DERMATITIS Flashcards
Name the 7 classifications of dermatitis
Contact allergic Contact irritant Atopic Drug-induced Photosensitive Lichen simplex Stasis dermatitis
What is the basic pathogenesis behind contact allergic dermatitis?
Type 4 (delayed) hypersensitivity
What is the basic pathogenesis behind lichen simplex dermatitis?
Physical trauma to skin, e.g. persistent scratching
List some common causes of contact allergic dermatitis
Nickel
Latex
Topical therapies
Plants
What investigation can be used to identify substances causing contact allergic dermatitis?
Patch testing
What is involved in patch testing?
Wells containing allergen applied to skin on back and left for 48-96hrs
Which dermatitis - contact allergic or irritant - is a non-specific reaction?
Contact irritant dermatitis
List examples of things that cause contact irritant dermatitis
Soap
Detergent
Oil
Nappy rash
Contact allergic and irritant dermatitis are easy to distinguish. True/False?
False
Often need to patch test
List some symptoms and signs of atopic dermatitis
Pruritis Scaling Poorly defined erythema Dry skin Flexural distribution
Secondary infection of atopic eczema is common and occurs due to which organism?
Staph aureus
Which virus causes eczema herpeticum?
Herpes simplex virus
What does eczema herpeticum look like? (buzzword!)
Monomorphic, punched-out lesions
What is the UK diagnostic criteria for atopic eczema?
Itch + at least 3 of: Flexural rash History of atopy Dry skin Onset before the age of 2
List step up therapy for eczema
Emollients + topical steroid;
if infection add antibiotics;
phototherapy;
immunosuppressants if systemic upset
