Dermatology Flashcards
USMLE
List the symptoms for erythroderma (skin failure)
Thirst
Fever and chills
Malaise
Dizziness
List the causes for erythroderma
Atopic eczema
Seborrhoeic eczema
Psoriasis
Drugs
* Sulphonamides
* Penicillin
* Gold
* Sulphonylureas
* Allopurinol
* Captopril
Idiopathic
List the complications for skin failure
High-output cardiac failure (increased blood flow)
Hypothermia (heat loss)
Prerenal acute kidney injury (fluid depletion)
Hypoalbuminemia
Catabolism and increased basal metabolic rate
Secondary bacterial infection
Capillary leak syndrome
List three clinical features of acne
Non-inflammatory – open comedones (blackheads) or closed comedones (whiteheads)
Inflammatory – papules, pustules, nodules and cysts
Scars – raised (hypertrophic) or depressed/pitted (box, rolling and ice-pick).
Give the pathophysiology for acne
Sebaceous gland hyperplasia and excess sebum production - Stimulated by androgens, most prominent during puberty
Abnormal follicular differentiation - keratinocytes are retained and accumulate due to increased cohesiveness
Cutibacterium acnes colonisation - gram-positive, non-motile rods found deep in follicles and stimulate pro-inflammatory mediators and lipases
Inflammation and immune response - inflammatory cells and mediators efflux into the disrupted follicle, develops papules, pustules, nodules, and cysts
List the risk factors for acne
Positive family history
Ethnicity
Diet - high glycaemic index
Hormone
* Hyperandrogenism
* Polycystic ovarian syndrome
* Menstruation
List the presentations for conglobate acne
(Found most often in men)
Extensive inflammatory papules
Suppurative nodules (which may coalesce to form sinuses)
Cysts on the trunk and upper limbs.
List the presentations of acne fulminans
(variable systemic manifestations)
Fever
Arthralgias, Myalgias
Hepatosplenomegaly
Osteolytic bone lesions
List the drug/toxin causes of acne
Glucocorticoids, anabolic steroids
Immunomodulators (azathioprine, EGFR inhibitors, ciclosporin)
Antiepileptic drugs
Isoniazid
Dioxins
Lithium
Iodides
Vitamins B1, B6, B12
List the complication for acne
Skin changes
* Scarring
* Post-inflammatory hyper/depigmentation
Psychosocial effects
Systemic comorbidities
* Obesity
* Diabetes mellitus
* Hyperlipidemia
* Hypertension
* Metabolic syndrome
List the first line options for mild to moderate acne
(12 week course, once daily in the evening)
Adapalene + benzoyl peroxide (topical)
Tretinoin + clindamycin (topical)
Benzoyl peroxide + clindamycin (topical)
List the first line options for moderate to severe acne
Adapalene + benzoyl peroxide (topical)
Tretinoin + clindamycin (topical)
Adapalene + benzoyl peroxide + oral lymecycline/doxycycline
Azelaic acid twice daily + oral lymecycline/doxycycline
What is hidradenitis suppurativa
Chronic inflammatory disorder that affects the apocrine pilosebaceous follicles of the axillae, inguinal and breasts
List the presentations for Hidradenitis suppurativa
Recurrent abscesses
Draining sinuses
Scarring
Disabling pain
Malodorous discharging lesions
Associated with the metabolic syndrome, obesity and smoking
List the treatment options for Hidradenitis suppurativa
Oral tetracycline
Combined rifampicin + clindamycin
Acitretin
Adalimumab (anti-TNF)
Surgery for abscess drainage and excision of affected skin
Where does rosacea predominantly affect
The convexities of the centrofacial region (cheeks, chin, nose, and central part of forehead).
Give the diagnostic criteria for rosacea
At least one ‘diagnostic’ or two ‘major’ clinical features present:
Diagnostic features
* Phymatous changes - thickened skin with enlarged pores and irregular surface nodularities
* Persistent erythema
Major features
* Flushing/transient erythema
* Papules and pustules
* Telangiectasia
* Eye symptoms (ocular rosacea)
Minor features
* Skin burning/stinging sensation
* Skin dryness
* Oedema
List the signs of ocular rosacea
Lid margin telangiectasia
Blepharitis
Conjunctivitis
Keratitis, scleritis, iritis
Anterior uveitis
List the risk factors for rosacea
Increasing age.
