Dermatological Skin Diseases Flashcards
Why do people have darker skin nearer the equator?
UV protection from melanin
Why do people have lighter skin in higher latitudes?
Vitamin D needed
Need UVB from sun
What needs to be considered when thinking about skin conditions?
The psychological effect - biopsychosocial model
What is psoriasis + what are the features?
- Autoimmune disease of T cells and keratinocytes
- red crusty, silvery scales
- Reduced epithelial transit time for keratinocytes:
-normally 3-4 weeks, only 3-7 days - increases vascularity of upper dermis»_space; erythema
What triggers psoriasis?
Injury to skin
Excess alcohol
Smoking
Stress
Hormonal changes e.g. birth control
Medication
Immune disorders
Signs and symptoms of psoriasis
Plaques - elbow, scalp, forehead, front of knee
Nail changes
Joint deformities
Treatment of psoriasis
Salicylic acid
Topical steroids
Vitamin D supplements
Retinoids
Monoclonal antibodies
Cytotoxic drugs
What is eczema?
- Atopic dermatitis
- Chronic hypersensitivity reaction
- Makes skin itchy, red, dry + cracked
Where does eczema commonly appear?
Forehead
Wrists
Back of knee
Inside arm
Treatment of eczema
Emollients
Topical steroids
Anti histamines
Immunosuppressants
Risk factors for malignant melanoma
Genetic predisposition
Sun exposure - UV
Non-inherited mutation - BRAF
Type of skin
Where does malignant melanoma typically occur?
Trunk or legs
Treatments of malignant melanoma
Wide load excision - removal
Radiotherapy
Chemotherapy
What are the two types of malignant melanomas?
Compare and contrast them
-
nodular melanomas: - changing red/black lump
- fast developing -
lentigo maligna: - initially flat like freckles
- develops sideways
- gradually get bigger
What is vitiligo?
Autoimmune condition where skin becomes depigmented
