dermatitis

Question 1

what are the criteria for diagnosis of dermatitis?

Answer 1

itch, typical morphology and distribution, dry skin, history of atopy, chronic relapsing dermatitis

Question 2

What is the typical distribution of dermatitis in infants?

Answer 2

cheeks of the face, folds of the neck and scalp, and extensor surfaces of the limbs. it may then spread to the flexures of limbs and groin

Question 3

What is the typical distribution of dermatitis in adults?

Answer 3

cubital and popliteal fossae, and on hands and feet

Question 4

Describe nummular eczema

Answer 4

chronic red, coin shaped plaques
crusted, scaling and itchy
mainly on legs but also buttocks and trunk
often symmetrical
common in middle aged patients
may be related to stress
Tend to persist for months
Treated with emollients, restricting soap, topical steroid as required

Question 5

Describe pityriasis alba

Answer 5

White patches on face of children and adolecents
subacute form of atopic dermatitis
full repigmentation occurs eventually
Treated with emollients, restricting soap, +/- hydrocortisone

Question 6

What age to you expect childhood seborrhoeic dermatitis to be resolved by?

Answer 6

18 months. Rare after 2 years

Question 7

What is the typical age of onset of psoriasis?

Answer 7

10-30 years

Question 8

What factors may worsen psoriasis?

Answer 8

infection especially group A strep
trauma
emotional stress
sunburn
puberty/ menopause
drugs- antialarials, betablockers, lithium, NSAIDs, OCP

Question 9

What is the treatment for perioral dermatitis

Answer 9

cease corticosteroids
topical ketoconazole cream + shampoo for 10-14 days or metronidazole gel BD
oral doxycycline for 6-8 weeks