Eczema & Psoriasis

Question 1

Define eczema

Answer 1

non-contagious inflammation of the skin characterised by redness and itching (particularly in the flexor surfaces)

Question 2

Clinical features of eczema

Answer 2

• Rash : typically flexor surfaces, around eyes and neck
• Pruritus
• Associated with hayfever, asthmas, conjunctivitis

Question 3

Differential diagnosis of eczema

Answer 3

Psoriasis
contact dermatitis
scabies
fungal infection

Question 4

Management of eczema

Answer 4

1. Emollients
2. Topical steroids
3. Dressings - physical barrier + more absorption
4. Antibiotics/antihistamines
5. Avoid triggers
6. Topical immunomoulators - tacrolimus
7. Phototherapy

Question 5

Define psoriasis

Answer 5

chronic relapsing and remitting scaling skin disease

Question 6

Clinical features of psoriasis

Answer 6

• Salmon-pink psoriatic patches (extensor surfaces)
• Well demarcated silvery white scale plaques
• Hyperkeratosis
• Nail keratosis
• Auspitz’s sign: bleeding on scale removal

Question 7

list some subtypes of psoriasis

Answer 7

Plaque, pustular, guttate, erythrodermic

Question 8

Differential diagnosis for psoriasis

Answer 8

Eczema, lichen planus, pityriasis rosea, reiter’s syndrome

Question 9

Management of psoriasis

Answer 9

Topical: creams/emollients, tar, steroid, vit d analogue
Phototherapy light treatment UVB
Oral: acitretin (retinoid),
Systemic: methothrexate, infliximab, adalimumab