dermatology Flashcards
yellow, greasy non pruritic scales on the scalp, classically with no underlying erythema, seen in babies
likely diagnosis?
Infantile Seborrhoeic Dermatitis, more commonly known as Cradle Cap
Tx for cradle cap
emollient (moisturiser) to help loosen the scales
then gently brush baby’s scalp with a soft brush and then wash it with baby shampoo
RF for atopic dermatitis
allergic rhinitis (hayfever),
age <5 years,
family history of eczema,
PMH/FH of atopy (food allergies, asthma)
contact dermatitis vs atopic dermatitis
contact dermatitis
- results from external factors
- type 4 hypersensitivity
- tested for vis skin patch test
atomic dermatitis
- internal skin condition
- type 1 hypersensitivity (IgE)
- tested for via skin prick tets
sites of involvement of atopic dermatitis in infants
cheek
forehead
extensor surfaces
sites of involvement of atopic dermatitis in children
flexures - particularly the wrists, ankles, and antecubital and popliteal fossa
2 signs of chronic atopic dermatitis
lichenification (thick leathery skin due to constant scratching)
hyperpigmentation
what medical emergency can present in children with atopic dermatitis
eczema herpeticum - presenst as rapidly growing painful rash
describe the presentation of eczema herpeticum
rapidly growing painful rash
punched out lesions
commonly seen in children with atopic dermatitis
cause of eczema herpeticum
HSV 1 or 2
Tx for eczema herpeticum
IV acyclovir - urgent as can be life threatening
levels of what are elevated in atopic dermatitis
IgE
Ix for atopic dermatitis
IgE levels
skin prick testing
Ix for contact dermatitis
skin patch testing
Tx for atopic dermatitis, normal and in severe cases
Emollients → improve skin barrier function by rehydrating the skin
Topical Corticosteroids → hydrocortisone
Severe Cases ⇒ systemic immunosuppressive agents (Oral Ciclosporin)
common causes of viral exanthema
chickenpox (varicella),
measles,
rubella
what is viral exanthema and where on body is it usually found
Widespread skin rash accompanying a viral illness
more likely to occur on trunk
Ix for viral exanthema
viral swab
blood tests
Tx for viral exanthema
Antipyretics → paracetamol
Moisturising emollients to reduce itch
where do pressure sores usually happen
over a bony prominence eg sacrum or heel
RF for pressure sores
immobility,
recent surgery
intensive care stay,
diabetes,
malnutrition
what score is used to screen for pts who are risk of developing pressure sores and what does it take into account
Waterlow score
Takes into account
BMI,
nutritional status,
skin type,
mobility
continence
stages 1-4 of pressure ulcers/sores
Stage 1 ⇒ nonblanchable erythema of intact skin.
Stage 2 ⇒ loss of dermis +/- epidermis. Superficial ulcer.
Stage 3 ⇒ loss of all skin layers (full thickness).
Stage 4 ⇒ extensive destruction, tissue necrosis, or damage to muscle, bone or supporting structures
describe the erythema in pressure sores/ulcers
non blanchable
what are the clinical features of a pressure sore/ucler
over bony prominence eg scream/heel
non blanch able erythema
described skin perfusion (^CRT)
painful - (different from neuropathic ulcers which are painless)
signs of wind infection eg purulent drainage, foul smell
Ix for pressure sores
Evaluate for predisposing factors → blood glucose, HbA1C, serum albumin (assess malnutrition)
Check for infection → leukocytosis and increased CRP
management of pressure sores/uclers
Pressure relief over affected area
Frequent position changes (every 2 hrs) for immobile patients
Moist wound environment (encourages ulcer healing)
Analgesia (paracetamol, ibruprofen)
Ensure good Nutrition
Wound Management → cleaning & dressings
management of stage 3/4 pressure sores/uclers in pt who are and aren’t suitable for surgery
Debridement of necrotic tissue (if not suitable for surgery)
Surgical debridement and reconstruction with flap formation (if suitable for surgery)
which layers of the skin are infected in cellulitis
deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue
most common causative bacteria of cellulitis
Streptococcus pyogenes (catalase -ve)
Staphylococcus aureus (catalse +ve)
RF for cellulitis
obesity
diabetes,
venous insufficiency,
eczema,
oedema
describe the skin, lesions and systemic symtopoms of cellulitis
red painful hot swelling
poorly defined lesions
fever, chills, nausea, headaches
what is erysipelas in cellulitis and what is it cause by
causes well defined lesion
More superficial, limited version of cellulitis
Caused by streptococcus pyogenes.
