Dermatology Flashcards
state some dermatology problems
pruritus scale alopecia crusting ulceration nodules
define pruritus
itchy skin causing self trauma
what can be causes of pruritus?
allergy
parasites
microbial infection
what can cause scale?
keratinisation disorders
what is mean by primary skin lesions?
develop in skin of own accord
define alopecia
hair loss
define bullae
localised collection of fluid over 0.5cm diameter
larger than vesicle
define erythema
diffuse or localised redness of skin which disappears with diascopy
define macule
flat circumscribed skin discolouration less than 1cm diameter without surface elevation and depression
define nodule
circumscribed solid elevation greater than 1cm usually extends into dermis
define papule
small solid elevation of the skin up to 1cm diameter
what causes papules?
infiltration of inflammatory cells, fluid, foreign material with oedema and epidermal hyperplasia
define patch
big macule, localised flat change in skin pigment larger than 1cm in diameter
define plaque
flat topped elevation of skin usually over 0.5cm, formed by coalition of papules
define pustule
small circumscribed elevation of epidermis filled with purulent material
define vesicle
small circumscribed elevation of epidermis filled with clear fluid, less than 0.5cm diameter
define wheal
sharply circumscribed raised lesion consisting of oedema, usually appears and disappears within hours
list primary skin lesions
alopecia bullae erythema macule nodule papule patch plaque vesicle wheal
list secondary skin lesions
comedone crust epidermal collarette fissure hyperkeratosis hyper and hypopigmentation lichenification scale scar ulcer
what are potential causes of secondary skin lesions?
self trauma
trauma
infections
regressing primary lesions
define comedone
dilated hair follicle filled with cornified cells and sebaceous material
define crust
dried exudate, cells, pus and scale adherent to surface
define epidermal collarette
erosion, superficial damage to epidermis
define fissure
linear cleavage into the epidermis
define hyperkeratosis
increase in thickness of cornified layer of skin
define lichenification
thickening of skin resulting in cobblestone appearance
define scale
accumulation of loose fragments of cornified layer of skin
define ulceration
full thickness loss of epidermis exposing the dermis
how do you approach diagnosing dermatological conditions?
history flea status physical exam problem list differential diagnosis of possible causes diagnostic plan for definitive cause
list diagnostic techniques for dermatology
acetate tape for cytology skin scrapings impression smear flea comb trichogram
what can be seen on acetate tape for cytology?
malassezia
bacteria
inflammatory cells squames
what can you see on skin scrapings?
demodex if deep
cheyletiella if superficial
sarcoptes
what can be seen on impression smears?
inflammatory cells
malassezia
bacteria
what can trichogram show?
anagen telogen mite and lice eggs pruritus dermatophytosis
what animals is dermatophytosis mainly found?
perisian cats but is zoonotic
what are signs of dermatophytosis?
hair loss
scaling
how is dermatophytosis diagnosed?
woods lamp to see fluorescence
microscopy to see spores
dermatophyte test medium
culture for 2 weeks at room temperature
how can dermatophytosis be treated?
products for small localised lesions
can use topical therapy
clipping to reduce load but can spread on host
systemic therapy for general or chronic infection
what is the main cause of dermatophytosis contaminating the environment?
fungal spores on hair
how can you reduce environmental contamination of dermatophytosis?
cleaning chemical agents throw away toys, bedding etc wash in antifungal disinfectant thorough vacuuming
what are indications for skin biopsies?
neoplasia generalised dermatosis conditions poorly responsive to therapy no results from other tests vesicles bullae erosions ulcers
describe how skin biopsies are done
LA, sedation or GA
clip hair but dont prepare skin as removes pathogens
take from multiple sites and fully developed lesions
avoid traumatised lesions
punch 4-8mm wide and excise
where do skin biopsies get sent?
histopathology
culture
cytology
what can be results from submitting skin biopsies?
diagnosis
compatible with clinical diagnosis
not compatible with clinical diagnosis
non-diagnostic
what is meant by the itch scratch cycle?
once itchy continues to scratch
itching influenced by flare factors
list flare factors
fleas bacteria yeast dry skin sweating psychological factors
how is pruritus clinically assessed?
visual analogue scale from normal to itching taking over normal tasks
itching behaviours
how do animals develop clinical signs of allergic dermatitis?
increase in allergic load pushes over amount they can tolerate
what are clinical signs of canine atopic dermatitis?
alopecia erythema excoriation hyperpigmentation lichenification self trauma secondary infections
how is canine atopic dermatitis diagnosed?
rule out other pruritic causing conditions
intradermal and blood testing to select allergens for immunotherapy
what is the purpose of canine atopic dermatitis allergy testing?
doesnt diagnose
identify allergens of clinical significance
basis for allergen specific immunotherapy and desensitisation
what are examples of microbial infection?
pyoderma
malassezia
what are clinical signs of pyoderma?
intraepidermal pustules easily disrupted
transient primary lesions
secondary crusting, erosion lesions
peripheral spread with peeling epidermal collarette
recurring disease if underlying cause unmanaged
what are common underlying disorders of pyoderma?
ectoparasites
allergy
endocrinopathies
what are the two types of pyoderma?
superficial
deep