Dermatology Flashcards

1
Q

define acne vulgaris

A

chronic inflammatory skin condition
mainly affects face, back and chest
blockage and inflammation of pilosebaceous unit
presents with lesions - non inflammatory (comedones), inflammatory (papules, pustules) or mixture

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
2
Q

what are some complications of acne?

A

scarring, post inflammation hyperpigmentation or depigmentation and anxiety or depression

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
3
Q

what advice should be given for acne?

A

avoid over cleaning skin
avoid non alkaline synthetic detergent
avoid oil based products - make up, sunscreen
avoid picking
tx are effective but can take 6-8 wks to work

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
4
Q

how should mild to moderate acne be managed?

A

12 week course of one of:
topical adapalene with topical benzoyl peroxide
topical tretinion with topical clindamycin
topical benzoyl peroxide with topical clindamycin

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
5
Q

how should moderate to severe acne be managed?

A

12 week course of one of:
topical adapalene with topical benzoyl peroxide
topical tretinion with topical clindamycin
topical benzoyl peroxide with topical clindamycin + either oral lymecycline or oral doxy
topical azelaic acid with oral lymecycline or oral doxy

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
6
Q

when should urgent referral for acne vulgaris be made?

A

acne fulminans - same day on call hospital dermatology team within 24 hrs

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
7
Q

when should referral to consultant dermatologist team be made for acne?

A

not responded to tx
acne with scarring or persistent pigmentation
contribution to mental health

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
8
Q

what are the layers of the skin?

A

epidermis (outer - stratum corneum) + langerhans cells
dermis - collagen, fibrinogen, nerve endings, hair follicles, blood vessels
subcut tissue, protective padding

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
9
Q

pathophysiology of psoriasis

A

increased cell turnover - hyperproliferation of epidermis…scaling, dilation of blood vessels - erythema

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
10
Q

history

A

PC - rash v lesion, site, evolution, duration- acute/chronic, distribution - symmetrical/asymmetrical, flexors/extensors, mucous membranes, sun exposed sites
hx - sx - itching, soreness, exacerbating, relieving, PMH, personal and family hx of skin disease including atopy, drug hx, social, occupation and travel hx +/- sexual hx, psychosocial impact of skin disease, previous and current treatments, hx of skin cancer, sun bed use, occupation - UV exposure

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
11
Q

examination

A

good light and magnifying glass
INSPECT, PALPATE, DESCRIBE, SYSTEMATIC CHECK of whole skin/nails etc
should include hair/scalp, nails, mucous membranes
palpate - ear gloves if infection suspected
comment on morphology - look, distribution, sites, dermatomal
examine other systems if appropariate -joints, LN’s
Site (rash) or size/shape (lesion) Colour Associated changed Morphology
Asymmetry, Border, Colour, Diameter for pigmented lesions
distribution - generalised, flexural, extensor, photosensitive
configuration - discrete, confluent, linear, target
colour - erythematous, purpuric, brown/black, hypopigmented
surface - scale, crust, excoriation, erosion/ulceration
morphology - macule, papule, patch, plaque, nodule, vesicle, pustule, bulla

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
12
Q

papule

A

small lump <5mm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
13
Q

nodule

A

larger lump 5-10mm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
14
Q

erythema

A

redness

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
15
Q

vesicle

A

small water blister

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
16
Q

bulla

A

large water blister

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
17
Q

pustule

A

pus filled vesicle

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
18
Q

telangiecta

A

thread vein

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
19
Q

alopecia

A

hair loss/thinning

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
20
Q

hirsutism

A

hairiness

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
21
Q

excoriations

A

scratch marks

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
22
Q

striae

A

stretch marks

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
23
Q

pruritus

A

itching

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
24
Q

macule

A

non palpable area

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
25
Q

patch

A

discoloutation

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
26
Q

plaque

A

macule >2cm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
27
Q

erosion

A

palpable, flat topped area >1-2cm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
28
Q

ulcer

A

2cm

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
29
Q

lichenification

A

loss of epidermis, loss of epidermis and dermis, thickening of skin with exaggerated skin markings

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
30
Q

how are skin types defined?

