Dermatitis Flashcards
What is spongiosis?
Fluid accumulation in the epidermis associated with acute dermatitis
What signs may indicate chronic eczema?
Thickened skin
Lichenification
Scars
What are the two main categories of contact dermatitis?
Irritant
Allergic
Which type of reaction is allergic contact dermatitis?
Type IV delayed hypersensitivity
How is allergic contact dermatitis investigated/confirmed?
Patch testing
Outline the process of patch testing
3 appts
History taken and patches applied
at 48 hours patches removes and reaction noted
at 96 hours final reading taken and allergies identified
What is the main treatment of allergic contact dermatitis?
Avoidance of allergens
Emollients
Why might you get a false positive on a patch test?
Some antigens are hard to split up
ie cobalt usually contains traces of nickel
Why might you get a false negative on a patch test?
Insufficient penetration through the skin
Immunosuppressant treatment
Low tires of antigens
What would ?+ indicate on a patch test?
Doubtful reaction
What would IR indicate on a patch test?
Irritant reaction
What is atopic dermatitis also known as?
Atopic eczema
When does atopic dermatitis usually have its first presentation?
Infancy
Where on the body does atopic eczema usually appear in young children/infants?
Face and extensor surfaces
Where on the body does atopic eczema appear in older children?
Flexor surfaces
What is in the atopic triad?
Eczema (in infancy)
Asthma (after 2 years)
Hayfever (7 years)
How does eczema commonly presents?
Acute read swollen rash on the flexor surfaces that is extremely itchy
What is the scratch itch cycle?
Itching leads to scratch Damages skin Increased release of cytokines Causing itch
What is the main protein associated with eczema?
Filaggrin
How can eczema affect children’s livelihood?
School problems
Restriction of lifestyle
Bullying
How does filaggrin deficiency cause eczema?
Filaggrin is a protein in the keratohyalin granules
Stick to kertin
Allows them to aggregate and migrate properly
In which group of people is eczema most common?
Western, higher socioeconomic class
What is the management of mild atopic eczema?
Emollients and mild topical corticosteroids
What is the management of moderate atopic eczema?
Emollients and moderate TCS possibly calcineurin inhibitors
