Derm Flashcards
what is the structure and function of the skin?
- barrier against fluid loss
- protection from UV radiation
- thermoregulation
- cushioning
- immunologic protection
- appearance
what is a flat, nonpalpable, <1cm in size lesion called?
macule
what is a flat, nonpalpable, >1cm in size lesion called?
patch
what is a raised, <1cm in size lesion called?
papule
what is a raised, >1cm in size lesion called?
plaque
what is a raised, >1cm in size lesion located in the dermis or subcutaneous fat called?
nodule
what is a fluid-filled, <1cm in size lesion called?
vesicle
what is a fluid-filled, >1cm in size lesion called?
bulla
what is an edematous papule or plaque than lasts < 24 hrs called?
wheal or hive
what is a dry or greasy laminated mass of keratin called?
scale
what is a lesion of dried serum, pus, or blood called?
crust
what is a linear cleft through the epidermis or into the dermis called?
fissure
what is a loss of all or portions of the epidermis alone that heals without scarring called?
erosion
what is a complete loss of the epidermis and some portion of the dermis that heals with scarring called?
ulcer
what is the etiology of nummular “coin-shaped” dermatitis?
- unknown
- classified as a form of atopic derm
at what age(s) is nummular “coin-shaped” dermatitis most common?
- 6th to 7th decade of life w/ M>F
- 2nd to 3rd decade of life F>M
how does nummular “coin-shaped” dermatitis present?
round-to-oval crusted or scaly erythematous plaques
- most common on 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 location as old lesions
- lesions often symmetrically distributed
- waxes and wanes with winter
what are some d/dx of nummular “coin-shaped” dermatitis?
- contact derm
- psoriasis
- CTCL
- pityriasis rosea
- tinea corporis
what is the tx for nummular “coin-shaped” dermatitis?
topical steroids
- may alternate high potency with mid-potency to reduce risk or use on weekends only
topical calcineurin inhibitors (steroid sparing agents)
- tacrolimus (protopic) ointment
- pimecrolimus (elidel) cream
what are some risks of overuse of topical steroids?
- atrophy
- striae
- telangiectasis
- hypopigmentation (temporary)
- can have systemic absorption if using long-term on a large body surface
how should you recommend application of topical steriods to prevent side effects of overuse?
- use <14/28 days
- use 2-3x/week
- Sat/Sun use
on what properties are the 7 classes of topical steroids based?
vasoconstrictive properties
how are the 7 classes of steroids stratified?
- Class 1 = superpotent
- Classes 3 and 4 = mid-strength
- Classes 6 and 7 = low potency
what are some topical steroids that are considered superpotent?
- clobetasol proprionate
- bethamethasone diproprionate
on what body parts are the superpotent steroids best used?
- scalp
- palms
- soles
what are some topical steroids that are considered mid-strength?
- fluocinonide
- betamethasone valerate
- triamcinolone
on what body parts are the mid-strength steroids best used?
- trunk
- extremities
what are some topical steroids that are considered low potency?
- fluocinolone
- desonide
- hydrocortisone
on what body parts are the low potency steroids best used?
- face
- genitals
- intertriginous areas
what are some interventions for nummular “coin-shaped” dermatitis that address hygiene changes and lubrication of skin?
avoid barrier disruption
- harsh soaps
- washcloths
- bathing too frequently
moisturize!
- them more the better
- soak and smear technique - soak in tub of luke warm water for 20 min, pat dry, and liberally apply topical medication or lubricant
what is the etiology of allergic contact dermatitis?
- 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 1/2 of all cases
what are some common culprits of allergic contact dermatitis?
- poison ivy
- topical abx (neosporin, neomycin, bacitracin)
- nickel
- rubber gloves
- hair dye
- textiles
- preservatives
- fragrances
- benzocaine
how does allergic contact dermatitis present?
pruritic papules and vesicles on an erythematous base
- acute onset
- geometric morphology (circles, lines, etc.)
- lichenified pruritic plaques may indicate chronic ACD
- inital site of dermatitis often provides best clue regarding the potential cause
what are some d/dx of allergic contact dermatitis?
- drug rash
- nummular dermatitis
- seb derm
- tinea
- urticaria
what is the tx for allergic contact dermatitis?