Photosensitive skin types.
Ultraviolet radiation exposure.
Smoking, alcohol.
Spicy foods and hot drinks.
Heat or cold temperature.
Emotional stress and exercise.
Colonisation with Demodex folliculorum mites.
Give the first line treatment for persistent erythema in rosacea
Topical brimonidine 0.5% gel once daily as needed (alpha agonist)
Give the first line treatment for mild-to-moderate papules / pustules.
Give an alternative in pregnancy
Topical ivermectin once daily 8-12 weeks
In pregnant/breastfeeding women: metronidazole 0.75% twice daily / azelaic acid 15% twice daily
Give the first line treatment for moderate-to-severe papules / pustules.
Give an alternative in pregnancy
Topical ivermectin + oral doxycycline 40mg daily 8–12 weeks
List the endogenous and exogenous classifications for eczema
Endogenous
Atopic eczema
Seborrhoeic eczema
Venous (‘gravitational’) eczema
Discoid eczema
Asteatotic eczema
Chronic hand/foot eczema
Lichen simplex/nodular prurigo
Exogenous
Irritant contact eczema
Allergic contact eczema
List the presentations of seborrhoeic eczema
Affects greasy areas on the face
Scaling and erythema around the nose, medial eyebrows, hairline and ear canals.
In which diseases are seborrhoeic eczema prevalence increased
Parkinson’s disease
HIV
Give the aetiology in seborrhoeic eczema
Malassezia (lipophilic commensal yeast) triggers inflammatory skin changes
Give the management in seborrhoeic eczema
Topical azole cream (fluconazole, clotrimazole) + short-term mild-moderate-potency steroids
List the presentations for venous eczema
Usually elderly and varicose veins / history of venous thrombosis
Involves the inner calf and coexistent signs of venous hypertension
* Hemosiderin deposition
* Lipodermatosclerosis
* Varicose ulceration
Give the management for venous eczema
Bland emollients + short-term moderately potent topical steroid
Give the presentations for asteatotic eczema
Affects older people in wintertime and can be intensely pruritic.
Involves the lower legs, lower back and other areas that have few sebaceous glands.
Give the management in asteatotic eczema
Bland moisturiser and soap substitute
List the presentations for discoid eczema
Well-demarcated, inflamed scaly patches, sometimes with tiny vesicles.
Usually affects the limbs and torso, intensely itchy.
Give the management for discoid eczema
Potent topical steroids
List the common sites of lichen simplex
nape of the neck
outer calves
anogenital area
What is lichen simplex
Chronic eczema thickened and lined (lichenified) skin in response to repeated rubbing and scratching.
List the management for lichen simplex
Potent / superpotent topical steroid and topical antipruritics (menthol)
What age group does atopic eczema most commonly present
Early childhood (< 5 years of age)
What is atopic eczema characterised by
Dry, pruritic skin
Episodes of flares and remissions
What is contact dermatitis/eczema caused by
External harsh substance (irritant) or allergy-provoking substance (allergen)
List the common contact allergens in contact dermatitis / eczema
Fragrance
Rubber chemicals
Metals
Chemical hair dye
Preservative chemicals
Topical antibiotics and antiseptics
Adhesives
Leather and textile dyes
Ingredients in medicated creams - eg. lanolin / hydrocortisone
List the triggering factors in atopic eczema
Soap and detergents
Animal dander
House-dust mites
Extreme temperatures
Rough clothing
Pollen
Certain foods
Skin infections
Stress
What makes an individual genetically susceptible to atopic eczema
Filaggrin mutation
What are the associated comorbidities in atopic eczema
Atopic
* Asthma
* Allergic rhinitis (hay fever)
* Food allergy
* Eosinophilic oesophagitis
Non-atopic
* Allergic contact dermatitis
* Obesity
* Cardiovascular disease
List the complications of atopic eczema
S. aureus infection (typical impetigo or worsening of eczema)
Eczema herpeticum
Superficial fungal infections
Psychosocial problems
Lise the presentation for eczema herpeticum
Disseminated herpes simplex infection
Fever, lymphadenopathy, malaise
