Dermatological Emergencies Flashcards
What groups of drugs commonly cause adverse skin reactions?
Abs NSAIDs chemo psychoptropic anti-epileptic
what are the most common bacteria which cause cellulitis?
strep. progenes and staph aures
wat signs and symptoms may a patient display in cellulitis?
unilateral hot, eythematus area, usually on lower limbs,. may have fever and malaise. Dx is usually clinical
give examples of comorbid disease which may mean a patient with cellulitis req. IV Abs
PVD, DM, Obesity
What is eczema herpeticum?
eczema infected by HSV
Where on the body is the mst common presentation of eczema herpetivum?
on the face. Around the eyes
Where can eczema herpeticum disseminate to causing it to be an emergency.
encephalitis, hepatitis, keratoconjunctivitis
How should eczema herpeticum be managed?
with oral aciclovir in community. High risk of spread may warrent hospital for IV
What skin signs may be present in a patient with meningococcal septicaemia?
purpura in the lower extremities and trunk and haemorrhagic lesions
What two bacteria are commonly the cause of Necrotising Fascitis?
Group A Strep and Staph Aureus
In what group of patients is Nec Fas most common?
immunosuppressed patients
What 5 Abs are used in Necrotising Fascitis?
Penicillin Flucloxacillin Clindamycin Gentamicin Metronidizole
What 5 signs differentiate NF from cellulitis?
first pain then painless rapid spread systemically unwell dusky skin and necrosis skin crepitus
What is Toxic epidermal necrolysis?
widespread death of epidermis by apoptosis caused by a drug.
What types of drugs commonly cause toxic epidermal necrolysis?
Antibiotics and antconvulsants
What is the management of toxic epidermal necrolysis?
IV Ig therapy with suportive management
What sequelae can follow for those who survive toxic epidermal necrolysis?
scarring of the eyes and other mucus membranes
What is Steven-Johnson syndrome?
severe erythema multiforme with widespread sin and mucosa involvement
What do steven-Johnson syndrome lesions look like?
lesions with central necrosis and a rim of erythema often with a blister formation
How is Steven-Johnson syndrome treated?
with IV Ig and removal of the cause (treat inection, withdraw drug) steroids may be used`
What is erythroderma?
erythema covering 90% of the body
What are the cause of erythroderma?
erythroderma is not a diagnosis but just a sign and can be caused by dermatitis, a drug eruption or psoriasis
in erythrodermic psoriasis what additional skin sign ma be present?
pustules filled with neutrophils
What complications can arise from erythroderma?
excessive heatloss resulting in hypothermia. Cardiac failure from high cardiac output.
