Brainscape's Knowledge GenomeTM


Top Flashcards (Certified)
All Flashcards

Phase 2a > Dermatology > Flashcards

Dermatology Flashcards

(52 cards)

Start Studying
1
Q

Describe the pathological processes which result in acne

A
  • Increased sebum production by sebaceous glands
  • Blockage of pilosebaceous units
  • Follicular epidermal hyperproliferation
  • Infection with Propionibacterium acnes
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

How does acne vulgaris present?

A

Features of acne vulgaris:

  • Open comedones (blackheads)
  • Closed comedones (white heads)
  • Inflammatory papules and pustules
  • Hypertrophic/keloid scarring
  • Hyperpigmentation
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

Conservative management of acne vulgaris

A
  • Avoid overwashing

- Avoid picking

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

Pharmacological management of acne vulgaris

A

1st line

  • Topical benzoyl peroxide
  • Topical clindamycin/erythromycin
  • Topical retinoids

2nd line:

  • Low dose oral antibiotics, e.g. erythromycin, tetracycline
  • Hormonal therapy in women (OCP)

3rd line:
- Oral retinoids (TERATOGENIC!!)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

What is the other name given to ‘eczema’?

A

Dermatitis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

What are the types of eczema?

A

Atopic eczema and contact dermatitis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

What causes atopic eczema?

A

Atopy - hereditary predisposition to developing an allergic reaction (eczema, allergic rhinitis, asthma)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

Describe the pathological processes which result in eczema

A
  • Abnormal epithelial barrier function - allows irritant agents to penetrate and reach immune cells
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

What are the clinical features of atopic eczema?

A
  • Itchy, red, scaly patches

- Commonly presents in flexures (in infants, often presents on the face)

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

Conservative management of atopic eczema

A
  • Avoid irritants/exacerbating factors, e.g. strong chemicals, dog/cat fur
  • Avoid scratching
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

Pharmacological management of atopic eczema

A
  • Regular use of emollients
  • Antihistamines and topical corticosteroids in attacks: mild steroids (e.g. hydrocortisone) used on face and more potent steroids (e.g. betamethasone) used on rest of body
  • Immunosuppressants, e.g. ciclosporin, and phototherapy if severe
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

Complications of eczema

A

Secondary Staph. aureus infection due to broken skin - treat with antibiotics

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

Distinguishing contact dermatitis from atopic eczema from clinical features…

A
  • Itchy, red, scaly rash (same as atopic eczema)

BUT

  • Unusual pattern of rash (i.e. not in flexures) and clear cut demarcation/odd-shaped rash
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

Investigations for contact dermatitis

A

Patch testing may be necessary to identify particular allergen

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

Conservative management of contact dermatitis

A

Avoid allergen

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

Pharmacological management of contact dermatitis

A
  • Antihistamines and topical corticosteroids used in attacks - mild steroids (e.g. hydrocortisone) used on face and more potent steroids (e.g. betamethasone) used on rest of body
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

When does psoriasis most commonly present?

A

Late teens/early twenties and 50s/60s

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

What causes psoriasis?

A

Combination of genes and environmental triggers: e.g. group A strep infection, high alcohol consumption, stress

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

Types of psoriasis…

A
  • Chronic plaque psoriasis (MOST COMMON)
  • Flexural/inverse psoriasis
  • Guttate (‘raindrop’-like pattern)
  • Erythrodermic and pustular psoriasis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

How does chronic plaque psoriasis present?

A
  • Well-demarcated, red plaques covered with silvery scales
  • Commonly affects extensor surfaces and scalp
  • May affect sites of sites of skin trauma (Koebner phenomenon)

Other associated clinical features:

  • Nail changes: pitting/onycholysis/discoloration
  • Psoriatic arthritis
How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

Describe the pathological processes which cause psoriasis

Study These Flashcards
A
  • Keratinocyte hyperproliferation

- Infiltration of inflammatory cells

22
Q

Pharmacological management of psoriasis

Study These Flashcards
A

1st line:

  • Topical vitamin D analogues, e.g. calcipotriol
  • Topical corticosteroids
  • Coal tar preparations
  • Topical retinoids

2nd line:
- Phototherapy

3rd line:

  • Immunosuppressants, e.g. ciclosporin, methotrexate
  • Oral retinoids
23
Q

What are the three types of skin cancer we need to know?