List the risk factors for eczema herpeticum
Early-onset and severe atopic eczema
Marked elevations in total IgE
Elevated allergen-specific IgE levels
Peripheral eosinophilia
Presence of filaggrin mutations
Give the management in eczema herpeticum
Urgent systemic antiviral therapy
Give the NICE diagnostic criteria for atopic eczema
An itchy skin condition plus three or more of the following:
* Visible flexural eczema involving the skin creases
* Personal history of flexural eczema
* Personal history of dry skin in the last 12 months
* Personal history of asthma or allergic rhinitis / history of atopic disease in a first-degree relative of a child < 4 years
* Onset of signs and symptoms before the age of 2 years
List the eczema severity grading
Clear - normal skin and no evidence of active eczema
Mild - areas of dry skin, and infrequent itching (with/without small areas of redness)
Moderate - areas of dry skin, frequent itching, and redness (with/without excoriation and localised skin thickening)
Severe - widespread areas of dry skin, incessant itching, and redness (with/without excoriation, extensive skin thickening, bleeding, oozing, cracking, and alteration of pigmentation)
Infected - if eczema is weeping, crusted, or there are pustules, with fever or malaise
List the management for mild, moderate, and severe eczema
(Liberal use)
Mild - hydrocortisone 1%
Moderate - betamethasone valerate 0.025% / clobetasone butyrate 0.05%
Severe - betamethasone valerate 0.1%
* 2nd line - Topical calcineurin inhibitors (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus)
List the first line options for infected eczema
Flucloxacillin
If penicillin allergy / flucloxacillin resistance: clarithromycin
If penicillin allergy + pregnant: erythromycin
If localised areas of infection: topical fusidic acid
List the classification of topical corticosteroids by potency
Very potent
0.05% clobetasol propionate
0.3% diflucortolone valerate
Potent
0.1% betamethasone valerate
0.025% fluocinolone acetonide
Moderately
0.05% clobetasone butyrate
0.05% alclometasone dipropionate
Mild
2.5% hydrocortisone
1% hydrocortisone
List the adverse effects of topical steroids
Cutaneous atrophy and telangiectasia
Striae
Steroid-induced rosacea, perioral dermatitis and folliculitis
Tinea incognito
Ocular adverse effects (cataract, glaucoma)
Adrenal suppression (long-term potent steroids)
List the management options for severe itch in atopic eczema
Non-sedating antihistamine
* cetirizine
* loratadine
* fexofenadine
List three pathogenic factors in psoriasis
Epidermal hyperproliferation
Abnormal keratinocyte differentiation
Lymphocyte inflammatory infiltrate
Give the presentation of Guttate psoriasis
small, scattered, round or oval (2mm~1cm in diameter, water drop appearance) scaly papules, which may be pink or red
What is guttate psoriasis strongly associated with
Streptococcal URTI
What age group does Guttate psoriasis most commonly affect
Children, teenagers and young adults
List the presentations in nail psoriasis
Nail pitting
Discolouration (oil drop sign)
Subungual hyperkeratosis - hyperproliferation of the nail bed
Onycholysis - detachment of the nail from the nail bed
Complete nail dystrophy
List the complications of psoriasis
Erythrodermic psoriasis
Generalised pustular psoriasis
Pregnancy complications - increased risks of
* Miscarriage / Stillbirth
* Preterm delivery
* Low birthweight
Psychosocial effects
Give the presentations of generalised pustular psoriasis
(potentially life-threatening medical emergency)
Rapidly developing widespread erythema
Followed by the eruption of white, sterile non-follicular pustules which coalesce to form large lakes of pus
Associated with systemic illness
* Fever
* Malaise
* Tachycardia
* Weight loss
* Hypothermia
In which type of psoriasis does generalised pustular psoriasis usually present in
People with existing / previous chronic plaque psoriasis
List the presentations for erythrodermic psoriasis
Diffuse, widespread severe psoriasis that affects > 90% of the body surface area.
