Dermatology Flashcards
What is (acne) rosacea?
A common, chronic skin condition causing flushing of the forehead, nose, cheeks and chin - flushing can be transient, recurrent or persistent
When does rosacea typically present?
Age 30-60
In who is rosacea more common?
1) Those with pale skin
2) Affects females more commonly than males (although can affect males more severely)
How does rosacea present?
With a red rash over the central face
Describe the rash in rosacea
1) Consists of papules and pustules on an erythematous background
2) Often with telangiectasia (dilated, superficial, small blood vessels)
What is rosacea exacerbated by?
Factors that cause facial flushing e.g:
1) Sun exposure
2) Hot weather
3) Warm baths
4) Stress
5) Spicy foods
What causes rosacea?
Not fully understood - thought to involve genetics, immune, vascular and environmental factors
What are general measures to manage rosacea (not treat)?
1) Camouflage creams
2) Sun protection
3) Avoiding factors causing facial flushing
How do you treat rosacea?
Topical treatments
1) Brimonidine (first line according to NICE)
2) Azelaic acid
3) Ivermectin
Topical antibiotics
4) Metronidazole
5) Oral antibiotics can also be used if symptoms are more severe
6) Adjunct - emollient can be used as soap substitute to help improve symptoms if the skin is dry
7) Adjunct - laser therapy an be used to manage persistent telangiectasia
What are complications of untreated rosacea?
1) Rhinophyma - skin thickening, enlargement and disfiguration of the nose
2) Ocular involvement e.g. blepharitis, conjunctivitis or keratitis
What is acne vulgaris?
Inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous follicle common in adolescents
How does acne vulgaris present?
1) Presents with comedones, papules and pustules on a background of greasy skin
2) Most often seen on the face, chest and upper back
What is steroid rosacea?
Can appear similarly to rosacea however follows use or withdrawal of strong topical corticosteroids
What is seborrhoeic dermatitis caused by?
Proliferation of Malassezia furfur, a yeast found normally on the skin
How does seborrhoeic dermatitis present?
Erythematous, greasy, scaly patches on the scalp, nasolabial folds and posterior auricular skin
What is contact dermatitis?
A type of eczema caused by exposure to an irritant or an allergen on the skin e.g. metals, make up or hair dye
How does contact dermatitis present?
Dry, painful, pruritic rash often with blistering and fissuring on the skin, most commonly on the hands
What is another name for tinea corpis?
Ringworm (fungal infection)
What does ringworm cause?
Rash e.g. face and skin around ears - painless and does not blister
How does impetigo present?
Blister-like lesions with gold coloured crust, often affects the face
What is Ramsay Hunt syndrome?
Shingles affected the nerve supplying the outer ear
Which patients are more susceptible to Ramsay Hunt syndrome?
Immunosuppressed e.g. on methotrexate
How does Ramsay Hunt syndrome present?
1) Very painful ear, pain worsening
2) Feeling generally unwell for a few weeks
3) Muffled hearing but no discharge
4) Erythematous ear and ear drum (not bulging) with blister-like lesions surrounding the outside of the ear
5) Ipsilateral facial palsy after ear/skin symptom onset
How does plaque psoriasis present?
Red scaly plaques on extensor surfaces, sacrum and scalp
What is cellulitis?
Bacterial soft tissue infection of the dermis and subcutaneous tissue
What are risk factors for cellulitis?
1) Advancing age
2) Immunocompromised e.g. diabetic
3) Predisposing skin condition e.g. ulcers, pressure sores, trauma, lymphoedema
What pathogens generally cause cellulitis?
Streptococcus or staphylococcus bacteria
What are the clinical features of cellulitis?
1) Erythema
2) Calor (heat)
3) Swelling
4) Pain
5) Poorly demarcated margins
6) Systemic upset - fever, malaise
7) Lymphadenopathy
8) Often evidence of breach of skin barrier e.g. trauma, ulcer etc