Dermatology Flashcards
How to describe skin lesion
Site
Colour
Associated changes
Morphology
How to describe a pigmented skin lesion
Asymmetry Border Colour Diameter Evolution `
Psychosocial effects of eczema and acne
Self-conscious Social isolation Embarrassed Cover up Anxiety
Structure of skin
Epidermis
Dermis
Subcutaneous tissue
Epidermis
Physical barrier
Stratum corneum is keratanised and constantly replaced
Thicker stratum corneum on hands and feet
Contains Langerhans cells - defence against pathogens
Dermis
Thick layer made of collagen, elastin and fibrillin
Gives flexibility and strength
Contains nerve endings, glands, hair follicles and blood vessels
Malignant Melanoma
Asymmetrical Border: irregular Colour: non-uniform Diameter > 6mm Evolving / Elevation
Risk factors for malignant melanoma
Sunlight: esp. intense exposure in early years Fair-skinned (Low Fitzpatrick Skin Type) ↑ no. of common moles \+ve FH ↑ age Immunosuppression
Classification of malignant melanomas
Superficial spreading - 80% Lentigo Maligna Acral Lentiginous Nodular Amelanotic - atypical appearance with delayed dx
Lentigo Maligna
Elderly pts
Face or scalp
Acral Lentiginous
Asians/blacks
Palms, soles
Nodular Melanoma
All sites:
Younger age, new lesion
Invade deeply and metastasis early = poor prog
Common metastases of malignant melanoma
Liver
Eye
Mx of malignant melanoma
Excision + secondary margin excision depending on depth
± lymphadenectomy
± adjuvant chemo
Poor prognostic indicators of malignant melanoma
Male sex (more tumours on trunk cf females)
↑ mitoses
Satellite lesions (lymphatic spread)
Ulceration
Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Ulcerated lesion with hard, raised everted edges
Sun exposed areas
May arise in chronic ulcers: Marjolin’s Ulcer
Basal cell carcinoma
Commonest skin cancer
- Rodent ulcers
- Pearly nodule with rolled telangiectactic edge
- May ulcerate
- Typically on face in sun-exposed area
Behaviour:
Very rarely metastasise
Locally invasive
Mx: if closed to eye
Excision
Cryo/radio may be used.
Evolution and Mx of SCC
Solar/actinic keratosis → Bowen’s → SCC
Lymph node spread is rare
Rx:
Excision + radiotherapy to affected nodes
Actinic Keratoses
Irregular, crusty warty lesions.
Pre-malignant
Mx: for cosmetic effect Cautery - Cryotherapy - 5- flourouracil - Photodynamic phototherapy
Bowen’s Disease
Red/brown scaly plaques
SCC in situ
Psoriasis risk factors and pathology
Age: peaks in 20s and 50s
FHx
Type IV hypersensitivity reaction
- Epidermal proliferation
- T-cell driven inflammatory infiltration
Psoriatic histology
Acanthosis: thickening of the epidermis
Parakeratosis: nuclei in stratum corneum
Psoriatic triggers
Stress Infections: esp. streps Skin trauma Drugs: β-B, Li, anti-malarials, EtOH Smoking
Signs of psoriasis
Symmetrical well-defined red plaques with silvery scale
Distribution:
Extensors: elbows, knees
Flexures - in children(
Scalp, behind ears, navel, sacrum
Psoriatic arthritis:
Mono-/oligo-arthritis: DIPs commonly involved
Asymmetrical
Psoriatic spondylitis
Psoriatic nail changes
Pitting
Onycholysis
Subungual hyperkeratosis - excessive skin cells that accumulate between the nail and the nail bed
Mx of psoriasis
Education: Avoid triggers Soap Substitute Emollients Topical Therapy: Vit D3 analogue: Steroids: e.g. betamethasone
Tar: mainly reserved for in-patient use
UV Phototherapy
Non-Biologicals
- Methotrexate
- Ciclosporin