Chapter 19 - Derm Flashcards
What term is used to describe a large macule, large papule, and large vesicle.
- a large macule is a patch
- a large papule is a plaque
- a large vesicle is a bulla
What is the difference between a crusting and a scaling skin lesion?
- scaling is a desquamation of the stratum corneum
- crusting is dried exudate and debris
How are most fungal skin infections diagnosed?
with a KOH prep to identify fungal hyphae
Under what circumstances would a shave biopsy be preferred to a punch biopsy? What about the reverse?
- a shave biopsy is appropriate for an epidermal or superficial dermal lesion
- a punch biopsy is needed for a deeper lesion
In what way do premature infants differ in their response to topical agents?
they have a thinner stratum corneum and thus absorb topical agents to a greater degree
What is the difference between an ointment, cream, or lotion?
- ointments contain little or no water and have maximal water-retaining properties, great for very dry skin
- creams contain 20-50% water and are better for average dryness
- lotions contain more water than creams are are only useful for minimally dry skin
How is thickened skin (hyperkeratosis) treated?
with keratolytics like salicylic acid, urea, alpha-hydroxy acids, and retinoic acid
Which areas of the skin are most susceptible to the side effects of topical corticosteroids and why?
the face and groin are most susceptible because the epidermis in these areas is thinner; this is why you should only use low-potency corticosteroids in these areas
What are the local side effects of topical corticosteroids?
- acne
- hirsutism
- folliculitis
- striae
- pigmentation changes
- atrophy
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
- an inflammation of the epidermis and superficial dermis secondary to direct contact with a sensitizing substance
- it constitutes a direct T-cell mediated response and requires an earlier exposure for sensitization
- common causes include poison ivy, oak, or sumac; topical lotions, creams, soaps, and perfumes; and nickel
- presents as an erythematous papular/vesicular rash
- treated with topical corticosteroids and avoidance of the agent
Primary Irritant Contact Dermatitis
- an inflammation of the epidermis and superficial dermis secondary to direct contact with a sensitizing substance
- caused by a caustic substance that irritates the skin in a dose-depdent manner and does not require a prior sensitization
- the classic example is diaper dermatitis, often with secondary C. albicans infection
- presents with erythematous papules without involvement of the inguinal creases; involvement of the inguinal creases, intense confluent erythema, or satellite lesions suggests candidal superinfection
- treated with moisturizers, barrier creams, and ointments containing zinc oxide in addition to frequent diaper changes
Seborrheic Dermatitis
- believed to be a hypersensitivity to Pityrosporum ovale yeast
- an eruption of greasy, red scales and crusts in areas with high numbers of sebaceous glands, such as the scalp, face, chest, or groin
- infants are often affect by “cradle cap” in which it is limited to the scalp
- should be treated with topical low-dose corticosteroids; sulfur, zinc, or salicylic acid-based shampoos; and a topical anti fungal to eradicate P. ovale
Pityriasis Rosea
- a hypersensitivity reaction to a virus
- it begins with a solitary, 2- to 5-cm scaly, erythematous lesion on the trunk of extremities, which is present for up to one month
- approximately 1-2 weeks later, there is an eruption of oval erythematous macules and papules in a Christmas tree distribution on the trunk, which can be pruritic
- treatment involves antihistamines
Psoriasis
- an autosomal dominant disease caused by immune dysregulation and epidermal proliferation
- characterized by well-circumscribed, salmon-colored plaques with a silvery scale, classically on extensor surfaces and the scalp; may also present with pitting of nails and often arise at sites of recent trauma
- histology reveals acanthosis, parakeratosis, collections of neutrophils in the stratum corneum called Munro micro abscesses, and a thinning of epidermis above elongated dermal papillae
- because of this epidermal thinning, bleeding occurs when the scale is picked off, known as the Auspitz sign
- treat with corticosteroids, UV light + psoralen, or immune modulating therapy
Miliaria Rubra (Heat Rash)
- caused by disrupted sweat ducts near the upper dermis, often secondary to occlusion or friction
- sweat on the skin then produces an inflammatory response and small, erythematous, pruritic papules and vesicles erupt, most often where the skin has been rubbed
- treat with avoidance of occlusive clothing
What is erythema multiforme?
a collection of hypersensitivity reactions which all have a classic skin lesion described as a target lesion, which is fixed, dull red, and oval in shape with a dusky center
Erythema Multiforme Minor
- a hypersensitivity reaction to HSV
- presents with symmetric target lesions, which are fixed, dull red, and oval in shape with a dusky center, in an acral distribution
- it often follows a prodrome and generally involves only one mucosal surface, most commonly the mouth
- treated with supportive care and acyclovir
Erythema Multiforme Major
- a hypersensitivity reaction to M. pneumoniae or a drug
- presents with symmetric target lesions, which are fixed, dull red, and oval in shape with a dusky center, in an acral and truncal distribution
- it often follows a prodrome and involves at least two mucosal surfaces, usually the mouth and eyes
- treated with supportive care and a macrolide if M. pneumoniae is suspected