A

fitzpatrick skin types
white - 3 types from always burns to sometimes burns
moderate brown
dark brown
black

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
31
Q

annular

A

ring shaped

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
32
Q

wheal

A

urticaria

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
33
Q

discoid

A

shape

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
34
Q

comedone

A

open or closed

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
35
Q

hypertrichosis v hirscuitism

A

both excess hair growth - latter in males

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
36
Q

nail findings

A

koilonychia
pitting
oncholysis
clubbing

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
37
Q

what are the sx to ask for in a dermatology hx?

A

pigmentation
dry skin
open sores, lesions, ulcers
peeling
rashes
itchiness
pain
red,white or pus filled bumps
scaly or rough skin
changes in mole colour size
loss of skin pigment
excessive flushing
bleeding or discharge
systemic sx - pyrexia, malaise, joint pain, swelling, weight loss
tenderness

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
38
Q

history

A

PC - rash v lesion, site, evolution, duration- acute/chronic, distribution - symmetrical/asymmetrical, flexors/extensors, mucous membranes, sun exposed sites
hx - sx - itching, soreness, exacerbating, relieving, PMH, personal and family hx of skin disease including atopy, drug hx, social, occupation and travel hx +/- sexual hx, psychosocial impact of skin disease, previous and current treatments, hx of skin cancer, sun bed use, occupation - UV exposure, improvemenet of lesions when away from work

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
39
Q

what are the psychosocial aspects of a hx which are important?

A

impact on ADL’s
embarassment
pain
chronic conditions

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
40
Q

what are the thinnest sites of the skin?

A

scrotum and eyelids

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
41
Q

what is the normal pH of the skin and why is this?

A

5.5
creates acid mantle…acidic substances such as amino acids, lactic acids and fatty acids in perspiration, sebum and horones
there are resident protective microflora and acididc cond repel pathogens and reduce body odour

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
42
Q

haemosiderin

A

colour - red brown

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
43
Q

where is melanin found?

A

epidermis

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
44
Q

what are the key components of the skin?

A

epidermis -stratum basale, stratum spinosum, stratum granulosum, stratum corneum — keratinocytes, langerhans cells, melanocytes, merkel cells present
dermis - collagen, elastin, glycosaminoglycans, immune cells, nerves, blood vessels, lymphatics

How well did you know this?
1
Not at all
2
3
4
5
Perfectly
45
Q

which skin conditions affect particular components of the skin?

A

pathology in epidermis -
change in epidermal turnover time - psoriasis (reduced turnover time)
change in surface of skin/loss of epidermis - scales, crusting, exudate, ulcer
changes in pigmentation - hypo or hyper
pathology in dermis -
change in contour of skin/loss of dermis - papules, nodules, skin atrophy, ulcers
disorders of skin appendages - hair disorders, acne
changes related to lymphatics and blood vessels- erythema, urticaria, purpura

46
Q

what are the main physiological functions of the skin?

A

protective barrier
temp regulation
sensation
vit d synthesis
immunosurveillance
appearance

47
Q

what are the 3 types of hair?

A

lanugo - fine long hair on foetus
vellus - fine short hair on body surfaces
terminal - coarse long hair - scalp, eyebrow, pubic

48
Q

how can pathology of hair occur?

A

reduced or absent melanin production - grey or white hair
change in duration of growth cycle - hair loss
shaft abnormalities

49
Q

what do pathologies of the nail involve?

A

nail matrix - pits, ridges
nail bed - splinter haemorrhage
nail plate - discoloured nails, thickened nails

50
Q

what do pathologies of the sebaceous glands involve?

A

increased sebum production and bacterial colonisation - acne
sebaceous gland hyperplasia

51
Q

what do pathologies of the sweat gland involve?

A

inflammation of apocrine lgand - hidradenitis suppuravita
overactivity of eccrine glands - hyperhidrosis

52
Q

allergic rashes/urticaria

A
53
Q

skin cancers

A
54
Q

definition, cause and tx of erysipelas

A

Erysipelas is localised skin infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes. In simple terms, it is a more superficial, limited version of cellulitis.

