Derm Flashcards
Elidel
Immunomodulator - corticosteriod sparing topical cream used to treat Atopic Dermatitis;
mechanism: inhibits T-cell activation
Characteristics of Nummular Eczema:
coin shaped plaques (1-5 cm) of grouped papulovesicles on an erythematous base
Pramoxine
(Eczemin) - topical anesthetic to reduce pain and itching
What is the time frame of exposure to Rhus genus and eruption of lesions?
Initial = 12-72 hrs Re-exposure = minutes
What is Burow’s Solution?
Aluminum Acetate topical used in treatment of Contact Dermatitis
Decreases inflammation and secretions; vasoconstricts
Pathophysiology of Psoriasis
Hyperproliferation of the epidermis d/t a shortened cell cycle from 311 –> 36 hrs caused by immune reaction
Epidermal cell increased cohesiveness –> thick/scaly plaques
Characteristics of Psoriasis
Sharply marginated salmon pink papules/plaques w/silver scales
Common cause of Eruptive/Guttate Psoriasis:
often follows strep. pharyngitis d/t T cell activation by the strep. antigens
scattered and discrete salmon pink papules
Clinical Manifestations of Pustular Psoriasis:
sterile yellow deep seated pustules that evolve into dusky red macules and crusts (palms/soles)
may be disseminated (life threatening)
What is the number one Rx for psoriasis treatment?
Calcipotriene/(Dovonex) - vit D derivative that affects keratinocyte proliferation and immune modulation
usually used w/a steroid until psoriasis clears
Tachyphylaxis
rapidly decreasing response to a drug which decreases its effectiveness
What are the treatments of psoriasis?
- Topicals (first line and for limited disease)
- moisturizers & keratolytics, coal tar, anthralin, steroids, calcipotriene, tazarotene - Phototherapy
- sun bathing, UVB (broadband, narrowband, XTRAC laser), Psoralens + UVA - Systemic therapy
- methotrexate , cyclosporine, oral retinoids, biologics
Common Ddx of Guttate Psoriasis:
Candidiasis, Syphillus, Pityriasis Rosea
Herald Patch
primary lesion of Pityriasis Rosea which usually occurs on the trunk that precedes the rash by 1-2 weeks
salmon red oval 2-5 cm plaque with finely scaled periphery
Which skin disease is associated with the characteristic christmas tree pattern?
Pityriasis Rosea - dull pink scattered and discrete oval lesions found mainly on trunk with fine scale or collarette/rim
T/F: Actinic Keratosis is a malignant lesion?
False - precancerous lesion of sun-exposed areas that manifest as a hyperkeratotic rough scale that feels like sand-paper; should be biopsied to rule out SCC
5-FU
5-Fluorouracil topical medication used to treat Actinic Keratosis
Mechanism: inhibits DNA/RNA synthesis
60% of SCC arise from a lesion clinically diagnosed as _________ in the previous year?
Actinic Keratosis
Presentation of Paget’s Disease
- erythema on one nipple –> drains serious fluid, crusts
- eczematous appearing lesion –> spreads to surrounding skin
- indurated plaque w/sharp margins
- ulceration
Types of Urticaria/Angioedema
Urticaria
- acute: 30 days
Angioedema
- hereditary: dominant
Physical Urticaria
- dermographism: direct pressure to skin causes “trauma” and get over exaggeration of mast cells/histamine
- pressure urticaria: prolonged pressure causes painful pruritic lesions (buttocks, soles)
- solar/heat/cold urticaria: caused by ice, irradiation, warm water and is self limiting
- cholinergic: intense pruritic wheals in response to sweating, exercise, or emotion caused by a neural reflex and ACh release
What are the 3 causes of mast cell degeneration?
direct stimulation
Hypersensitivity IgE mediated
Complement mediated
What is the common etiology of exfoliative dermatitis?
