Dermatology Flashcards
Common causes of nappy rashes
Irritant Dermatitis
Infantile seborrhoeic dermatitis
Candida infection
Atopic eczema
Rare Types
Acrodermatitis enteropathica - Associated with Zn deficiency and frequent diarrhoea
Melanocytic naevi
What is the most common type of napkin rash?
Irritant Dermatitis
Cause of Irritant dermatitis
It’s due to not changing nappies frequently or if the infant has diarrhoea.
Rash is due to the irritants in the urine.
Urea splitting organisms in faeces increase the alkalinity and likelihood of the rash.
C/F of irritant dermatitis
Affects convex surface of the buttocks, lower abdomen, top of thighs
The flexures are spared
Mx of Irritant Dermatitis
Frequent Changing of napkin
Keeping the baby without a napkin
Emollients
Topical steroids - 0.5% hydrocortisone
Does candida infections cause rashes or complicate existing rashes?
It can do both
C/F of candida infection
Erthyematous rash
Includes skin flexures
Satelite lesions
Mx of Candida infection
Anti-fungal drugs - Miconazole (Candid- B)
At what age does infantile seborrheic dermatitis present?
first 2 months of life
C/F of infantile seborrheic dermatitis
Starts in the scalp
Can spread to neck, behind ears, face, axilla, extend to flexures and napkin area.
Forms a cradle cap, a thick yellow adherent layer
Not itchy, Child not bothered by it
Mx of seborrheic dermatitis
emollients
Low concentrations Sulphur
Salicylic acid local application
Mild topical steroids - For widely spread rashes
Atopic eczema occurs around what age?
Usually first year of life but uncommon in the first 2 months.
What kind of family history is associated with atopic eczema?
Family Hx of atopic disorders such as eczema, asthma, allergic rhinitis.
What can delay the onset of eczema?
Exclusive breast feeding
Atopic Eczema Dx
Dx made clinically
Elevated plasma IgE level
If there is a Hx to suggest an allergic cause, Skin-prick and radioallergoabsorbent (RAST) tests can be done.
C/F of Atopic Eczema
Itching (Pruritus) - Main Sx, Results in exacerbation of the rash
The excoriated areas becomes erythematous and crusted.
Atopic skin is usually dry, and prolonged scratching and rubbing of the skin may lead to lichenification, in which there is an accentuation of normal skin markings.
What parts of the body are involved in infants and older children in atopic eczema?
Infants >2M old - Predominantly face, trunk, extensors
Older children - Predominantly flexors and friction surfaces
Causes of exacerbation of eczema
Bacterial Infections - Staph, strep
Viral infectons - Herpes simplex virus
Ingestion of an allergen - Egg
Environmental heat and humidity
Change or reduction in medication
Psychological stress
Idiopathic
Complications of atopic eczema
Eczematous skin can readily be infected, usually with Staph and Strep
Mx of atopic eczema
Avoiding Irritants and precipitants
Emollients - Mainstay of Mx, moisturizing and softening the skin. Should be applied liberally 2 or more times a day after a bath.
Topical Corticosteroids -
An effective Rx, must be used with care.
Mildly potent corticosteriods such as 1% hydrocortisone ointment can be applied to eczematous areas twice daily.
Moderately potent topical steroids is used in the mx of acute exacerbations, use must be kept to a minimum. Should be applied lightly and face avoided.
Antibiotics or antiviral agents -
Antibiotics with hydrocortisone. can be applied topically for mildly infected eczema. Systemic antibiotics for widespread infection.
Eczema herpaticum is rx with systemic aciclovir.
Itch suppression with an oral antihistamine - Chlorpheniramine
Psychosocial support if needed.
May have malnutrition, require nutritional advice
Melanocytic naevi risk and Mx
4-6% lifetime risk of subsequent malignant melanoma
Rx - Require prompt referral to paed dermatologist and plastic surgeon to assess feasibility of removal, oncologist might also be involved.
Most common cause of Bullous Impetigo
Staph. aureus
Also caused by Strep infections
C/F of Bullous Impetigo
Seen in the new born
Its uncommon
Potentially Serious blistering form of Impetigo
Bullae which breaks forming silvery crusted lesions
Course of infection in Bullous Impetigo
Superficial bullae form, which are fluid filled lesions, around mouth, genital area, abdomen. The bullae rupture and crust forming Silvery crusted lesions.
Mx of Bullous Impetigo
Cloxacillin, Flucloxacillin, Fusidic Acid, Soframycin Cream
Source/bacterium can come from the nose, nasal carriers can be destroyed by muperasine nasal application.
Child should not attend school until every single bullae has ruptured and crusted.
What’s the most superficial form of bacterial infection?
Bullous Impetigo
Autoinnoculation can spread lesions in Bullous Impetigo. T/F?
T
Types of Viral skin infections
Viral Warts
Molluscum contagiosum
Viral warts are caused by?
human papiloma virus (HPV)
Areas where viral warts occur
Fingers and soles (verrucae)
Mx of viral warts
Most disappear spontaneously over a few months or years
Rx is only indicated if the lesions are painful or are a cosmetic problem
Salicyclic acid, glutaraldehyde, cryotherapy
What causes molluscum contagiosum?
poxvirus
C/F of molluscum contagiosum?
Small lesions, skin coloured/white coloured, pearly papules with central umbilication/dimpling.
Single or usually multiple
Often widespread lesions