The treatment of choice is flucloxacillin.

55
Q

definition, cause, sx and tx of athletes foot

A

Athlete’s foot. It is usually caused by fungi in the genus Trichophyton.

Features
typically scaling, flaking, and itching between the toes

topical imidazole, undecenoate, or terbinafine first-line

56
Q

how is eczema treated?

A

avoid irritans
simple emollients
Use weakest steroid cream which controls patients symptoms
from hydrocortisone to betamethasone to fluticasone to clobetasol
1 finger tip = 0.5 g - for 2x size of flat hand
wet wrapping (emollinet under wet bandages)
if severe - ciclosporin

57
Q

what is the natural history of eczema?

A

It typically presents before 2 years but clears in around 50% of children by 5 years of age and in 75% of children by 10 years of age

58
Q

fx of eczema

A

itchy, red rash
in infants face and trunk
younger child - extensor sufaces
older - flexor surfaces and creases of face and neck

59
Q

define urticaria

A

local or generalised superficial swelling
fx - pale, pink raised skin - described as hives, pruritic

60
Q

how is urticaria managed?

A

non sedating antihistamines
prednisolone is severe or resistant

61
Q

what are the 2 main types of contact dermatitis?

A

irritant - non allergic reaction due to weak acids/alkalis like detergents or cement. often on hands, erythema typical
allergic - type 4 hypersensitivity reaction, usually following hair dyes. pc acute weeping eczema, topical steroid if severe

62
Q

define dermatitis herpetiformis

A

an autoimmune blistering skin disorder associated with coeliac disease, caused by deposition of IgA in the dermis.

Features
itchy, vesicular skin lesions on the extensor surfaces (e.g. elbows, knees, buttocks)

63
Q

define erythema nodosum

A

inflammation of subcut fat

64
Q

what are the sx of erythema nodosum?

A

tender, erythematous, nodular lesions
typically over shins but can be anywhere
usually resolves within 6 weeks without scarring

65
Q

what are the causes of erythema nodosum?

A

infection -streptococci, tuberculosis, brucellosis
systemic disease - sarcoidosis, inflammatory bowel disease, Behcet’s
malignancy/lymphoma
drugs- penicillins, sulphonamides, combined oral contraceptive pill
pregnancy

66
Q

what are the causes of fungal nail infection?

A

causative organisms - dermatophytes (90% of cases) such as Trichophyton rubrum
yeasts (5-10% of cases) e.g. Candida
non-dermatophyte moulds

67
Q

what are the risk fx for fungal nail infections?

A

> age
DM
psoriasis
repeated nail trauma

68
Q

what are the fx of fungal nail infections?

A

unsightly nails
thickened, rough, opaque nails

69
Q

which investigations are performed for fungal nail infections and tx?

A

nail clippings for M+S
tx - not treated if asx
if dermatophyte or candida - topical tx, if more extensive oral terbinafine if dermatophyte or oral itraconazole if candida

70
Q

define stevens johnson syndrome

A

severe systemic reaction affecting skin and mucosa

71
Q

what are the causes of SJS?

A

penicillin
sulphonamides
lamotrigine, carbamazepine, phenytoin
allopurinol
NSAIDs
oral contraceptive pill

72
Q

what are the clinical fx of SJS?

A

maculopapular rash with target lesions
may develop into vesicles or bullae
Nikolsky sign is positive in erythematous areas - blisters and erosions appear when the skin is rubbed gently
mucosal involvement
systemic symptoms: fever, arthralgia

73
Q

how is SJS managed?

A

hospital admission for supoortive tx

74
Q

what are the sx of psoriasis?

A

red, scaly patches
can get nail signs - pitting, oncholysis
arthritis

75
Q

what is the pathophysiology behind psoriasis?

