Dermatology Flashcards
(135 cards)
ECZEMA
- what is it?
- how does it present?
- where does it affect?
- what is it associated with?
- Chronic inflammatory skin condition
- Presents as poorly demarcated, itchy red rash
- Typically affects skin folds (elbow and behind knees). Infants – scalp, face, flexor
Adults – chest, neck, flexor - Associated with atopic traits (asthma, hay fevere, allergic rhinitis)
ECZEMA
describe the pathophysiological process of eczema?
2 stage process: breakdown/reduced effectiveness of skins natural barrier and subsequent IgE mediated, T cell auto-immune response causing inflammation
ECZEMA
- where in the world has higher prevalence of eczema
- by what age does eczema usually present?
- what can decrease the risk of eczema?
- developed countries
- 5 years
- breast feeding
ECZEMA
name some triggers for eczema?
soaps, skin infections (staph aureus), extremes of temp, abrasive fabrics, dietary, inhaled allergens, stress, hormonal changes
ECZEMA
name some common complication of eczema and how does it present?
-bacterial infection (Staph) crusting, weeping, erythema - eczema hereticum - viral infection characterised by fever and clusters of itchy blisters or punched-out erosions. -lichenification - eczema herpeticum
ECZEMA
what is the NICE diagnostic criteria for eczema?
itchy skin plus 3 of • Itchiness in skin folds • History of asthma or hay fever • Dry skin • Visible patches in skin folds • Onset in first 2 years
ECZEMA
what investigation may be indicated in eczema not responding?
MC+S swab
allergy and RAST test not indicated
ECZEMA
what are the 2 main treatment options?
Emollients – improve skins natural barrier
Steroids – reduce inflammation
ECZEMA
describe the use of emollients?
-different types
-when to apply
- creams (water based)
- lotions (water and oil components)
- ointments (oil based and most potent
- The more potent the emollient the more greasy so unpleasant to have on hands
- Best applied to wet/moist skin
- Every 4 hours or 3-4x day
- Use even when no flare ups
- Avoid soaps
ECZEMA
describe the use of steroids?
- when should they be used?
-when should they be applied?
- Used to bring exacerbation under control,Use at first sign of flare up
- Apply before emollients
ECZEMA describe the use and give examples of... 1. mild steroids 2. moderate steroids 3. very potent steroids
- Mild – face and neck, mild flare ups eg 1% hydrocortisone or 0.05% clobetasone
- Moderate – severe flare ups – axillae and groin eg betamethasone valerate 0.02%, triamcinolone 0.02%
Potenti – same as moderate – 0.1% betamethasone valerate, mometasone 1%, methylprednisolone acetylate - Very potent – don’t use in children, unless specialist eg clobetasone propionate 0.05%, betamethasone diproprionate 0.05%
ECZEMA
how should staphylococcal infection be treated?
flucloxacillin 500mg QID 1-2 weeks
ECZEMA
other than emolients and steroids, what other therapies can be used to treat eczema?
Immune modulating agents – pimecrolimus and tacrolimus – severe eczema, alternatives to topical steroids
Phototherapy – UVA/UVB effective in treating disease resistant topical agents
Systemic therapy – rare
PSORIASIS
- what is it?
- describe the course of the disease
- pathophysiology?
- what percentage of psoriasis is associated with psoriatic arthritis?
- Chronic inflammatory skin condition
Raised, red, itchy, scaly plaques on skin - Follows relapsing remitting course
- Strong genetic component
T cell mediated abnormal immune response – T cells release cytokines resulting in keratinocyte proliferation - 10-15%
PSORIASIS
- what age does incidence peak
- what ethnicity is it more common in
- name some risk factors?
- 15-25 / 50-60
- caucasians
- genetic, smoking, obesity, psychological stressors
PSORIASIS
what would skin biopsy show?
parakeratosis acanthosis absent granular layer, lengthened rete ridges thin dermal papillae dilated tortuous capillaries munro’s micro-abscences T cells in upper dermis
PSORIASIS
what are the features of psoriasis?
- Symmetrical
- Red scaly plaques – white/ silver
- Often extensor surfaces
- Scalp, elbows, knees
- Itchy
PSORIASIS
name different types of psoriasis?
classical guttate psoriasis palmoplanar pustular flexoral erythrodermic
PSORIASIS
describe classical psoriasis?
well circumscribed erythematous plaques with silver scaling, nail changes, auspitzs sign
PSORIASIS
describe guttate psoriasis?
young, often follows streptococcal tonsilitis, plaques – multiple discoid erythematous and scaly macules and plaques on trunks. Plaques usually saller than typical psoriasis. Usually <3cm. good prognsosis – often resolve
PSORIASIS
describe palmoplanar pustular psoriasis?
yellow brown pustules on palms and soles
PSORIASIS
describe flexoral psoriasis?
plaques – erythematous but not scaly, districution – submammary, axillary, anogenital, umbilical. Epidemiology – women, elderly, HIV +ve
PSORIASIS
describe erythrodermic psoriasis?
acute onset of erythroderma and pustular plaques, managed with methotrexate
PSORIASIS
describe nail changes?
pitting, onycholysis, subungal hyperkeratosis, beaus lines