ABIM 2015 - Derm Flashcards
Which areas of the body are sites that are most commonly diagnosed with melanoma?
Backs of MEN, legs of WOMEN
What are the dermatologic risks of phototherapy and immunosuppression?
Skin cancers
What type of care is required by patients whom exhibit widespread erythema, peeling, sloughing or painful skin, acute onset of mucosal erosion (mouth, eyes, genitals), rapidly-progressing blisters/pustules, skin necrosis, purpura in patients with systemic illness or fever?
Emergent Dermatologic Consultation
What patient population is at an especially high risk of developing aggressive Squamous Cell Carcinoma, other skin cancers, deep fungal infections and rapidly-growing nodules or plaques?
TRANSPLANT recipients (immunosuppressed)
Clobetasol Propionate
Superpotent Topical Steroid
Triamcinolone
High-Potency Topical Steroid
Hydrocortisone
Low-Potency Topical Steroid
These topical steroids MUST be avoided on the face, groin, axilla or atrophic skin and only used for short-term elsewhere?
Superpotency and High-Potency topical steroids
How is Vulvar Lichen Sclerosus treated?
Superpotent (Clobetasol) Topical Steroids
Best steroid for patients with WIDE-SPREAD (large surface area) dermatoses?
Triamcinolone
Why do corticosteroids thin-out the skin if used long-term?
Because they inhibit collagen production
Cigarette paper skin, skin atrophy and striae (stretch marks) are all caused by prolonged use of these medications?
Topical Corticosteroids
What is a rare SYSTEMIC adverse effect of chronically used Superpotent Topical Corticosteroids?
Hypothalamic-Pituitary Axis suppression (>50 g/week of superpotent or >100 g/week of high-potency)
Skin findings worsen in a patient after receiving appropriate topical corticosteroid therapy?
Allergic contact dermatitis to corticosteroid formulation
What dermatologic therapy can lead to easy bruising from minimal trauma?
Chronic use of SYSTEMIC corticosteroids
Topical and Systemic corticosteroids are considered Category C, are these safe for use in pregnancy?
YES
Of ALL antihistamines, which is contraindicated for use during the first trimester?
Hydroxyzine
Tetracyclines in pregnancy?
NO! can cause staining of teeth and affect developing bones, especially skull fontanelles (bulging)
Isotretinoin, Methotrexate, Thalidomide, Flutamide, 5-FU, finasteride, Danazol, Estrogens?
Pregnancy Category X (DO NOT USE)
Which TWO medications have their own government-mandated Pregnancy Prevention Programs?
Isotretinoin and Thalidomide
Pregnancy Category D?
Human studies confirm risk to fetus however benefits of treatment may outweigh potential risk
Skin findings of linear excoriations, small scattered erosions, scarring, hyper/hypo pigmentation, firm, hyperpigmented dome-shaped nodules with superficial erosions indicate what?
Clues that a patient has pruritus and has been scratching
A non-immunologic, toxic-injury to the skin is called?
“IRRITANT” Contact Dermatitis (chronic hand-washing)
Delayed-Hypersensitivity Reaction (TYPE-IV) caused by allergen-specific T-lymphocytes with rash with specific pattern of substance usually seen on skin (squares, etc.)?
“ALLERGIC” Contact Dermatitis (poison ivy, metals, bandaid, etc.)
How do you diagnose ALLERGIC Contact Dermatitis?
Epicutaneous Patch Testing
Why is patch testing NOT done with “IRRITANT” contact dermatitis?
Because it can scar and cause pigmentation changes
How is Prick or Scratch testing different than Patch testing?
RAST (prick/scratch) testing is for Type-I or IgE-mediaed allergies, NOT Type-IV (delayed hypersensitivity) testing
How are IRRITANT and ALLERGIC contact dermatitis treated?
Mid-to-High potency topical corticosteroids and avoidance of the offending substance
When would you opt to use systemic corticosteroids for the treatment of contact dermatitis?
If severe reaction (facial swelling, severe pruritus, extensive area affected, impairment of function or sleep
What testing best identifies the etiology of hand-eczema (most often work-related exposure)?
Patch testing
How do you best treat hand-eczema besides avoidance of causative substance?
Wearing rubber gloves and using a mid-to-high potency topical corticosteroid twice daily until it clears
Patients with recalcitrant (refractive) dermatitis to topical/systemic corticosteroids must be treated with what?
Immunosuppressant agents or PSORALEN + PUVA (UV A or B light therapy)
Erythematous patches on the lower leg with dry scale and fine fissures that occur usually in the winter on dry skin? How do you treat?
