Skin conitions Flashcards
(48 cards)
What are the four main functions of the skin?
Protection, barrier against microorganisms, sensory input, and temperature regulation.
What should you check first when assessing a rash?
Whether the rash is non-blanching, which may require immediate referral.
What is a non-blanching rash?
A rash that does not fade when pressed with glass. It may indicate serious conditions like meningitis and requires urgent referral.
What are common symptoms of atopic eczema?
Itchiness, redness, inflammation, rash, dry and cracked skin, pruritus.
When should atopic eczema be referred?
Failure of treatment, on the face, in children, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, broken or oozing skin, red flag symptoms.
What are red-flag symptoms for skin conditions?
Bleeding, weeping, yellow crusts (infection), non-blanching rash, fever.
Name some common skin conditions that can cause a rash.
Atopic eczema, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, allergies, fungal infections.
What causes contact dermatitis?
Inflammatory response after exposure to irritants penetrating the skin barrier.
What aggravates contact dermatitis?
Type, concentration, quantity, and duration of irritant exposure.
What is the role of emollients?
Moisturize the skin, reduce water loss, soothe itching, soften cracks, manage dry/scaly conditions.
Name the 4 types of emollients and examples.
Occlusive (e.g. Diprobase®), Humectant (e.g. Doublebase®), Antipruritic (e.g. Eurax®), Antiseptic (e.g. Dermol®).
What are topical corticosteroids used for?
Treat inflammatory skin conditions, reduce redness, itching, and inflammation.
Give two examples of topical corticosteroids.
Hydrocortisone Clobetasone butyrate
What are restrictions on selling corticosteroids OTC?
Over age 10 (hydrocortisone) /12 (clobetasone), max 7-day use, not for face/broken/infected skin, max 15g, not during pregnancy/breastfeeding.
What is a fingertip unit (FTU)?
Amount squeezed from fingertip to first crease, treats twice the size of flat hand.
What changes in the skin cycle occur in psoriasis?
Reduced from 5–6 weeks to 3–7 days, causing plaque build-up.
What are common symptoms of psoriasis?
Redness, silvery plaques, scaling, dry raised patches, well-defined boundaries.
When should psoriasis be referred?
Extensive/infected lesions, hair loss, abnormal lumps, pregnancy, breastfeeding, or first-time presentation.
Where is psoriasis usually located?
Scalp, knees, elbows, often symmetrical.
What are treatments for psoriasis?
Emollients, coal tar products (Capasal®, Cocois®), oral meds like methotrexate.
What are symptoms of athlete’s foot?
Itchy, dry, flaky skin, white patches, cracked skin, raw areas between toes.
How is athlete’s foot treated?
Antifungal creams (e.g. clotrimazole), 2–3 times daily, continue 7 days after symptoms clear.
What advice should be given for athlete’s foot?
Keep feet dry, use separate towel, wear cotton socks, avoid scratching or barefoot walking.
When should athlete’s foot be referred?
No improvement, severe pain, redness/swelling, diabetic or immunocompromised patients.