reaction to a medication (16-42%)
often impossible to identify cause at diagnosis
Dermatitis Medicamentosa definition:
a generally abrupt onset of widespread, systemic erythematous eruption w/various clinical manifestations
Intertrigo definition:
presence of friction/heat/moisture in areas where two opposing skin surfaces contact each other creating eroded patch of epidermis –> susceptibility to secondary infections
Cushing’s striae vs. Wt. Change striae
Cushing’s: characterized by a central obesity w/thin extremities
- dark pink/purple prominent striae d/t fat redistribution
- areas: abdomen flanks, arms, thighs
Wt. Change: striae d/t rapid growth
- lighter pink/less purple, may be red & silver striae
- areas: hips, buttocks, abdomen, breasts
(8) Predisposing factors to decubitous ulcers:
- Immobility
- Elderly
- Vasc. disease: common in diabetics
- Altered mental status
- Incontinence: moisture leads to skin breakdown
- Malnourishment
- Diminished sensation: unaware of discomfort (Diabetics/Alcoholics)
- Poor nursing care
Decubitous ulcer staging
- unable to stage ulcer until eschar is removed
(I) non-blanching erythema
(II) superficial or partial thickness necrosis (epidermis &/or dermis)
(III) full thickness necrosis down to fascia, but not through it yet
(IV) full thickness ulceration w/extensive damage and necrosis to muscle/bone/supporting structures
What is the first sign of a decubitous ulcer?
erythema w/blanching pressure d/t trauma that is caused by compression
T/F: Stage III & IV decubitous ulcers may be treated w/topical antibiotics or steriods?
False: must be treated with surgical management to remove necrotic tissue/bony prominences, and possible use of flaps or skin grafts for treatment
Syphilis stages:
Primary:
chancre development at site of inoculation (heals spont. 1-3 months)
Secondary:
fever and widespread rash involving genitals, soles, palms, face that is initially pink and macular –> brown and papular (resembles pityriasis rosea/psoriasis)
condyloma lata occur
syphilitic anetoderma occurs
mucous membrane rashes of eroded off white oval patches
patches of erythrema/scaling/alopecia on scalp common
Tertiary:
Hallmark is Gumma lesions
yellow slough based ulcers
Condyloma lata
flat topped, moist pink-tan papules/nodules found in intertriginous areas, perineum, and perianal areas, exuding with treponemes
occur during secondary syphilis stage infection
Gumma
asymmetric brownish red papules/nodules arranged annularly
may be sparse or singular lesions that are smooth or scaly –> ulcerate
hallmark of tertiary syphilis
(5) Epidermal Layers, components & functions:
- Stratum corneum: tightly packed dead squamous cells that contain keratin for water-proofing
- Stratum lucidum: cell nuclei have disappeared; espec. thick on palms/soles
- Stratum granulosum: keratin begins to form
- Stratum spinosum: tends to be approx. 5 cells thick; composed of desmosomes responsible for cell-to-cell adhesion & communication w/immune system
- Stratum basale: made up of keratinocytes & melanocytes in a single layer
Main functions of the skin layers:
Epidermis - water-proofing
Dermis - contains vessels to provide nutrition to epidermis
Hypodermis - subcutaneous fat layer which provides cushion, heat, shock absorption
Dermal contents:
- connective tissue
- sebaceous glands
- vessels
- sensory nerve fibers (pain/touch/temp regulation)
- autonomic motor nerves
Hypodermal contents:
- loose connective tissue w/fat cells
- sweat glands
- deeper hair follicles
What is the function of sebaceous glands?
stimulated by androgens beginning at puberty glands secrete lipid rich sebum to lubricate skin/hair
bacteriostatic & fungostatic properties
none located on palms/soles
Where does sebum come from?
cell breakdown products
(4) normal skin colors:
- bright red (oxyHgb)
- yellow/orange (carotene)
- blue/dark blue (deoxyHgb)
- brown/tan (melanin)
(5) Abnormal skin colors:
- palor
- cyanosis
- erythema
- jaundice/scleral icterus
- ashen/dusky/gray
Hair lifecycles:
- anagen: growth (80-90% of hairs in this stage)
- catagen: atrophy - root separating from papilla
- telogen: rest - thick bulbed root (higher % in brow/armpit/pubic)
- shed
Nail composition & anatomy:
invaginated epidermal cells converted into hard plates of keratin
- nail bed: very vascular
- lunula: white crest/site of growth
- eponychium: cuticle
- paranychium: tissue surrounding nail
- hyponychium
What are the 2 most important questions to ask about pigmented moles?