Xerotic eczema; non-soap cleansers, thick moisturizers and 2-3 weeks of low-to-mid potency topical corticosteroids if significant pruritus
Distinguished from Tinea Corporis by negative KOH test and no hyphae under the microscope, presents with coin-shaped patches that are very itchy, usually in patients with history of atopic eczema?
Nummular dermatitis
A dermatitis that occurs often on the lower legs of patients with venous insufficiency, >50 yo, with edema, erythema, brown discoloration, scaling and petechiae, however is CHRONIC, BILATERAL and often with PRURITUS?
Stasis Dermatitis
How is cellulitis different than Stasis Dermatitis?
Cellulitis is NOT pruritic, usually UNILATERAL, smooth not scaly, ACUTE, rapidly spreading and PAINFUL
Why should biopsy of stasis dermatitis be used only as a last resort (unusual location, recalcitrant to therapy or with normal venous studies?
Because the ulcer created by the biopsy may not heal (due to the poor blood flow of venous stasis)
How is stasis dermatitis treated?
Leg elevation, graduated support stockings, ORAL antibiotics if infection present
A chronic, pruritic skin condition that begins in childhood, with intermittent flares involving the wrists, hands, antecubital and popliteal fossae?
Atopic Dermatitis
Dermatitis flares caused by heat, stress, infection with red skin with serous crusting and erosions, commonly seen in patients with a history of environmental allergies, asthma?
Atopic Dermatitis
Type 2 T-helper (TH2) response with elevated IgE and eosinophils and dysregulation of (TH1) response - type of dermatitis?
Atopic Dermatitis
How is atopic dermatitis treated?
Topical Corticosteroids
What types of topical corticosteroids are used for the face and other thin-skin areas such as intertriginous (skin folds) areas?
Low-potency topical steroids (to avoid thinning of skin)
What are topical pimeCROLIMUS and taCROLIMUS used for?
Topical calcineurin inhibitors that CAN be used on the face and intertriginous (skin folds) areas when superpotent and high-potency corticosteroids can’t
What is a disadvantage of soaps?
They dry the skin
What is a disadvantage of creams, lotions, solutions and gels?
Contain water, preservatives and alcohols that can sting and burn open skin
Best thick moisturizer?
Petroleum jelly
Recalcitrant dermatitis, eczema, vitiligo, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma can be treated how?
PSORALEN + UV A/B light or systemic immunosuppressants
What bacteria colonizes areas affected by chronic skin conditions including dermatitis?
Staphylococcus Aureus
A chronic, multisystem inflammatory disease with both genetic and environmental factors, exacerbated by stress, infections, medication (interferons, TNF-alpha, lithium & ß-blockers)?
Psoriasis
The second most common type of psoriasis after plaque psoriasis which is often diagnosed in childhood and is triggered by this respiratory illness?
Streptococcal pharyngitis (strep throat)
What is the “Koebner” phenomenon experienced by patients with psoriasis, lichen, vitiligo and keratosis?
Development of PSORIATIC, LICHEN, VITILIGO or KERATOSIS lesions in the scars that develop following injury to the skin as it heals
Nail involvement in psoriasis indicates what condition?
Psoriatic arthritis
What dermatologic conditions mimic the appearance of psoriasis and erythema often necessitating skin biopsy for diagnosis?
Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, Lupus, Dermatomyositis
When is SYSTEMIC (methotrexate, acitretin, TNF-alpha) rather than topical therapy recommended for patients with psoriasis?
When >10% body surface area is affected
An idiopathic, inflammatory disease that can affect the hair follicles, skin (wrists, ankles, back and trunk), nails and mucous membranes (oral/buccal and genital) with INTENSE pruritus and Wickham striae (fine white lines on lesions)?
Lichen Planus
What has a similar appearance to Lichen Planus but is caused by meds like ACE-I, thiazide diuretics, furosemide, ß-blockers and antimalarials?
Lichenoid Drug Eruption (LDE)
How is mild psoriasis treated?
Topical Corticosteroids or Topical Vit D analogues
How are psoriasis, lichen planus, pityriasis rosea and seborrheic dermatitis diagnosed?
KOH prep/Biopsy if needed
How are mild cases of psoriasis, lichen planus, pityriasis rosea and seborrheic dermatitis treated?
Topical corticosteroids
Patients allergic to metals (mercury, gold, palladium) can have what types of changes directly adjacent to their dental fillings?
Lichenoid (Lichen Planus)
What is the most serious risk of a chronic mucosal (oral/buccal, genital) lesion of Lichen Planus?
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
What dermatological disorder can cause scarring alopecia?
Lichen Planus (can affect hair follicles)
What maintenance therapy is used for Lichen Planus?
Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors
What is the ONLY medication that CAN result in REMISSION in Lichen Planus?
PSORALEN + PUVA (UV A)
A common dermatosis seen in 10-35 year olds, seen in fall and spring, begins with one, annular patch with trailing scale, days to weeks BEFORE onset of numerous, smaller patches on the trunk and proximal extremities?
Pityriasis rosea (herald patch, Christmas Tree distribution)
As Pityriasis Rosea is self-limited and spontaneously resolves, when do you treat with topical corticosteroids or UV-B light therapy?
If extensive or persistent (beyond 1-3 months)
A dermatitis seen commonly in HIV/AIDS and patients with neurologic diseases (Parkinson) that involves the scalp, eyebrows, side of nose and ears?
Seborrheic dermatitis
Is a biopsy helpful in a morbilliform (a combined macular/papular skin eruption) caused by medications?
NO
How is a MORBILLIFORM (coexistent macules & papules) drug reaction different than a drug HYPERSENSITIVITY syndrome?
Drug HYPERSENSITIVITY syndrome involves FACIAL EDEMA with papules coalescing into plaques and is treated with SYSTEMIC not topical corticosteroids
Puffy pink plaques with an annular configuration that occur within DAYS of initiation (antibiotics, contrast dye) with possible ANAPHYLAXIS is what type of a cutaneous drug reaction and how is it treated?
URTICARIAL; antihistamines AND possibly systemic corticosteroids (if severe) or EPINEPHRINE (if anaphylaxis)
Swollen, painful plaques on palms and soles after chemotherapy?
Hand-Foot syndrome (treat with analgesics)
Skin reaction that looks like acne but is NOT (does not respond to retinoids) that is seen with CETUXIMAN and SORAFENIB and is treated with antibiotics and low-potency topical corticosteroids?
ACNEIFORM reaction
What is the DANGER with use of Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (“inib”), Hydroxyurea and Voriconazole?
Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma
What is the DANGER with VORICONAZOLE?
Associated with Squamous Cell Carcinoma and Melanoma
Which drugs are the MOST COMMON cause of “Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome” or “Drug-Induced Systemic Reactions” or “Drug Reaction With Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms?”
Anticonvulsants (anti-epileptic)
Epileptic patient took his medication and developed facial edema, fever, lymphadenopathy, wide-spread rash with purpura and skin necrosis?
Drug-Induced Hypersensitivity Syndrome
Severe drug reaction with SUDDEN onset of wide-spread erythema studded by small pustules with fever, leukocytosis and eosinophilia caused by antibiotics, antimalarials, diltiazem and terbinafine?
Acute Generalized Erythematous Pustulosis (AGEP)
How is Acute Generalized Erythematous Pustulosis (AGEP) treated?
Self-limited (2 weeks) or can use topical/systemic corticosteroids depending on severity
What is the preferred treatment of drug-induced SYSTEMIC reactions?
Systemic corticosteroids
A combination of new and resolving, NON-PRURITIC red-brown patches with “cayenne pepper” petechiae on the lower extremities mistaken for stasis dermatitis or vasculitis?
Pigmented Purpuric Dermatoses (mixed cryoglobulinemia)
Blockage and rupture of sweat glands when skin is occluded and hot such as in swaddled neonates, immobile, febrile or post-op patients or under pannus or breasts?
Miliaria (heat rash)
What is generally seen in combination with Miliaria (heat rash)? How is it treated?
Candida infection; cooling the patient, talctum powder, antifungal if candida
Erythematous papules on chest, back or flanks of hospitalized patients due to occlusion of the skin from fever and sweating?
Acantholytic Dermatosis (Grover Disease)
What are the two main types of acne?
Inflammatory and non-inflammatory
What is the presentation of non-inflammatory acne?
Comedones (white/blackheads)
What is the presentation of inflammatory acne?
PAINFUL erythematous pustules, nodules or cysts
What MUSt be done for a woman presenting with acne and a history of irregular menses, hirsutism, deepening voice or clitoromegaly?
Prompt endocrine screening (DHEA-S, testosterone and 17-hydroxyprogesterone)
A severe type of acne that presents with ABRUPT onset of widespread, severe, painful inflammatory cysts with a febrile and ill-feeling patient with sterile osteomyelitis presenting as bony lesions in the sternum and clavicle?
Acne Fulminans
How do you treat Acne Fulminans?
Referral to dermatology and Isotretinoin with systemic corticosteroids to minimize severe scarring
Young body builder presents with hundreds of small follicular papules and pustules in the SAME STAGE of evolution WITHOUT comedones, on the upper trunk, arms or face?
