Dermatits and Urticaria Flashcards
Symptoms of dermatits
Rash can be scaly, skin typically dry
Usually itchy
Can effect anywhere on the body
Can be acute/chronic or both with permanent areas of dry, itchy skin and intermittent acute flares.
Symptoms of Urticaria
Patches of well-demarcated, superficial, erythematous skin swelling that can vary from a few millimeters to man centimetres in diameter.
Superficial weals are usually itchy
Angioedema can be itchy, painful, burning or tender
Can effect any area of the body
Acute> last for a few hours to 6 weeks
Chronic > lasting for 6 weeks
When to refer
Diagnosis is unclear
Secondary infection
Signs of systemic infection (fever)
Respiratory, gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, symptoms are also present.
When to refer - dermatitis specific
Symptoms are widespread,
Symptoms are severe
Sensitive areas
When to refer - urticaria
Angioedema is present
Weals are not transient
An underlying condition is suspected
Dermatitis treatment options
Moisturisers, topical corticosteroids, other tropical therapies, systemic therapies.
Moisturisers
Emollient or humectants.
Apply twice daily preferably after showering/bathing
Topical Corticosteroids
Low Potency - hydrocortisone
Medium Potency - Clobetasone Butyrate
High Potency - Monetasone Furoate
For pregnancy: use low-mild especially in first trimester
Breastfeeding - Safe during breastfeeding however will need to wipe off on nipple area.
Apply once daily.
Urticaria treatment options
First line: anti-histamine (loratadine)
If anti-histamines are not effective then H2 receptors can be used (famotidine)
Fingertip method
1 fingertip should cover an area equivalent of the front and back of a patients band.
Moisturiser product type
Cerave moisturising cream, cetaphil moisturising cream.
Non-pharmacologcial
Avoid overheating the skin
Wear preferably 100% cotton.
Avoid chlorinated pool.
Bathe in lukewarm water
Avoid SLS
Apply moisturiser.
Patch test
Avoid fragranced products.
Dermatitis causes
Soaps
Chemicals
Abrasive fibres
Plants
body fluids
allergens such as house dust mites, grasses and pollens, animal dander, chemicals
Urticaria
Infection - likely viral upper respiratory
Drug allergy - NSAIDS, antibiotics, sulfoanamides
IgE mediated food rection
Insect Stings
Contact with certain substances.