- How long have you had this mole?
- Any changes?
Primary vs. Secondary skin lesions:
Primary: occur as initial spontaneous manifestation of underlying pathologic process
Secondary: lesions that result from later evolution or external trauma to a primary lesion; may occur d/t treatment
Side effects of steroids:
- local: telagiectasias, purpura, atrophy, striae
- rebound rosacea & perioral dermatitis
- HPA axis suppression (rare)
- glaucoma/cataracts
- infections
- allergic rxns (usually d/t other ingredients in med besides steriod)
- hypopigmentation
What is the most sensitizing topical antibiotic?
Neomycin - causes contact dermatitis
(7) Common skin changes during pregnancy:
- spider nevi
- palmer erythema (normal)
- increased pigmentation (areola/genitals/linea alba/nigra/chloasma)
- increased hair growth (head/belly)
- striae
- nevi enlargement
- increased skin infections (yeast/abnormal pap HPV breakout/herpes)
Natural Nevi progression:
- begins as junctional nevus at dermal/epidermal junction above basement membrane as flat, small, & brown macule
- grows in size over 2+ decades and becomes compound nevus where it invades dermis presenting as a raised & warty papule
- in 7-8th decades the nevus undergoes fibrosis and loses pigmentation and is found primarily in the dermis to become a dermal nevus
Indications for mole removal:
suspected melanoma
undergoing change
patient at increased risk of melanoma and lesion in area unable to be monitored
Blue nevi are most commonly found in which ethnicity?
Common in those of asian descent
Which other skin lesion looks similar to blue nevus?
nodular melanoma - if newly appeared lesion of blue nevi –> excise to rule out melanoma
Pathophys of Halo Nevus?
caused by autoantibodies toward melanocyte cytoplasmic antigens
Vitiligo has an increased incidence w/which skin lesion?
halo nevus
Which pigmented lesion has an increased risk of developing melanoma, espec. early in life?
Congenital nevi - common conversion to malignant melanoma even in first 3-5 yrs of life; removal indicated if possible
- males = trunk
- females = leg
Freckles vs. Lentigines
Freckles: flat brown spots common in kids
- d/t increased melanin production
- do NOT have increased melanocytic proliferation
- prominent in summer and fade in winter, but not a permanent lesion
- first indicator of sun damage
Lentigines: flat brown spots (tan –> dark brown) typically found in older age groups
- d/t increased melanin production
- increased number of melanocytes
- found only on sun exposed areas
- permanent lesion because considered a later complication of solar damage
Seborrheic Keratosis
begin as light tan macule –> darker pigmented plaque –> warty greasy papule
appears “stuck on”
common to patients with oily or acne seborrhea type skin
Tx not necessary - usually only for cosmetic reasons
Koebner Phenomenon
the appearance of lesions in an area of trauma
Vitiligo
hypopigmentation disorder of chalk white macules w/borders that appear to “flow” into normal skin d/t completely absent melanocytes in affected areas
etiology - unknown/genetic/autoimmune
Vitiligo managment/treatment
- determine etiology –> complete ROS & screenings
- sunscreen d/t increased risk of sun damage
- cosmetic makeup
- repigmentation: topical corticosteriods, topical &/or systemic photochemotherapy
- minigrafting: may cause Koebner
- depigmentation: skin bleaching to permanent chalky white
What is the most common form of secondary hyperpigmentation?
Post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation - often occurs in darker skinned individuals usually over areas of previous inflammation/scarring
Which hyperpigmentation skin condition is also known as the “mask of pregnancy?”