Corticosteroid-induced acneiform eruption
Bacterial folliculitis in HAIR-bering areas in athletes is caused by?
Staphylococcus Aureus
When is folliculitis on the face caused by E.coli (Gm neg)?
When overgrowth of the bacteria occurs during prolonged antibiotic treatment of acne
How is MILD (comedomal) acne treated?
Topical antibiotic + Benzoyl peroxide AND topical retinoid
How is MODERATE acne (comedomes and papules/pustules) treated?
Topical AND oral antibiotic + Benzoyl peroxide AND topical retinoid
How is SEVERE (nodular/cystic) acne treated?
Oral antibiotics
How is SEVERE RECALCITRANT acne treated?
Oral Isotretinoin with referral to dermatologist
What are the typical skin washes used for acne?
Benzoyl peroxide, Salicylic/Azelaic acid
What are the typical TOPICAL antibiotics used to treat acne?
Clindamycin, Erythromycin
What are the typical ORAL antibiotics used to treat acne?
Doxycycline, Tetracycline, Minocycline, Erythromycin
Why is the use of Benzoyl peroxide important in the treatment of acne with TOPICAL or ORAL antibiotics?
Because it reduces the resistance of Propionibacterium acnes to the antibiotics used
What agent is used in combination with Oral Contraceptive pills to improve their effect on acne treatment?
Spironolactone (drospirenone)
What can painful acne cysts be treated with at the dermatologist’s office?
Injection of cyst with Triamcinolone
Inflammatory vascular condition causing acneiform eruption presenting as flushing of the face with bulbous nose and dry, gritty feeling in the eyes with conjunctival injection triggered by hot liquids, spicy foods, exercise, stress and alcohol?
Rosacea
How are vascular rosacea and periorificial dermatitis treated?
TOPICAL metronidazole, azelaic acid or sodium sulfacetamide
How is pustular rosacea treated?
Oral Tetracycline
Follicular occlusion with painful, draining nodules and sinuses in the axilla, groin and under breasts with sterile abscesses?
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
How is Hidradenitis Suppurativa treated?
Oral Tetracycline
What treatment allows for analgesia of painful dermatological nodules and cysts?
Intra-lesional injection of Triamcinolone
What dermatological condition is very strongly worsened by smoking and obesity?
Hidradenitis Suppurativa
What therapy is definitive for Hidradenitis Suppurativa?
Surgical excision and grafting
Folliculitis, furuncles, carbuncles, impetigo, cellulitis, ecthyma, scalded skin syndrome and erysipelas are all caused by?
Staph aureus OR Strep pyogenes
When is culture of folliculitis important?
When suspecting MRSA
How is folliculitis treated?
TOPICAL antibacterial washes (clorhexidine), TOPICAL antibiotics (mupirocin) or ORAL antibiotics
What is suspected in recurrent folliculitis?
MRSA (check nares and perianal area)
Besides bacteria, what else can cause folliculitis?
Fungi and HSV
When an abscess involves a follicle, it is called? When these coalesce into larger lesions they are called?
Furuncle; Carbuncles
When are skin abscesses treated with antibiotics?
If cellulitis is present, if systemic symptoms exist (fever) and in immunosuppressed or patients with heart valves or joint prostheses
What are first-line therapies for MRSA?
Tetracyclines (doxycycline, minocycline), clindamycin or TMP-SMX
What is an excellent medication to use in a patient with jaundice-caused pruritus not responsive to cholestyramine?
Rifampin
A CONTAGIOUS and pruritic skin infection caused by Staph aureus or Strep pyogenes in healthy people that has a bullous and non-bullous form?
Impetigo
How is impetigo treated?
Topical (mupirocin) or Oral antibiotics
What is cellulitis?
Infection of deeper layers of the skin (scratching, injury or hematogenous spread)
How do you treat cellulitis?
ß-lactam antibiotic (cephalexin or dicloxacillin) or same as MRSA antibiotics (clindamycin, TMP-SMX, tetracycline)
What bacteria are suspected in cellulitis BESIDES Staph aureus?
ß-hemolytic strep (thus requiring ß-lactam antibiotics for treatment)
How do you treat an immunocompromised patient with cellulitis?
Broad-spectrum antibiotics as with MRSA (clindamycin, TMP-SMX, tetracyclines, linezolid)
What should be done preventatively in patients with lower extremity cellulitis?
Check for DVT with US
DEEPER skin infection than Cellulitis is called?
Erysipelas (dermis and lymphatics)
What bacteria is involved in Erysipelas (FACE) in the young, women and elderly and how is it treated?
Group A Strep; PENICILLIN
Infection in intertriginous areas (axilla, groin), caused by Corynebacterium and fluoresces coral red on wood lamp?
