Derm and misc Flashcards
What is acne?
Localised skin inflammation as a result of overactivity of the oil glands at the base of specialised hair follicles
Why does acne occur?
Acne occurs when hair follicles become blocked and nearby sebaceous (oil) glands begin to produce too much sebum. This mixes with dead skin cells and forms a plug in the follicle
What are the symptoms of acne?
Whiteheads (closed plugged pores) Blackheads (open plugged pores) Small, red, tender bumps (papule) Pimples (pustules) Large, solid, painful lumps beneath the surface of the skin (nodules)
How is acne diagnosed?
Skin exams
How is acne managed?
Over the counter acne products, medications that can - control the acne, avoid scarring
Combined oral contraceptive pill
Steroid injection
What is eczema?
An inflammatory condition of the skin characterised by redness, itching and vesicular lesions
What are the 2 types of causes of eczema?
Atopic: itchy rash of the folds of the elbow/knee
Exogenous: itchy rash following contact with an irritant
How does eczema present?
Atopic: itchy red rash, scaling and oozing
Exogenous: red, crusting and scaling, fissures, hyperpigmentation
How is eczema diagnosed?
Skin exam, patch tests to exclude other skin diseases
How is eczema managed?
Atopic: avoid irritants, regular emollients to hydrate, corticosteroids
Exogenous: avoid irritants, steroid cream
What is psoriasis?
A chronic relapsing skin disorder associated with abnormal hyper proliferation of the epidermis
What are known factors that trigger psoriasis?
Stress, infections, climate, alcohol, smoking, trauma
What are the different types of psoriasis?
Chronic plaque psoriasis, flexural psoriasis, guttate, erythrodermic and pustular
How does psoriasis present?
Well-demarcated erythematous plaques with adherent silvery scale
Elbows, knees, scalp
How is psoriasis diagnosed?
Skin exam, biopsy to rule out other disorders
How is psoriasis managed?
Topical corticosteroids
What is skin ulceration?
Ulcers are abnormal breaks in an epithelial surface
What causes skin ulcers?
Neuropathy, lymphedema, vasculitis, malignancy, infection, trauma
How are skin ulcers diagnosed?
Skin exam, skin and ulcer biopsy to assess for malignant change.
How are skin ulcers managed?
Treat cause and focus on prevention - optimise nutrition
Charing-Cross 4 layer compression bandaging
What is the major risk factor for skin cancers?
UV radiation exposure
How do malignant melanomas present?
Pigmented skin lesions demonstrating ABCD:
Asymmetry, irregular Borders, uneven Colour, Diameter >6mm
How are malignant melanomas managed?
Urgent excision - curative
Chemotherapy for metastatic disease
How do squamous cell carcinomas present?
Skin plaques or nodules, often with a keratinous surface crust.
Ulceration may be present