Melasma/Chloasma - irregular hyperpigmentation of the skin located over sides of face/forehead/sides of neck
Related to pregnancy and OCP use
Increased d/t sun exposure d/t increase in melanin production
Treatment/Prognosis of Melasma
May or may not fade after delivery of cessation of OCPs
Can recur w/subsequent pregnancies
Treatment: decrease sun exposure & use opaque sun block
Common associated etiologies/diseases of Acanthosis Nigricans:
- Hereditary
- Endocrine disorders
- Obesity
- Drug-induced
- Cancer
- Need to treat underlying cause
Acanthosis Nigricans presentation
slowly progressing dark, thick, velvety skin in body folds/creases
Drug of choice used to treat erythema migrans
Doxycycline 100mg BID x10 days - only effective at onset of infection
Deep seated subcutaneous lesions found bilaterally on the pre-tibial surfaces are assoc. w/which skin condition?
Erythema Nodosum
What is the cause of Erythema Nodosum?
Idiopathic 40% - many etiologies
Occurs through acute inflammatory rxns caused by immune response
Panniculitis
inflammation of the pannus (subcutaneous fat)
Which skin pathology is listed as one of the Major Jones criteria?
Erythema Marginatum
can help in diagnosing Rheumatic Fever
T/F: Erythema Migrans presents as rapidly enlarging annular or crescent shaped macules
False - this presentation is known as Erythema Marginatum
Erythema Migrans is assoc. w/gradually expanding erythema around a lesion having distinct borders w/a partial central clearing immediately around the lesion (bullseye)
Presentation & clinical manifestations of Erythema Multiforme
Rxn pattern of the dermis w/secondary epidermal changes exhibiting target shaped papules and vesiculobullous lesions
Minor: no bullae or mucous membrane involvement
Intermediate: vesiculobullous lesions w/mucous membrane involved
Major: Steven Johnson Syndrome
Max: Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Target lesions are characteristic of which skin disease?
Erythema Multiforme - these lesions also called Iris lesions; have 3 concentric zones of color change & are commonly found on hands/feet
Common cause of recurrent Erythema Multiforme
HSV
What syndrome is the most severe form of Erythema Multiforme & how is it described?
SJS - Steven Johnson Syndrome
widespread blistering and ulceration of the skin and mucous membranes causing epidermal detachment (<10%)
Common etiology of SJS?
50% d/t drug exposure
re-exposure to offending agent/drug may cause more severe episode
Condition known as the maximal form of SJS:
TEN - Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
widespread acutely tender skin w/flaccid bullae causing skin sheeting and red/raw denuded areas of >30% epidermal detachment
High fevers and mortality rate of approx. 30%
What are the 4 P’s that describe Lichen Planus?
Purple
Polygonal
Pruritic
Papules
Which condition includes a clinical manifestation w/Wickham’s striae?
Lichen Planus - flat topped purple papules with white lines persisting for months –> years
found on mucous membranes and areas of trauma (Koebner)
A figure 8 appearance is often described in which skin disease?
Lichen Sclerosus - common white lesion of the vulva that may become dysfiguring if not treated
Pemphigus vs. Bullous Pemphigoid
Pemphigus: rare & serious autoimmune disease
- flaccid bullae on apparently normal skin (early)
- painful erosion of skin & mucous membranes follow d/t epidermal dislodging
- Secondary lesions: crusting and bacterial infection
- Untreated can be fatal
Bullous Pemphigoid: autoimmune disorder common to the elderly
- spontaneous chronic bullous eruption of tense blisters
- blisters have erythematous base
- usually begins in inner thighs
- Secondary lesions d/t rupture causing erosion –> scabbing
Cause of Pemphigus disorder
IgG antibody against antigens found on the surface of keratinocytes
causes loss of normal cell-to-cell cohesion –> flaccid bullae
Nicholsky’s Sign
Extension of lesion onto adjacent normal tissue d/t light pressure on bulla causing a dislodging of the epidermis and ulceration
Seen in Pemphigus
What is the most common cutaneous cyst?
Sebaceous cyst - smooth, mobile dome-shaped lump w/a central punctum composed of a wall of true epidermis enclosed w/in the dermis that becomes filled w/keratin and lipids
Epidermal Inclusion Cyst
secondary occurrence to traumatic implantation of the epidermis into the dermis appearing as a nodule w/out a central punctum