derm Flashcards
what is the structure and function of the skin?
Barrier against fluid loss Protection from ultraviolet radiation Thermoregulation Cushioning Immunologic protection Appearance
Define macule
flat (nonpalpable), < 1cm in size
What is a patch?
flat (nonpalpable), > 1cm in size
What is a papule?
raised, < 1cm in size
What is a plaque?
raised (a broad papule), > 1cm in size
What is a nodule?
similar to a papule but > 1cm and located in the dermis or subcutaneous fat
What is a vesicle?
fluid filled, < 1cm in size
What is a bullae
fluid filled, > 1cm in size
What is a wheal?
(hive) – edematous papule or plaque that usually lasts < 24 hours
What is a scale?
dry or greasy laminated masses of keratin
What is crust?
dried serum, pus, or blood
What is a fissure?
a linear cleft through the epidermis or into the dermis
What is erosion?
loss of all or portions of the epidermis alone, heals without scarring
What is an ulcer?
complete loss of the epidermis and some portion of the dermis, heals with scarring
What is nummular dermatitis (etiology, age peaks)
“coin-shaped”
Etiology: unknown - classified as a form of atopic derm
2 peaks of age distribution - most common 6th to 7th decade of life M>F peak in 2nd to 3rd decade of life F>M
What is nummular dermatitis (presentation)?
round-to-oval crusted or scaly erythematous plaques
Most common arms and legs
Start as papules which coalesce into plaques with scale
Early lesions may be studded with vesicles containing serous exudate
Usually very pruritic
Often recurs in the same locations as old lesions
Lesions often symmetrically distributed
Waxes and wanes with winter
What is nummular dermatitis (ddx and treatment)?
DDx: contact derm, psoriasis, CTCL, pityriasis rosea, tinea corporis
Treatment: topical steroids, moisturization
Discuss topical steroids, use, risks, and recommendations
may alternate high potency with mid potency to reduce risk or use on weekends only
Risks of overuse of topical steroids include: atrophy, striae, telangiectasias, hypopigmentation (temporary), can have systemic absorption if using long-term on a large body surface area
Should recommend <14/28 days , 2-3 x week, Sat/ Sun use
classes (7) based on vasoconstrictive properties (ointment stronger than cream)
What are topical calcineurin inhibitors, when are they used, and where?
Topical calcineurin inhibitors (steroid sparing agents)
Tacrolimus (Protopic) ointment
Pimecrolimus (Elidel) cream
Discuss class 1 steroids and examples
superpotent
Clobetasol propionate
Betamethasone dipropionate
for scalp, palms, soles
Discuss class 3 and 4 steroids and examples
mid-strength Fluocinonide Betamethasone valerate Triamcinolone trunk and extremities
Discuss class 6 and 7 steroids and examples
Class 6 and 7= low potency Fluocinolone Desonide Hydrocortisone face, genitals, intertriginous areas
Discuss allergic contact derm, common culprits, and etiology
Etiology: delayed type of induced sensitivity - cutaneous contact with a specific allergen to which the patient has developed a specific sensitivity
~25 chemicals are responsible for as many as one half of all cases
Common culprits: Poison ivy, topical antibiotics (e.g., Neosporin, neomycin, bacitracin), nickel, rubber gloves, hair dye, textiles, preservatives, fragrances, benzocaine
Discuss allergic contact derm presentation and DDx
Presentation: pruritic papules and vesicles on an erythematous base
Acute onset
Geometric morphology (circles, lines, etc)
Lichenified pruritic plaques may indicate chronic ACD
Initial site of dermatitis often provides best clue regarding the potential cause
DDx: drug rash, nummular dermatitis, seb derm, tinea, urticaria
Discuss allergic contact derm treatment
Treatment: avoid offending agent, topical steroids or calcineurin inhibitors, antihistamines, cool soaks, emollients, oral prednisone in severe cases, need to treat 14-21 days. can refer for patch testing to help determine allergen
Discuss drug eruptions common culprits and etiology
A drug-induced reaction should be considered in any patient who is taking medications and suddenly develops a symmetric cutaneous eruption (usually occurs w/in the first 2 wks of tx)
Common culprits: antimicrobial agents, NSAIDs, cytokines, chemotherapeutic agents, anticonvulsants, psychotropic agents
Discuss drug eruptions presentation and ddx
Presentation: Lesions usually appear proximally and generalize within 1-2 days
DDx: contact dermatitis, erythroderma, leukocytoclastic vasculitis, measles, pityriasis rosea, lichen planus, psoriasis (pustular), urticaria, syphilis
Discuss drug eruptions treatment
Treatment: discontinue offending agent
Can treat symptoms with antihistamines and topical steroids
Most drug eruptions are mild, self-limited, and usually resolve within 2 weeks of stopping the offending agent;
Note: some reactions can be life-threatening (SJS/TEN)
Discuss morbilliform drug reaction
most common form of drug reaction Primary Lesion Macules, papules Secondary Changes none Configuration coalescing Distribution Generalized Color Red
Discuss urticaria etiology and age range
Etiology: release of histamine & other vasoactive substances from mast cells & basophils
15-20% of the general population is affected at some point during their lifetime
May be acute (lasting < 6 wk) or chronic (lasting > 6 wk)
Can occur at any age, but chronic urticaria is more common in the 40s and 50s
Discuss acute urticaria
cause unknown in > 60% of cases; known causes include: infections (ask about recent illness and travel); caterpillars/moths; foods (e.g. shellfish, nuts); drugs (e.g. PCN, sulfonamides, salicylates, NSAIDs); environmental factors (e.g. pollens, chemicals, plants, danders, dust, mold); latex; exposure to undue skin pressure, cold, or heat; emotional stress; exercise
Discuss chronic urticaria
cause unknown in 80-90% of patients; known causes include all of the above as well as: autoimmune disorders; chronic medical illness; cold urticaria, cryoglobulinemia, or syphilis; mastocytosis; inherited autoinflammatory syndromes
Discuss urticaria presentation
Presentation: blanching, raised, palpable wheals
Occur on any skin area and are usually transient (last < 24 hrs) and migratory
Dermatographism may occur (urticaria resulting from light scratching)
What are s/s included with urticaria that should send someone to the ED?
Physical exam should focus on conditions that might precipitate urticaria or could be potentially life threatening – refer or send to ED if:
Angioedema of the lips, tongue, or larynx
Urticarial lesions that are painful, long lasting (> 36-48 hrs), ecchymotic, or leave residual hyperpigmentation upon resolution (suggests urticarial vasculitis)
Systemic signs or symptoms - arthralgias, arthritis, weight changes, lymphadenopathy, bone pain
Scleral icterus, hepatic enlargement, or tenderness that suggests hepatitis or cholestatic liver disease
Evidence on the skin of bacterial or fungal infection
Listen to the lungs for signs of asthma or pneumonia