A

multifactorial
genetic
immunological - abnormal T cell activity stimulates keratinocyte proliferation
environmental - exacerbated by skin trauma, stress, infection or improved by sunlight

76
Q

what are the subtypes of psoriasis?

A

plaque psoriasis: the most common sub-type resulting in the typical well-demarcated red, scaly patches affecting the extensor surfaces, sacrum and scalp
flexural psoriasis: in contrast to plaque psoriasis the skin is smooth
guttate psoriasis: transient psoriatic rash frequently triggered by a streptococcal infection. Multiple red, teardrop lesions appear on the body
pustular psoriasis: commonly occurs on the palms and soles

77
Q

what are the complications of psoriasis?

A

psoriatic arthropathy (around 10%)
increased incidence of metabolic syndrome
increased incidence of cardiovascular disease
increased incidence of venous thromboembolism
psychological distress

78
Q

define alopecia areata

A

Alopecia areata is a presumed autoimmune condition causing localised, well demarcated patches of hair loss. At the edge of the hair loss, there may be small, broken ‘exclamation mark’ hairs

79
Q

what is the natural hx of alopecia areata?

A

Hair will regrow in 50% of patients by 1 year, and in 80-90% eventually. Careful explanation is therefore sufficient in many patients

80
Q

what can be offered as management for alopecia areata?

A

topical or intralesional corticosteroids
topical minoxidil
phototherapy
dithranol
contact immunotherapy
wigs

81
Q

define keloid scars

A

Keloid scars are tumour-like lesions that arise from the connective tissue of a scar and extend beyond the dimensions of the original wound

82
Q

what are the predisposing fx of keloid scars?

A

ethnicity: more common in people with dark skin
occur more commonly in young adults, rare in the elderly
common sites (in order of decreasing frequency): sternum, shoulder, neck, face, extensor surface of limbs, trunk

83
Q

how are keloid scars treated?

A

early keloids may be treated with intra-lesional steroids e.g. triamcinolone
excision is sometimes required but careful consideration needs to given to the potential to create further keloid scarring

84
Q

define vitilligo

A

Vitiligo is an autoimmune condition which results in the loss of melanocytes and consequent depigmentation of the skin. It is thought to affect around 1% of the population and symptoms typically develop by the age of 20-30 years.

85
Q

what are the associated conditions of vitiligo

A

type 1 diabetes mellitus
Addison’s disease
autoimmune thyroid disorders
pernicious anaemia
alopecia areata

86
Q

what are the clinical fx of vitiligo?

A

well-demarcated patches of depigmented skin
the peripheries tend to be most affected
trauma may precipitate new lesions (Koebner phenomenon)

87
Q

how is vitiligo managed?

A

sunblock for affected areas of skin
camouflage make-up
topical corticosteroids may reverse the changes if applied early
there may also be a role for topical tacrolimus and phototherapy, although caution needs to be exercised with light-skinned patients

88
Q

what are the characteristics of basal cell carcinoma and is it likely to metastasise?

A

lesions known as rodent ulcers
characterised by slow growth and local invasion
mets rare
most common type of cancer in western world

89
Q

what are the clinical fx of basal cell carcinoma?

A

most common type is nodular
sun exposed site especially head and neck
initially a pearly, flesh-coloured papule with telangiectasia
may later ulcerate leaving a central ‘crater’

90
Q

how is BCC managed?

A

routine referral if suspected
management - surgical removal, curettage, cryotherapy, topical cream - imiquimod, flurouracil, radiotherapy

91
Q

what are the 3 common types of skin cancer?

A

basal cell
squamous cell
melanoma

92
Q

how common is squamous cell carcinoma and is it likely to metastasise?

A

common
mets rare

93
Q

what are the risk factors for squamous cell carcinoma?

A

excessive exposure to sunlight / psoralen UVA therapy
actinic keratoses and Bowen’s disease
immunosuppression e.g. following renal transplant, HIV
smoking
long-standing leg ulcers (Marjolin’s ulcer)
genetic conditions e.g. xeroderma pigmentosum, oculocutaneous albinism

94
Q

what are the clinical fx of squamous cell carcinoma?

