporine, Apremilast)
* Biologics
* Anti-TNFa
* Anti-interleukins
