6- Dermatology (Inflammatory conditions) Flashcards
Atopic Eczema
Background
- Inflammatory skin condition
- Chronic, relapsing atopic condition caused by defects in the normal continuity of the skin barrier, leading to inflammation in the skin
- Significant variation in the severity of the condition
- Can become infected e.g. cellulitis
Pathophysiology of eczema
The simplified pathophysiology is that 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.
Causes/ risk factors for eczema
- Genetic influence
- Atopic- dust, fur
- Environmental triggers
o Cold
o Dietary products
o Washing powders
o Stress
presentation of eczema
Presentation
- Presents in infancy
- Acute: itchy papules and vesicles
- Dry, red, itchy and sore patches of skin
- Flexor surfaces e.g. elbow, knees, face and neck
- Nail signs- pitting and ridging
- Can appear as flares rather than being constant
management of eczema is split into
maintenance and management of flares
maintenance management of eczema
- Provoking factors avoided
- Emollients used to create an artificial barrier over the skin to compensate for the defective skin barrier
- Used as often as possible, particularly after washing and before bed (3-4 times a day)
AVOID
- Hot baths
- Scratching
- Soaps which remove natural oils
Management of Eczema Flares
- Thicker emollients and “wet wraps’ (applying a wrap to areas covered in emollient overnight)
- Topical steroids (oral if severe)
- Antibiotics to treat infections e.g. fluxcloxacillin
Specialist treatment for severe non responsive eczema
- Phototherapy
- Topical tacrolimus
- Oral corticosteroids
- Methotrexate
- Azathioprine
types of emollients
The thicker the more effective
- Ointments- has the highest oil content, therefor most effective at treating dry skin
- Creams- lighter and easier to leave on skin (less oil on skin)
o Lots of people use creams in the day and ointment at night
- Lotions (least oil content)- least effect on dry skin
examples of emollients
Thin creams:
* E45
* Diprobase cream
* Oilatum cream
* Aveeno cream
* Cetraben cream
* Epaderm cream
Thick, greasy emollients:
* 50:50 ointment (50% liquid paraffin)
* Hydromol ointment
* Diprobase ointment
* Cetraben ointment
* Epaderm ointment
How to use emollients?
- Always wash and dry hands first (best after a shower)
- Never use fingers to decant emollient from a tub (bacteria can get into ointment)- use spatula or clean spoon
- How much? Depends on condition of skin
o For adults with very dry skin use 500-1000g per week - Follow the direction the hair lies and apply emollients with stroking motion
- If using a steroid cream or another treatment for skin condition, wait at least 30 mins after putting emollient on before applying (avoids dilution)
- Can be applies as often as you like (3-4 times a day
o Esp hands and face - Can use before swimming
topical steroids rules
- use weakest steroid for shorted period of time to get the skin under control.
- Mild: for face and flexure
- Stronger: thicker skin
steroid ladder
- Mild: Hydrocortisone 0.5%, 1% and 2.5%
- Moderate: Eumovate (clobetasone butyrate 0.05%)
- Potent: Betnovate (betamethasone 0.1%)
- Very potent: Dermovate (clobetasol propionate 0.05%)
side effective of steroids
- Thinning of the skin
- Telangiectasia
Systemic absorption of steroid
- Slower growth
- Weight gain
- Roundness of face
- Mood changes
how to apply steroid creams
- Wash and dry hands
- Squeeze out about the same amount as the tip of your finger (this I enough for the same area as if you put your two hands flat together)
- Only apply to effected areas
- Avoid applying steroids with emollients (dilution)
- Dry and wash hands thoroughly after
Eczema and infections
Bacterial
- Most commonly staphylococcus aureus
- Oral antibiotics: flucloxacillin
- Severe cases may require admission and IV abx
Eczema herpeticum
- Viral skin infection cause by HSV or VZV
Eczema herpeticum
Background
- Widespread eruption
- Serious complication of atopic eczema
- Occurs in those with pre-existing skin conditions where the virus an enter the skin and cause infection
causes of eczema herpeticum
Causes
- Herpes simplex virus (HSV 1)
o May be associated with a coldsore
- Varicella zoster virus
Presentation of eczema herpeticum
- Extensive crusted papules, blisters and erosions
o Will burst - Systemically unwell with fever and malaise
- Lymphadenopathy
management of eczema herpticum
First line: Acyclovir
- Oral if moderate
- IV if severe (will need admitting)
Antibiotic for secondary bacterial infection