dermatology

Question 1

skin appears red and inflamed, itchy
dry and flaky
skin appears darker
During a severe flare up:
moist
small water blisters

Answer 1

Eczema

CAUSES
genetics
environmental factors
food allergies
contact dermatitis
scratching and rubbing
not contagious
Location: elbows, knees, neck, wrists, cheeks, face, scalp

MANAGEMENT/TREATMENT
emollients (first line) keep away from flame
topical corticosteroids (second line) to reduce inflammation and itching
correct use of emollients
do not scratch
keep nails short

Question 2

red skin
itchy
burning/stinging
blistered (more in allergic)
dry and cracked
scaly
irritant
allergen

Answer 2

Contact dermatitis

CAUSES
irritant
allergen

MANAGEMENT/TREATMENT
1st line: emollient
2nd line: topical corticosteroids
3rd line: oral corticosteroid

avoid irritant or allergen

Question 3

red skin
itchy
burning/stinging
blistered (more in allergic)
dry and cracked
scaly
Irritants:
soaps and detergents
perfume and cosmetics
solvents
plants
powders

Answer 3

Irritant contact dermatitis

MANAGEMENT/TREATMENT
1st line: emollient
2nd line: topical corticosteroids
3rd line: oral corticosteroid

avoid irritant or allergen

Question 4

red skin
itchy
burning/stinging
blistered (more in allergic)
dry and cracked
scaly
Allergens:
metal jewellery
perfume and cosmetics
preservatives
plants

Answer 4

Allergic contact dermatitis

MANAGEMENT/TREATMENT
1st line: emollient
2nd line: topical corticosteroids
3rd line: oral corticosteroid

avoid irritant or allergen

Question 5

skin, joint and nails affected
inflamed areas of skin
scales are white/silvery
oval,irregular lesions
may be itchy/sore
pitted fingernails

Answer 5

Psoriasis

CAUSES
infections
hormonal changes
skin injury
stress and anxiety
alcohol
smoking
medications (beta blockers, lithium, antimalarials)

MANAGEMENT/TREATMENT
1st line: emollient
2nd line: topical corticosteroids
3rd line: oral corticosteroid

1st line: emollients
potent topical corticosteroids
coal tar preparations
salicylic acid
phototherapy

avoid irritant or allergen

moisturise regularly
gentle cleansing
balanced diet
stress management
avoid scratching
cool compress

Question 6

spots
oily skin
red bumps
papules
pustules
inflammation
scarring
itching and irritation

Answer 6

Acne

CAUSES
chemicals
hormonal changes
make up
hair/oil products
picking spots
sweating heavily
medicines: phenytoin, steroids, lithium

MANAGEMENT/TREATMENT
benzoyl peroxide
nicotinamide
salicylic acid
topical retinoids:
adapalene (over 12 years old)
tretinoin (over 12 years old)

use mild soap (non-alkaline)
use a soft wash cloth
remove makeup at the end of the day
maintain healthy diet
excess washing and scrubbing may cause inflammation