where does cellulitis most commonly occur
legs (shins)
Ix for cellulitis
Clinical Diagnosis → only request further tests if signs of systemic illness or septicaemia
High WCC and CRP
Skin Swab MCS → can identify pathogen and antibiotics susceptibility
If patient admitted and septicaemia suspected → blood cultures and sensitivities
which classification is used to guid management of cellulitis
ERON classification
class I, II, III of cellulitis and how to manage each
Class I (no systemic systems or co-morbidities) → managed in primary care with oral antibiotics
Class II (systemically unwell or systemically well with co-morbidity) → short term hospitalization
Class III (significant systemic upset)
or IV (sepsis or nec fasc) → urgent hospital admission
first line Tx for mild/moderate cellulitis, and what is the replacement if have penicillin allergy
Flucloxacillin → 1st line treatment for mild/moderate cellulitis
If Penicillin Allergic → clarithromycin, erythromycin (in pregnancy), or doxycycline
Tx for cellulitis if severe systemic symptoms (eg. septic signs, tachycardic + hypotensive) or significant comorbidites
hospital admission + IV co-amoxiclav, cefuroxime, clindamycin or ceftriaxone
what can psoriatic skin manifestations be made up of
plaques
papules
describe the papules in psoriasis
erythematous
circumscribed / well demarcated
scaly
purple / silver
what pathophysiology causes the papules and plaques in psoriasis
abnormal T cell activity –> stimulates keratinocyte proliferation
describe the clinical course of psoriasis
relapsing course, with symptoms free intervals
describe the 3 types of psoriatic skin problems
plaque psoriasis
- raised inflamed plaque lesions with a superficial silvery-white scaly eruption
flexure psoriasis
- skin is smooth.
Occurs on skin creases or flexures (ie. groin, armpits).
guttate psoriasis
- widespread, erythematous, fine, scaly papules (water drop appearance) on trunk, arms, and legs.
The lesions often erupt after an upper respiratory infection (frequently triggered by a streptococcal infection- fever and sore throat)
what exacerbates and relieves plaque psoriasis
exacerbates: BBs, NSAIDs, ACEi, lithium
receives: sun exposure
what triggers guttate psoriasis
URTI esp strep infection
Tx of guttate psoriasis
phototherapy
in psoriasis in which order do arthritis and skin manifestations happen
1st arthritis, then skin lesions develop
describe psoriatic arthritis pattern and what the 2 main features are
asymmetrical arthritis pattern
2 main features
1. DIP swelling - “pencil in cup deformity”
2. dactylitis (sausage fingers)
which gene is psoriatic arthritis linked to
HLA-B27
Tx of psoriatic arthritis
NSAIDs and DMARDs (methotrexate)
which medication should be avoided in psoriatic arthritis to avoid skin lesion flare ups
oral steroids
describe nail manifestations of psoriasis
pitting
onycholysis (seperation of the nail from the nail bed)
what is Koebner phenomenon
skin lesions caused by trauma (physical stimuli or skin injury)
what is Auspitz sign
small pinpoint bleeding when scales are scraped off
1st and 2nd line treatment
1st line
topical corticosteroid (hydrocortisone) + topical vitamin D analogue (calcipotriol)
Corticosteroids reduce inflammation, Vitamin D reduced keratinocyte proliferation
2nd line
Phototherapy (secondary care) → narrowband ultraviolet B light
what is 1st line systemic Tx for psoriasis
oral methotrexate
why should steroids for psoratic skin conditions not be used for more than 8 weeks
can cause
- skin atrophy
- rebound symptoms
- striae
what’s another name for urticaria
hives
describe the lesions of urticaria
“wheals”
BLANCHING
smooth
raised skin
oedematous
pruritic
painless
erythematous
rapidly developing (minutes)
short lived (<24hrs)
leaves no skin markings once resolved
is urticaria blanching or non blanching
BLANCHING
contrast causes of acute or chronic urticaria
acute: allergy
chronic: exposure to heat/cold, pressure, sunlight, vibration, Ach release, water
which drugs can cause urticaria
aspirin
penecillin
NSAIDs
opiates
what are urticaria marks called
wheals
what other swelling is urticaria associated with
angioedema (swelling of face, tongue, lips)
what is urticarial vasculitis
chronic / recurrent urticaria due to affected small blood vessels in the skin
what Ix do you do if you suspect urticarial vasculitis
CRP and ESR
1st line Tx for urticaria
Trigger identification & avoidance
antihistamine (loratadine or cetirizine)
Tx for severe / recurrent episodes of urticaria
prednisolone
which part of the skin does necrotising fasciitis affect
subcutaneous soft tissue
contrast type 1 and 2 necrotising fasciitis
type 1 (more common)
- polymicrobial
- aerobes and anaerobes
- common in diabetics following surgery
type 2
- monomicrobial
- strep pyogenes
RF for necrotising fasciitis
immunosuppressed / diabetes
SGLT2 inhibitors
IVDU
surgery
cutaneous trauma
varicella zoster infection
most common site for necrotising fasciitis
perineum - fourniere’s gangrene