High output heart failure
Malabsorption (enteropathy)
Hypothermia
Dehydration
Mild anaemia - (iron deficiency due to skin losses, low vitamin B12 and folate)
Give the management in psoriasis
Emollient
Potent topical corticosteroid + topical vitamin D preparation
Give the presentation in chronic plaque psoriasis
Monomorphic, erythematous plaques covered by adherent silvery-white scale
Usually on the scalp, behind the ears, trunk, buttocks, periumbilical area, and extensor surfaces.
Symmetrical distribution, can coalesce to form larger lesions.
Auspitz’s sign = If scale is removed, a glossy red membrane with pinpoint bleeding points is revealed
Woronoff’s ring = Halo-like effect around a plaque, due to vasoconstriction
What can erythrodermic psoriasis be precipitated by
Systemic infection
Irritants eg. coal tar, ciclosporin
Phototherapy
Sudden withdrawal of corticosteroids
Which age group is Pityriasis rosea most common in
Teenagers and young adults (10-35 years)
List the causes of Pityriasis rosea
Herpesviruses 6 and 7 (HHV-6/7)
Drugs
* ACEi
* NSAIDs
* hydrochlorothiazide
* gold
* atypical antipsychotics
* barbiturates
* D-penicillamine
* imatinib
* metronidazole
* isotretinoin
Vaccines
What time of the year does pityriasis rosea have increased incidence
Spring and autumn
List the characteristics of rash in Pityriasis rosea
Most prominent on the torso and proximal limbs
Circular / oval pink macules with collarette of fine scale
Preceded by a larger solitary ‘herald patch’
Christmas tree pattern = Lesions run along dermatome lines of the back
List the presentations in Polymorphic light eruption (‘prickly heat’)
Itchy papular rash develops on sun-exposed areas
* ‘V’ of the neck
* Shoulders and arms
Give the management in Polymorphic light eruption (‘prickly heat’)
Short course prednisolone
List the presentations in lichen planus
Clusters of intensely pruritic, purple–pink, polygonal papules
Flexural aspect of wrists, forearms and lower legs
Fine white streaks (Wickham’s striae)
List the potential triggers for lichen planus
Hepatitis B / C
Drugs (antihypertensives, antimalarials, NSAIDs, gold, quinine, quinidine)
Contact allergens
Genetic predisposition
Physical and emotional stress
Injury to the skin (koebnerization)
Localised skin disease eg. herpes zoster
List the typical features of urticaria
Central swelling of variable size (red/white), surrounded by an area of redness (flare).
Associated itching/burning sensation.
Fleeting nature - skin returns normal within 1–24 hours.
How does urticaria differentiate from other inflammatory rashes eg. eczema
Shorted-lived, lack of skin surface changes
What’s difference between angio-oedema and urticaria
Angio-oedema - deeper form of urticaria with transient swellings of deeper dermal, subcutaneous, and submucosal tissues
Often affects the face (lips, tongue, eyelids), genitalia, hands, or feet.
List the classifications for urticaria
Acute - < 6 weeks
Chronic - > 6 weeks
* Chronic spontaneous urticaria
* Chronic inducible urticaria
Give the pathophysiology of urticaria
Mast cell driven disease - histamine and inflammatory mediators release (eg. leukotrienes, prostaglandins) from activated mast cells results in
* Pruritus
* Vascular permeability (plasma leakage from capillary into skin)
* Oedema
List the acute urticaria triggers
Acute viral infection
Certain foods - milk, eggs, peanuts, tree nuts, and shellfish.
Insect bites and stings.
Contact allergens - latex.
Certain drugs - penicillins, aspirin, NSAIDs, vaccinations
What can chronic inducible urticaria caused by
Aquagenic urticaria - hot or cold water.
Cholinergic urticaria - active or passive warming.
Cold / Heat urticaria
Symptomatic dermatographism - shear forces
Delayed pressure urticaria - sustained pressure
Solar urticaria - light exposure.
Vibratory angioedema
Contact urticaria - eliciting agent.
List the presentations for vasculitic urticaria
Lesions remain for longer than 24 hours
Painful, non-blanching, palpable
Systemic symptoms - fever, malaise, arthralgia
List the management options for urticaria
Non-sedating antihistamine (cetirizine, fexofenadine, loratadine)
Prednisolone 40 mg daily for up to 7 days
How long does impetigo heal without treatment
7~21 days
Describe the presentation of non-bullous impetigo. Where does it most commonly affect?