Erythrasma
How is erythrasma treated?
Clindamycin, erytheromycin (macrolides) or topical antifungals (azoles)
Stinky feet with pitted lesions caused by excess sweat and bacteria (Corynebacterium, Kytococcus, Actinomyces)? How is it treated?
Keratolysis (topical erythromycin or clindamycin
Moccasin distribution of SCALING fungal infection?
Tinea Pedis
How are all Tineas treated?
Topical (azole) antifungals (oral only if recurrent)
Dry SCALING on one hand and two feet?
Tinea Manum
Dry SCALING of scalp and hair loss, usually in children?
Tinea Capitis
Symmetrical SCALING in the inguinal folds sparing the scrotum?
Tinea Cruris
How can you test for Tinea if needed?
KOH prep of advancing edge of lesion demonstrating hyphae (fungus)
How long are tineas treated for?
Until COMPLETELY cleared
SCALED oval patches either hyper or hypo pigmented involving skin and hair follicles usually on chest, upper back and abdomen (high sebaceous gland concentration) with hyphae and spores on KOH prep?
Tinea Versicolor (pityriasis versicolor)
How is Tinea Versicolor treatment DIFFERENT than the other Tineas?
Selenium; or topical/oral antifungals if very limited involvement or very wide spread
Besides AZOLE antifungals, what can be used for cutaneous candidiasis treatment? Prevention?
Nystatin; Zinc Oxide paste (barrier cream)
Grouped, PAINFUL, BURNING vesicular lesions that recur, generally found in oral mucosa?
HSV-1
Grouped, PAINFUL, BURNING vesicular lesions with ulceration that recur, generally found in genital region?
HSV-2
Grouped, PAINFUL, BURNING vesicular lesions that recur, generally found in dermatomal distribution?
Herpes Zoster (varicella zoster) - chicken pox reactivation
What CAN occur ONLY during INITIAL infection with HSV besides severe local pain and burning?
Fever, malaise, tender lymphadenopathy
What are the prodromal symptoms of HSV recurrence?
Burning and stinging at site of eruption before eruption
Which HSV type can cause pharyngitis and aseptic meningitis?
HSV-2
What is common with HSV-2, Syphilis, Chancroid, Lymphogranuloma Venerum and Granuloma Inguinale?
ALL cause GENITAL ULCERS
What can test for but not differentiate HSV type?
Tzank smear
What can rapidly test for AND differentiate HSV?
PCR or DFA (direct fluorescent antibody)
What is the gold standard for HSV type diagnosis but takes 2 weeks for result?
Viral culture
What is recommended for treatment of HSV infection when lesions occur and when is the BEST time to treat?
ORAL agents (acyclovir, valcyclovir, famcyclovir); at onset of PRODROME symptoms
Recurrent herpes zoster infection should raise suspicion of?
HIV infection or malignancy
When should treatment of herpes zoster begin?
Within 24-72 hours of ERUPTION
What should be done if herpes zoster (shingles) involves the face (1st distribution of trigeminal nerve)?
Emergent ophthalmology evaluation
What are warts caused by?
HPV
What are anogenital warts called?
Condylomata acuminata
Does surgical removal of warts treat HPV?
NO
Do women with genital warts require more frequent PAP smears than the regular population?
NO
What should be suspected if genital warts appear to be bizarre or recalcitrant to therapy?
Transformation into Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Besides surgery, what are other good treatments for warts?
Salicylic acid, cryotherapy, Topical IMIQUIMOD
What HPV strains are covered by the HPV vaccine?
Cancer types (6, 11, 16, 18)
What TOPICAL immunomodulatory medication works well for warts, molluscum contagiosum, actinic keratosis and Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Situ (Bowen Disease)?
IMIQUIMOD
Asymptomatic, small firm papules with with central depression caused by a poxvirus and can occur on ANY skin surface?
Molluscum Contagiosum
Adults and children with this disease can have EXAGGERATED responses to mosquito bites, with blisters and wheals?
CLL
How is scabies diagnosed?
Scraping of lesions and examination with KOH or mineral oil
What is used to treat scabies infestation (person affected and ALL family members who live with patient and close contacts)
Topical PREMETHERIN cream, applied neck to toe, repeated again in 7-10 days; Oral IVERMECTIN (for persistent infection)
What dermatologic condition is a risk factor for Bartonella quintana endocarditis?
Body lice (homeless)
How is lice treated initially? If not resolved?
Topical Premetherin, malathione or Oral Ivermectin; Lindane (neurotoxic)
Best medication for head lice?
SPINOSAD (topical insecticide)