Allergic Dermatitis

Question 1

What is allergic dermatitis?

Answer 1

Chronic inflammatory skin disorder that is associated with overproduction of IgE and eosinophils, characterised by intense pruritis and relapsing course

Question 2

What is the history of AD?

Answer 2

• Relapsing course of intense pruritic rash in the typical distribution of a skin rash
  
  • Personal or family history of atopic disease
  • Dry skin, skin infection, white dermatographism
  • Food allergy and intolerance

Question 3

What are the exam finding in AD?

Answer 3

• Acutely - erythematous, papulovesicular rash, mostly on face, scalp, extensor surfaces of limbs and trunk
  
  • With age the lesions localise to hands and feet, and antecubital and popliteal fossa
    
    • Chronic - lichenification of skin

Question 4

When do you investigate? How?

Answer 4

If not responding the simple management

Skin or serology testing

Question 5

What is the management of allergic dermatitis?

Answer 5

- Avoid triggers
		○ Skin irritants - soap and heat
		○ Viral infections
		○ Food allergens
		○ Environmental allergens
		○ Bacterial (staph aureus) or viral (herpes) skin infections
		○ Stress 
	- Frequent topical moisturisers 
	- Antiseptic measures 
	- Wet wraps 
	- If symptoms persist 
		○ Topical corticosteroids - intermittent, avoid face 
		○ Anti-histamines for itch 
                 - Abx for secondary infections