Thin-walled vesicles / pustules that rupture quickly, forming golden-brown crusts.
Asymptomatic, occasional pruritus
Regional adenopathy common
Systemic symptoms typically absent
Most commonly the face (nose, mouth), limbs, flexures
Describe the presentation of bullous impetigo. Where does it most commonly affect?
Large, fragile, flaccid bullae (fluid-filled lesions > 1cm diameter) that rupture and ooze yellow fluid, leaving a scaley collarette
Regional adenopathy rare
Systemic symptoms (fever, lymphadenopathy, diarrhoea, weakness) if large areas affected
Most commonly flexures, face, trunk, and limbs
Give the first line management for localised impetigo
Hydrogen peroxide 1% cream
Give the first line management options for widespread non-bullous impetigo
(three times daily for 5 days)
Topical fusidic acid 2%
Topical mupirocin 2%
Give the first line management options for non-bullous impetigo + systemically unwell / high risks of complications.
Give the alternatives in penicillin allergy and pregnancy.
Flucloxacillin 500 mg four times daily for 5 days
Penicillin allergy: clarithromycin 250 mg twice daily for 5 days
Pregnant: erythromycin 250~500 mg four times daily for 5 days
Give the first line management options for bullous impetigo.
Give the alternatives in penicillin allergy and pregnancy.
Flucloxacillin 500 mg four times daily for 5 days
Penicillin allergy: clarithromycin 250 mg twice daily for 5 days
Pregnant: erythromycin 250~500 mg four times daily for 5 days
Give the main causative organism in impetigo
S aureus
List the presentation of cellulitis. Where does it most commonly affect?
Pain, warmth, swelling, erythema
Blisters, bullae
Fever, malaise, nausea, rigors
How may pseudomonas aeruginosa cellulitis be contacted
contaminated hot tubs, sponges, nail puncture wound
How may vibrio vulnificus cellulitis be contacted
salt water exposure
How may mycobacterium marinum cellulitis be contacted
aquarium keepers
How may aeromonas hydrophila cellulitis be contacted
freshwater exposure
List the common causative organisms for cellulitis in people with injury, burns, and co‐existing diseases (immunocompromised, diabetes mellitus, cancer, malnutrition)
Streptococcus pneumoniae
Haemophilus influenzae
Gram-negative bacilli
Anaerobes
List the risk factors for cellulitis
Break in the skin
* Trauma, surgery
* Leg ulceration
* Maceration/fungal infection between the toes
* Concomitant skin disorder (atopic eczema)
Diabetes mellitus.
Immunocompromise.
Obesity.
Oedema, lymphoedema.
Pregnancy.
Toe web abnormalities.
Venous insufficiency.
List the acute complications for cellulitis
Deep-seated infection
* Necrotising fasciitis
* Myositis
Sepsis
Subcutaneous abscess
Post-streptococcal nephritis
List the chronic complications for cellulitis
Persistent leg ulceration
Lymphoedema
Recurrent cellulitis
Give the presentation of necrotising fasciitis
Severe pain that is out of proportion to the apparent signs of skin inflammation.
Febrile, severely unwell.
Give the management for necrotising fasciitis
Surgical debridement / amputation
IV antibiotics - High-dose benzylpenicillin + clindamycin (GAS infection)
Give the classification for cellulitis
Eron classification system
Class I - no signs of systemic toxicity and the person has no uncontrolled comorbidities
Class II - either systemically unwell / well but with a comorbidity that may complicate or delay the resolution of infection.
Class III - significant systemic upset that may interfere with a response to treatment, or a limb-threatening infection due to vascular compromise.
Class IV - sepsis or a severe life-threatening infection, such as necrotizing fasciitis.
Give the first line management for cellulitis. Give alternatives in penicillin allergy and pregnancy.
Flucloxacillin 500~1000 mg four times daily for 5–7 days
Penicillin allergy
* Clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for 5–7 days.
* Doxycycline 200 mg on the first day then 100 mg once daily, for a total of 5–7 days.
Pregnancy: Erythromycin 500 mg four times daily for 5–7 days.
Give the first line management for cellulitis near the eyes or nose. Give alternatives in penicillin allergy.