Study These Flashcards
A
  • Basal cell carcinoma
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Malignant melanoma
24
Q

What is the main cause of skin cancer?

25
How does basal cell carcinoma present?
- 'Shiny, pearly nodule' | - Rarely ulcerates/metastasises
26
How does squamous cell carcinoma present?
- Ill-defined nodule that ulcerates and grows rapidly - More aggressive than BCC - can metastasise - Premalignant features: solar keratoses and Bowen's disease
27
How does malignant melanoma present?
- Most common sign is appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole - Most serious from of skin cancer - metastasises early
28
Describe the management of basal cell carcinoma
Surgical excision
29
Describe the management of squamous cell carcinoma
Surgical excision
30
Describe the investigation of malignant melanoma
ABCDE criteria to distinguish benign from malignant moles: ``` Asymmetry of mole Border irregularity Colour variation Diameter Elevation ``` Then the Glasgow 7 point checklist is used for guidance on referral: - Change in size (2 points) - Change in shape (2 points) - Change in colour (2 points) - Diameter >6mm (1 point) - Inflammation (1 point) - Oozing or bleeding (1 point) - Mild itch/altered sensation ( 1 point) If points add up to 3 or more, urgent suspected cancer pathway referral (2 week wait) Investigation involves CT scan to check for metastases
31
Describe the management of malignant melanoma
- If local disease: surgical excision | - If metastatic: radiotherapy, immunotherapy
32
Where are the most common site for venous/arterial/neuropathic ulcers?
Venous: - Medial gaiter region (above medial malleolus) Arterial: - Anterior shin - Foot and ankle Neuropathic: - Foot (especially big toe) and ankle
33
What are the risk factors for an arterial ulcer?
- Arterial disease (atherosclerosis) and its associated risk factors
34
How does an arterial ulcer present?
- Small, punched-out appearance, well defined edges - Necrotic base - Painful - Reduced peripheral pulses - ABPI (ankle brachial pressure index) <0.8
35
How is an arterial ulcer investigated?
- Doppler studies
36
How is an arterial ulcer managed?
- Vascular reconstruction | - Amputation if necessary
37
What are the risk factors for a venous ulcer?
- Varicose veins | - DVT
38
How does a venous ulcer present?
- Large, shallow, irregular edges, exudative - Normal peripheral pulses - ABPI >0.8
39
How is a venous ulcer managed?
Compression bandaging
40
What are the risk factors for a neuropathic ulcer?
- Diabetes mellitus | - Neurological disease
41
How does a neuropathic ulcer present?
- Variable size | - May be surrounded by a callus (found at pressure sites)
42
How is a neuropathic ulcer managed?
- Surgical debridement - Control DM - Advise appropriate footwear - Podiatry
43
What is cellulitis?
Bacterial infection of the deep subcutaneous tissue
44
Which types of bacteria most commonly cause cellulitis?
- Streptococcus pyogenes | - Staphylococcus aureus
45
List some risk factors which may lead to cellulitis
- Immunosuppression - Trauma - Ulcers
46
How does cellulitis present?
5 cardinal signs of inflammation: - Rubor (redness) - Calor (warm) - Tumor (swelling) - Dolor (pain) - Loss of function May be systemically unwell
47
How is cellulitis managed?
Abx: either Flucloxacillin or Benzylpenicillin
48
What is necrotising fasciitis?
Bacterial infection of the deep fascia and tissue necrosis
49
Which types of bacteria most commonly cause necrotising fasciitis?
Group A haemolytic strep
50
List some risk factors which may lead to necrotising fasciitis
- Immunosuppression | - Abdominal surgery
51
How does necrotising fasciitis present?
- Severe pain - Tissue necrosis - Systemically unwell
52
How is necrotising fasciitis managed?
- Surgical debridement | - IV Abx

Phase 2a (16 decks)

Brainscape helps you reach your goals faster, through stronger study habits.
© 2025 Bold Learning Solutions. Terms and Conditions