- avoid offending agent
- topical steroids or calcineurin inhibitors
- antihistamines for itching
- cool soaks
- emollients
- oral prednisone in severe cases, but need to tx for 14-21 days
- can refer to patch testing to help determine allergen
when should a drug-induced eruption be considered when evaluating a skin lesion?
in any patient who is taking meds and suddnely develops a symmetric cutaneous eruption (usually occurs w/in 1st 2 wks of tx)
what are some common culprits of drug-induced eruptions?
- antimicrobial agents
- NSAIDs
- cytokines
- chemotherapeutic agents
- anticonvulsants
- psychotropic agents
how do drug-induced eruptions present?
lesions usually appear proximally and generalize w/in 1-2 days
what are some d/dx for drug-induced eruptions?
- contact dermatitis
- erythroderma
- leukocytoclastic vasculitis
- measles
- pityriasis rosea, lichen planus, psoriasis (pustular), urticaria, syphilis
what are the tx for drug-induced eruptions?
d/c offending agent
- can tx w/ antihistamines and topical steroids
- most drug eruptions are mild, self-limited, and usually resolve w/in 2 wks of stopping the offending agent
what are some life threatening drug-induced eruptions?
- SJS
- TEN
what is the most common form of drug-induced eruption?
morbilliform drug rxn
what is the primary lesion(s) of a morbilliform drug rxn?
- macules
- papules
what are the secondary lesion(s) of a morbilliform drug rxn?
none
what is the configuration of a morbilliform drug rxn?
coalescing
what is the distribution of a morbilliform drug rxn?
generalized
what color is a morbilliform drug rxn?
red
what is the etiology of urticaria (hives)?
release of histamines & otherwise vasoactive substances from mast cells and basophils
- 15-20% of general population is affected at some point during their lifetime
- may be acute (lasting < 6 weeks) or chronic (lasting > 6 weeks)
- can occur at any age, but chronic urticaria is more common in 40s and 50s
what are some causes of acute urticaria (hives)?
cause is unknown in > 60% of cases
common causes:
- infections (ask about recent illness and travel)
- caterpillars/moths
- foods (shellfish, nuts)
- drugs (PCN, sulfonamides, salicylates, NSAIDs)
- environmental factors (pollens, plants, danders, dust, mold)
- latex
- exposure to undue skin pressure, cold, heat
- emotional stress, exercise
what are some causes of chronic urticaria (hives)?
cause is unknown in 80-90% of cases
common causes: same causes as in acute urticaria, plus - autoimmune disorders - chronic medical illness - cold urticaria - cryoglobulinemia - syphilis - mastocytosis - inherited autoinflammatory syndromes
how does urticaria present?
blanching, raised, palpable wheals
- occur on any skin area and are usually transient (last < 24 hours) and migratory
- dermatographism may occur (urticaria resulting from light scratching)
with what PE findings should you refer or send to ED?
- angioedema of 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 s/sx: arthralgias, arthritis, weight changes, lymphadenopathy, bone pain
- scleral icterus, hepatic enlargement, or tenderness that suggests hepatitis or cholestatic liver disease
- evidence on skin of bacterial or fungal infection
- listen to lungs for signs of asthma or PNA
what are some d/dx of urticaria?
- contact or atopic dermatitis
- pityriasis rosea
- drug rxn
- mastocytosis
- urticarial vasculitis
what is the tx for urticaria?
H1 antihistamines (benadryl, hydroxyzine, zyrtec)
- may add H2 antihistamines (ranitidine) for severe or persistent urticaria
- glucocorticosteroids for refractory cases
- zyrtec should be dosed BID
- doxepin, TCAs with potent antihistamine properties, or Xolair may be useful in chronic urticaria
what is the etiology of seborrheic dermatitis?
- related to a pathologic overproduction of sebum
- may involve an inflammatory rxn to the yeast Malassezia
how does seborrheic dermatitis present?
erythema with greasy, yellowish scale
- on T-zone of face, scalp, behind ears, central chest, intertrigo
- dandruff
- can affect intertriginous areas
when is the onset of seborrheic dermatitis typically?
puberty
what factors worsen seborrheic dermatitis?
- changes in seasons
- trauma
- stress
- Parkinson’s disease
- AIDS
- certain meds