Co-amoxiclav 500 mg three times daily for 7 days
Penicillin allergy:
Clarithromycin 500 mg twice daily for 7 days + metronidazole 400 mg three times daily for 7 days
Describe the presentation of boils (furuncles) and carbuncles
Boil (furuncle) - deep-seated inflammatory nodule
* infection of the hair follicle with purulent extension into the subcutaneous tissue (small abscess)
Carbuncle - several adjacent boils join beneath the skin, drains pus through many follicular orifices.
List the causes of boils (furuncles) and carbuncles.
What is the most common cause?
Staphylococcus aureus - most common
* MRSA
* PVL-SA
Streptococcus pyogenes
Enterobacteriaceae
Enterococci
List the risk factors for Boils (furuncles) and carbuncles
Male sex.
Adolescence.
Close personal contact with an infected person
Contact sports
Poor personal hygiene
Pre-existing skin lesions eg. atopic eczema / abrasions.
Corticosteroids
Blood dyscrasias and anaemia.
Immunocompromised
Obesity.
Malnutrition.
Give the complications of Boils (furuncles) and carbuncles
Scarring
Infection spread
* Cellulitis
* Thrombophlebitis
* Septic arthritis, osteomyelitis, endocarditis, sepsis, brain abscess
Staphylococcal scalded-skin syndrome
Cavernous sinus thrombosis (boils/carbuncles on the lips, nose, cheek)
Define Staphylococcal carriage
Asymptomatic carriage of S aureus on skin or mucous membranes.
List the risk factors for Staphylococcal carriage
Healthcare worker.
Age < 30 or > 60 years.
Male sex.
Skin disease eg. atopic dermatitis and psoriasis.
Health conditions eg. HIV, diabetes mellitus, liver dysfunction.
Obesity.
Hormonal contraception.
Recent antibiotic use.
Intravenous drug use.
Hospitalisation or medical intervention (eg. dialysis).
A household member being colonised.
Working with animals and livestock.
List the complications for Staphylococcal carriage
Skin and soft tissue infections
* Impetigo
* Boils
* Cutaneous abscess
Surgical site infections
Recurrent skin and soft tissue infections
Invasive infections - bacteraemia, sepsis, endocarditis, osteomyelitis, septic arthritis
Nosocomial infections
What skin conditions is Panton-Valentine leukocidin S. aureus (PVL-SA) associated with
Recurrent boils and carbuncles
Necrotizing pneumonia
Necrotizing fasciitis
Osteomyelitis
Septic arthritis
Purpura fulminans
Give the management for nasal Staphylococcal carriage
Naseptin cream (chlorhexidine + neomycin)
Give the management for skin Staphylococcal carriage
Antiseptic preparation (chlorhexidine 4% body wash + Triclosan 2%) daily as liquid soap for 5 days
Describe the presentation for ecthyma
Chronic, well-demarcated, deep ulcers with a necrotic crust and exudate.
What is ecthyma associated with
Malnutrition and poor hygiene eg. IVDU
Give the presentation for Ecthyma gangrenosum
Distinctive necrotic skin ulcers with central thick, dark brown/black eschar
What is ecthyma gangrenosum typically caused by
Pseudomonas septicaemia in an immunocompromised
What is erythrasma
superficial skin infection caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum
Describe the presentation for erythrasma
Orange–beige scaly plaques in the large flexures (axillae, groin)
Maceration in the toe webs
Corynebacteria show coral-pink fluorescence when examined with Wood’s light (UVA)
Give the management for erythrasma
Topical / oral macrolides
List the presentation for Pitted keratolysis
Mltiple punched-out areas and maceration of the skin on weight-bearing plantar surfaces
Associated with
* Hyperhidrosis
* Malodour
List the management options for Pitted keratolysis
Potassium permanganate soaks
Antiperspirants
Topical imidazoles / fusidic acid
Give the causative organism for head lice infestation
pediculosis capitis
List the presentations for head lice
Pruritic rash on the back of the neck and behind the ears (hypersensitivity reaction to louse faeces)
Small red papules in the hairline at the nape of the neck
Lymphadenopathy/erythema with a honey-coloured crust on the scalp