Derm Flashcards
What is acne vulgaris?
Common condition characterised by inflammation of hair follicles and sebaceous glands.
What are three main factors that contribute to the development of acne?
Increase sebum production
Common change seen in normal puberty due to changes in hormone expression
Presence of Cutibacterium acnes
Blocked pores
What bacterial species contributes to the development of acne?
Presence of Cutibacterium acnes
Clinical features of acne vulgaris
Presence of open and closed comedones
May be associated with surrounding inflammation
Acne can lead to scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
Management of mild to moderate acne
Offer 12-week course of one of the following:
Topical adapalene with topical benzoyl peroxide
Topical tretinoin with topical clindamycin
Topical benzoyl peroxide with topical clindamycin
Consider topical benzoyl peroxide as monotherapy if any of the combinations are contraindicated
Management of moderate to severe acne
Offer 12-week course of one of the following:
Topical adapalene with topical benzoyl peroxide
Topical tretinoin with topical clindamycin
Topical adapalene with topical benzoyl peroxide with oral lymecycline 408 mg OD or oral doxycycline 100 mg OD
Topical azelaic acid with either oral lymecycline 408 mg OD or oral doxycycline 100 mg OD
Consider benzoyl peroxide as monotherapy if any of the combinations are contraindicated
What can be considered as an alternative to antibiotics in females with moderate to severe acne?
Consider combined oral contraceptives as alternative to systemic antibiotics in females
NOTE: oral progesterone-only contraceptives and progestin implants may worsen acne
Co-cyprindiol has some antiandrogenic properties and may be a suitable option
When should patients who start systemic antibiotic therapy for acne be reviewed?
NOTE: all patients should be reviewed in at least 12 weeks to assess response to treatment
When should specialist dermatology referral be considered in acne vulgaris?
Diagnostic uncertainty
Acne conglobata
Nodulo-cystic acne
Acne that fails to respond to two completed courses of treatment
Acne with scarring
Significant psychological distress due to acne
What is alopecia areata? How does it present?
Autoimmune disease resulting in patches of non-scarring hair loss
Well-defined area of non-scarring hair loss
Usually round
No skin changes
Nail changes (e.g. pitting)
Management of alopecia areta
Most cases will resolve spontaneously without active treatment
Conservative Measures
Hairstyling
Wigs
If the patient fails to show signs of regrowth or has more than 50% hair loss, the following options may be considered:
Potent topical steroids (e.g. betamethasone valerate 0.1%)
Intralesional steroids
Systemic corticosteroids
Minoxidil
Calcineurin inhibitors
What medication can be considered in alopecia areata? When should it be considered?
If the patient fails to show signs of regrowth or has more than 50% hair loss, the following options may be considered:
Potent topical steroids (e.g. betamethasone valerate 0.1%)
Intralesional steroids
Systemic corticosteroids
Minoxidil
Calcineurin inhibitors
What is eczema? How does it present?
Dry and itchy skin primarily affecting the flexures
In infants, it more commonly affects the face
Prolonged itching can lead to lichenification
Where does eczema predominantly affect? How does this differ in infants?
Dry and itchy skin primarily affecting the flexures
In infants, it more commonly affects the face
What other conditions is eczema often associated with?
Allergic rhinitis
Asthma
Food allergy
How is mild eczema managed?
Emollients
Mild Potency Topical Corticosteroids
moderate eczema management
Emollients
Moderate Potency Topical Corticosteroids
Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors
Bandages
Severe eczema management
Emollients
Potent Topical Corticosteroids
Topical Calcineurin Inhibitors
Bandages
Phototherapy
Systemic Therapy
Examples of steroids used in eczema and their potency
Mild: Hydrocortisone 1%
Moderate: Betamethasone Valerate 0.025% or Clobetasone Butyrate 0.05%
Potent: Betamethasone Valerate 0.1%, Mometasone
If Very Severe: Oral Steroids
Example of mild steroid used in eczema
Mild: Hydrocortisone 1%
Example of moderate steroids used in eczema
Moderate: Betamethasone Valerate 0.025% or Clobetasone Butyrate 0.05%
Example of potent steroids used in eczema
Betamethasone Valerate 0.1%, Mometasone
What type of steroid may be used if very severe eczema?
Oral Steroids
When should topical calcineurin inhibitors be considered in eczema?
May be considered as second line in moderate-to-severe eczema in children over 2 years old who have not responded well to steroids
When should antihistamines be considered in eczema?
Offer a 1-month trial of non-sedating antihistamines (e.g. cetirizine) if severe itching or urticaria
Consider 7-14 day trial of sedating antihistamine (e.g. chlorphenamine) if flare is affecting sleep
How long should medication be continued for after a flare in eczema?
48 hours after symptoms resolve
Complications of eczema, how is it treated?
Bacterial Superinfection
Swab the affected area
Flucloxacillin
Penicillin Allergy: Clarithromycin, Erythromycin