Paeds - Skin, Infectious diseases, Neuro, Psych Flashcards
(331 cards)
What is eczema
-Chronic atopic condition causes by defects in the normal skin barrier
-leading to inflammation in the skin due to allergens and bacteria entering the gaps in the skin barrier
What does atopic mean
Where there is evidence of IgE antibodies
Presentation of eczema (5)
-dry, red, itchy skin
-flexor surfaces, face and neck particularly sore
-episodic with flare ups
-thickening of the skin (lichenification)
-excoriation - removal of the skin
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 and the associated symptoms.
How does eczema of darker skin present
-may also effect the extensor surfaces
-patches of hyper and hypo pigmentation
DDX of eczema (5)
Psoriasis
Seborrhoeic dermatitis
Fungal infections
Contact dermatitis
Scabies
Management of eczema for maintenance
Create artificial barriers
-emollients - E45 used as much as possible and after washing - lotions, creams, gels, sprays
-soap substitutes
-bandages
Avoid triggers
- hot bathes
- cold weather
- dietary products - food diaries can help
- washing powders
- stress
Topical steroids
Steroid ladder for eczema
Mild - hydrocortisone 0.5%, 1% and 2.5%
Moderate - clobetasone butyrate 0.05% (eumovate)
Potent - betamethasone valerate 0.1% (betnovate)
Very potent - clobetasol propionate 0.05% (dermovate)
What may be used if topical corticosteroids fail in eczema
Topical calcineurin inhibitors
-tacrolimus
-pimecrolimus
When would you use each topical calcineurin inhibitors
Tacrolimus - aged 2+ with moderate to severe disease to avoid skin atrophy and other adverse side effects from steroids
Pimecrolimus - aged 2-16 with moderate disease on face and neck to avoid skin atrophy and other adverse affects from steroids
Common topical steroid side effects
-redness
-stinging and burning
-skin atrophy (thinning)
-acne
-hyperpigmentation
What are the common organisms that cause nfection from eczema skin breakdown (3)
- s.aureus
- herpes simplex virus (HSV-1)
- varicella zoster virus
Tx of s.aureus skin infection from eczema
-Oral Flucloxacillin
-If severe may require IV abx
Presentation of eczema herpeticum
-widespread, vesicular rash (Fluid filled)
-punched out erosions left after vesicles burst
-fever
-lethargy
-irritability
-reduced oral intake
-lymphadenopathy
Investigations of eczema herpeticum
Viral swabs of the vesicles
Treatment of eczema herpeticum
Aciclovir
Complications of eczema herpeticum
-In immunocompromised can be life threatening
-Bacterial superinfection
What is stephens johnson syndrome
-disproportional immune response causing epidermal necrosis
-resulting in blistering and shedding of the top layer of the skin - less than 10% of body surface area affected
Cause of Stephen Johnson syndrome
Medications
-anti epileptics
-allopurinol
-antibiotics
-NSAIDs
Infections
- herpes simplex
- mycoplasma pneumonia
- cytomegalovirus
- HIV
Clinical presentation of Stephen Johnson syndrome
Start with:
Fever
Sore throat
Sore eyes
Itchy skin
Then develop
Purple/red rash
Blistering leaving raw tissue
Shedding of lips
Ulceration of eyes
Mx of Stephen Johnson syndrome
-medical emergency supportive care -
Antiseptic
Analgesia
Nutritional care
Iv fluids - prevent dehydration from skin loss
Ointments for corneal blistering
Tx
Steroids - reduce inflammation
Immunoglobulins
Immunosuppressants - TNF inhibitors e.g infliximab to reduce inflammation
Complications of stephens johnson syndrome
Secondary infection: The breaks in the skin can lead to secondary bacterial infection, cellulitis and sepsis
Permanent skin damage: damage to skin, hair, nails, lungs and genitals.
Visual complications: eye involvement can range from sore eyes to severe scarring and blindness.
What is urticaria
Small itchy lumps that appear on the skin
Pathophysiology of urticaria
-Release of histamine and pro inflammatory chemicals by mast cells
causing dermal oedema due to vessel dilatation
-may be part of an allergic reaction in acute urticaria
-may be part of autoimmune reaction in chronic urticaria