common dermatological problems

Question 1

what is eczema / dermatitis

Answer 1

an inflammatory process

Question 2

what are the symptoms of eczema

Answer 2

1. chronic low grade rash - which may flare up due to contact with irritants.
2. dry skin
3. skin weeping
4. itchy

Question 3

what are examples of topical steroids

Answer 3

1% hydrocortisone
eumovate
betnovate
dermovate

Question 4

what is psoriasis

Answer 4

chronic inflammatory disorder

Question 5

properties of psoriasis

Answer 5

focal 
well demarcated 
dry 
inflammed 
oedematous plaques covered with silvery-white scales 
symmetrical 
on extensor surfaces

Question 6

what is psoriasis caused by?

Answer 6

disordered maturation of keratinocytes leading to hyper proliferation and thickening of epidermis.

Question 7

what is acne vulgaris caused by? (greasy skin condition)

Answer 7

over activity of polo-sebaceous units due to hormones occurring in densest population of sebaceous follicles.
follicles get plugged with oil and is infected with proprionbacterium.

Question 8

what is a treatment of severe acne?

Answer 8

isotretinoin (roaccutane) dries up skin very quickly

Question 9

bacterial infection of eczema

Answer 9

impetigo - caused by staphylococcus aureus and or staph pyogenes.

Question 10

viral infection

Answer 10

viral warts from HPV.

Question 11

what is a common fungal infection

Answer 11

tinea capitis or ringworm.

trichophyton rubrum.

Question 12

what is actinic keratosis

Answer 12

common sun induced lesion

Question 13

what is Bowen’s disease

Answer 13

actinic keratosis develops in the full thickness of the skin to become Bowen’s disease - pre cancerous lesion

Question 14

what is squamous cell carcinoma

Answer 14

result of cumulative sun exposure and tends to spread - 2 week rule

Question 15

what is basal cell carcinoma

Answer 15

localised and isnt as worrying

Question 16

what is the ABCDE rule for suspected pigmented lesions

Answer 16

A - asymmetry 
B - border irregularity 
C - colour variation 
D - diameter - 6mm and growing 
E - extra features - bleeding itching etc.

Question 17

how do you magnify a lesion

Answer 17

using a dermatoscope