A

on sun exposed sites
rapidly expanding painless, ulcerate nodules
cauliflower like appearance
may be areas of bleeding

95
Q

what is the tx of squamous cell carcinoma?

A

surgical excision with 4mm margins if <20mm
if tumour >20mm 6mm margins
Mohs micrographic surgery may be used in high-risk patients and in cosmetically important sites.

96
Q

what gives good and poor prognosis in squamous cell carcinoma?

A

good - well differentiated, <20mm, <2mm, deep, no associated conditions
poor - poorly differenitated, >20mm, >4mm, immunosuppression

97
Q

what are the 4 main subtypes of melanoma?

A

superficial spreading - majority - growing mole
nodular - second commonest - red or black lump which bleeds/oozes
lentigo maligna - less common - growing mokes
acral lentiginious - rare - subungual pigmentation

98
Q

what are the main diagnostic features of melanoma?

A

change in size, shape, colour - major
diameter >7mm, inflammation, oozing/bleeding, altered sensation

99
Q

how is melanoma treated?

A

if suspicious - excision biopsy with histopathological assessment
once diagnosis is confirmed - pathology determines whether further re excisision of margins is required
margins related to Breslow thickness- 0-1mm thick = 1cm, 1-2mm thick = 1-2cm, 2-4mm = 2-3cm, >4mm = 3cm

100
Q

what is the prognostic factor of malignant melanoma?

A

according to breslow thickness
if <0.75 mm = 95-100% survival
if >4mm = 50%

101
Q

how is psoriasis managed?

A

stepwise approach
regular emollients - reduce scale loss and reduce pruritus
1st line - potent corticosteroid once daily + vit D for 4 weeks
if no improvement after 8 weeks - vit D analogue twice daily
if no improvement 8-12 weeks - potent corticosteroid 2x daily for 4 weeks or a coal tar preparation once or twice daily
short acting dithranol can be used
secondary care - phototherapy or systemic therapy such as oral methotrexate

102
Q

side effects of topical corticosteroid therapy

A

as we know topical corticosteroid therapy may lead to skin atrophy, striae and rebound symptoms
the scalp, face and flexures are particularly prone to steroid atrophy so topical steroids should not be used for more than 1-2 weeks/month

103
Q

face, flexural and genital psoriasis management

A

NICE recommend offering a mild or moderate potency corticosteroid applied once or twice daily for a maximum of 2 weeks

104
Q

scalp psoriasis management

A

NICE recommend the use of potent topical corticosteroids used once daily for 4 weeks

105
Q

what nail changes can be seen in psoriasis?

A

around 80-90% of patients with psoriatic arthropathy have nail changes.

Nail changes that may be seen in psoriasis
pitting
onycholysis (separation of the nail from the nail bed)
subungual hyperkeratosis
loss of the nail

106
Q

what are the exacerbating fx of psoriasis?

A

trauma
alcohol
drugs: beta blockers, lithium, antimalarials (chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine), NSAIDs and ACE inhibitors, infliximab
withdrawal of systemic steroids

Streptococcal infection may trigger guttate psoriasis.

107
Q

steroid tx eczema

A

Mild - Hydrocortisone 0.1–2.5%
Moderate- Betnovate-RD
Potent - Beclometasone dipropionate 0.025%
Betamethasone valerate 0.1%
stronger - body, weaker - face and creases

108
Q

emollient tx eczema

A

liquid- E45
cream - epaderm

109
Q

define pityriasis rosea

A

acute, self-limiting rash which tends to affect young adults. The aetiology is not fully understood but is thought that herpes hominis virus 7 (HHV-7) may play a rol

110
Q

clinical fx pityriasis rosea

A

a minority may give a history of a recent viral infection
herald patch (usually on trunk)
followed by erythematous, oval, scaly patches which follow a characteristic distribution with the longitudinal diameters of the oval lesions running parallel to the line of Langer. This may produce a ‘fir-tree’ appearance

111
Q

prognosis pityriasis rosea

A

self limiting - 6-8 weeks