Dermatology Flashcards
What is eczema?
Chronic atopic condition causing inflammation. This is due to defects in the normal continuity of the skin barrier
Describe ezcema presentation
dry, red, itchy sore patches of skin - generally on the flexor surfaces - inside of elbows and knees, or on the face/neck. it is often has flares and periods of remission.
What other conditions is ezcema associated with?
Atopic conditions - e.g. asthma, hayfever, allergies
What is the maintenance management of eczema?
Emollients - thick and greasy to create an artificial barrier over the skin.
Examples - cetraben, diprobasem aveeno cream, E45.
- avoid exacerbators - e.g. washing powders, scented soaps
How are ezcema flares managed?
- continue regular emollients and creams
- topical steroids (weakest for shortest period of time) - e.g. hydrocortisone (weak) , dermovate (potent)
- if infected - antibiotics ( most commonly flucloxacillin)
What is eczema herpeticum?
A viral skin infection caused by herpes simplex virus or varciella zoster virus.
Usually occurs in patients with pre-exsiting ezcema or dermatitis as the virus is able to enter the skin to cause the infection.
How does eczema herpeticum present?
patient with ezcema that has developed
- widespread
- painful
- erythematous
- vesicular rash (spots containing fluid)
- systemic symptoms - fever, lethargy, irritability
- lymphadenopathy
How is eczema herpeticum diagnosed?
Viral skin swab - however normally treated on clinical appearance
What causes chicken pox?
Varicella zoster virus
Describe the presentation of chickenpox?
- widespread, erythematous, raised, vesicular (fluid filled), blistering rash.
- normally starts on trunk or face and spreads outwards, affecting the whole body for 2-5 days.
- lesions then scab over
- fever
- itchiness
- general fatigue
Describe the infectivity of chicken pox?
- highly infective through direct contact or infected droplets.
- become symptomatic 10 days - 3 wks after exposure
- no longer contagious when all the lesions have crusted over
What are some complications of chickenpox?
- bacterial superinfection + sepsis
- dehydration
- conjunctival lesions
- pneumonia
- encephalitis
Can lay dormant - later reactivated as shingles or Ramsay hunt syndrome
How is chickenpox managed?
- usually self limiting
- aciclovir - considered if immunocomprimised / at risk of complications
- can manage symptoms with antipyrexials and antihistamines
- stay off school and avoid pregnant women until all lesions are crusted over
What causes hand, foot and mouth disease?
coxsackie A virus
What is the incubation time for hand, foot and mouth disease?
3-5 days