Dermatitis/Eczema

Question 1

Types of contact dermatitis

Answer 1

1. irritant contact dermatitis
2. allergic contact dermatitis

Question 2

irritant contact dermatitis

Answer 2

• common
• non-allergic reaction due to weak acids or alkalis (e.g. detergent)
• often seen on hands

Question 3

Features of irritant contact dermatitis

Answer 3

• erythema
• crusting and vesicles are rare!

Question 4

Allergic contact dermatitis

Answer 4

• type IV hypersensitivity reaction
• uncommon
• often seen on head following hair dyes

Question 5

Features of allergic contact dermatitis

Answer 5

• acute weeping eczema

Question 6

Managing allergic contact dermatitis

Answer 6

topical treatment with potent steroid

Question 7

Contact dermatitis

Answer 7

type of eczema triggered by contact with a substance that irritates or allergises the skin

Question 8

Steroid managment of eczema

Answer 8

use weakest steroid cream which controls patients symptoms

mild
- hydrocortisone 05-2.5%

moderate
- betamethasone valerate 0.025% (betnovate RD)
- clobetasone butyrate 0.05% (eumovate)

potent
- fluticasone propionate 0.05%
- betamethasone valerate 0.1% (betnovate)

**very potent **
- clobetasol proprionate 0.05% (dermovate)

Question 9

Finger tip rule in topical steroid prescribing

Answer 9

1 finger tip unit (FTU) = 0.5g
sufficient to treat skin area about twice that of palm of adult hand

Question 10

Pompholyx/dishydrosis

Answer 10

• type of eczema affecting hands and feet
• associated with humidity (sweating) and high temperatures

Question 11

Features of pompholyx eczema

Answer 11

• small blisters on palms and soles
• extremely itchy or burning
• burst blisters become dry and cracked

Question 12

Managment of pompholyx eczema

Answer 12

• cool compresses
• emollients
• topical steroids