6 - Atopic & Contact Dermatitis (AD + ICD/ACD) Flashcards
Dermatitis
non-specific term
Generally characterized by erythema & inflammation
Skin may blister / ooze / crust / flake
Known causes:
Allergens / Irritants / Infections
Usually SELF TREATED
Atopic Dermatitis
AD
Primarily driven by GENETIC FACTORS
Usually develops in infantry, all over the body
especially in skin folds
Physical Contact with irritant / allergen may exacerbate
Contact Dermatitis
Driven mainly by EXTERNAL FACTORS
Develips @ site of physical contact w/ irritant or allergen
What is the “Atopid Triad”
or Atopic March
AD + Asthma + Allergic Rhinitis
Atopy = exaggerated skin & mucosal reactivity
in response to environmental stimuli
genetically predipsosed
Pathophysiology of AD
Skin is inflammed with and expression of CYTOKINES
IL-4, IL13, TNF
FLG = Fliggrin Mutation, INCREASES risk of AD
Diagnostic Criteria for AD
Essential Features:
Pruritis / Eczema
Important Features:
Early Age of Onset
Atopy / Xerosis / FMH
Possible Lab Findings:
Elevated IgE levels & peripheral blood eosinophilia
Characteristics of Atopic Dermatitis by AGE
3 Stages of AD
ACUTE AD
INTENSELY Pruritic + Papules/vesicles over erythematous skin
often associated with an exudate, pus/leak
- *SUB-ACUTE AD**
- *Red** / scaling papules / plaques
Chronic AD
Thickened plaques of skin
accentuated skin markings
Complications of AD
S/Sx = Pustules / Vesicles / Yellow Crusting
Secondary BACTERIAL infections
>90% of skin lesions harbor staph
Secondary VIRAL infections
Herpes simples or molluscum
Exacerbating Factors of AD
Allergens
Irritants
Temperature Changes
Airborn Irritants
Pollution / Cigarette Smoke / Traffic Exhaust
Goals of Therapy for AD
*CAN NOT be cured; symptom control is key
Stop Itch-scratch cycle
Topical steroids
Maintain skin hydration + barrier function
Emollients + Moisturizers
Avoid or Minimize exacerbating factors
prevent 2ndary infections
Bathing Procedures for AD
Bathe in lukewarm water for limited duration
Fragrance-Free bath oils (Aveeno)
Use hypoallergenic cleanser (Cetaphil)
Skin should be patted dry or air-dried
Application of moisturizer within 3 minutes of bathing
Use lubricating ointment for excessively dry areas
What type of moisturizers for LESS severe cases?
Atopic Dermatitis treatments
EMOLLIENTS
Aquaphor / Nivea
What type of moisturizers are used for MORE SEVERE cases?
Atopic Dermatitis treatments
- *HUMECTANTS**
- *Eucerin + Urea**
UREA increases water uptake in the stratum corneum
giving it high-water binding
RX Strength Urea acts as a KERATOLYTIC agent
Creams
Atopic Dermatitis treatments
Usually Oil-in-Water emulsions (O/W)
LESS occlusive than ointments
common mistake = using too much and/or not rubbing in fully
Cetaphil / Nivea
Ointments
Atopic Dermatitis treatments
W/O emulsions
Act primarily by leavan an oily film on the skin surface
that moisture can NOT readily escape
MOST OCCLUSIVE vehicle
relives dryness / brittleness / protects fissures
- AVOID ON*:
- Inflammed skin / interinous areas / hairy areas*
WEEPING LESIONS
Topical Steroids
Dose / MoA / ADR
Atopic Dermatitis treatments
- *STANDARD OF CARE**
- *Hydrocortisone** 0.5% & 1%
- low potency*
MOA: Supresses cytokines associated with the development of inflammation and itching
minimal systemic absorption (~1%)
During flare ups: AAA BID
prior to application of moisturizers
AVOID use if skin is infected / open / cracked
Wet Wraps
AD Treaments
INCREASES Skin Hydration
decreases _scratching_
Apply steroid or emollient to affected area
then wrap MOIST dressing to AA
then wrap a DRY dressing OVER the wet one
put over nighttime clothing -> LEAVE WRAP OVER NIGHT