Dermatology Flashcards
Rosacea features?
- Nose, cheeks, forehead
- Flushing, telangiectasia
- Develops into persistent erythema with papules and pustules
- Rhinophyma
- Ocular involvement = blepahritis
- Sunlight may exacerbate features
Rosacea Rx?
- Topical metronidazole for mild symptoms
- Topical brimonidine gel with predominant flushing but limited telangiectasia
- Oral oxytetracycline for more severe disaese
- Sunscreen, camouflage cream, laser therapy if prominent telangiectasia
- Rhinopyma –> referred to dermatology
Bullous pemphigoid definition?
An autoimmune condition causing sub-epidermal blistering of the skin
Bullous pemphigoid pathophysiology?
Development of antibodies against hemidesmosomal proteins BP180 and BP230
Bullous pemphigoid features?
- Itchy, tense blisters around flexures
- Blisters heal without scarring
- No mucosal involvement
Bullous pemphigoid biopsy?
Immunofluorescence shows IgG and C3 at dermo-epidermal junction
Bullous pemphigoid Rx?
- Referral to dermatology for biopsy and confirmation of Dc
- Oral corticosteroids
- Topical corticosteroids, immunosuppressants and Abx are also used
Seborrhoeic keratosis features?
- Large variation in colour from flesh to light-brown to black
- Have a stuck-on appearance
- Keratotic plugs may be seen on the surface
Seborrhoeic keratosis Rx?
- Reassurance
- Removal = curettage, cryosurgery, shave biopsy
Shingles definition?
Acute, unilateral, painful blistering rash caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus (VZV). Following primary infection with VZV (chickenpox), the virus lies dormant in the dorsal root or cranial nerve ganglia
Shingles RFs?
- Age
- HIV: x15
- Immunsuppression
Most commonly affected shingle dermatomes?
T1-L2
Shingles features?
- Prodromal period = burning pain over dermatome for 2-3 days, may interfere with sleep, 20% will experience fever/headache/lethargy
- Rash = erythematous and macular, becomes vesicular, well demarcated by dermatome and doesnt cross midline, bleeding into adjacent areas may be seen
Shingles Dx?
Clinical
Shingles Rx?
- Potentially infectious = avoid pregnant and immunosuppressed, infectious until vesicles crusted over, 5-7 days following onset, covering lesions reduces risk
- Analgesia = Paracetamol and NSAIDs, neuropathic agents, oral corticosteroids may be considered in the first 2 weeks in immunocompetent adults with localized shingles if the pain is severe and not responding to the above treatments
- Antivirals = within 72h, unless unless the patient is < 50 years and has a ‘mild’ truncal rash associated with mild pain and no underlying risk factors. Reduced incidence of post-herpetic neuralgia. Aciclovir/famciclovir/valaciclovir
Shingles complications?
- Post-herpetic neuralgia = most common, 5-30%, usually resolves within 6 months
- Herpes zoster ophthalmicus
- Herpes zoster oticus (Ramsay-Hunt syndrome)
Eczema herpeticum mushkies?
Severe primary infection of the skin by HSV 1/2. On examination, monomorphic punched-out erosions (circular, depressed, ulcerated lesions) usually 1–3 mm in diameter are typically seen. Rx = IV aciclovir as is potentially life threatening
Toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) definition?
A potentially life-threatening skin disorder that is most commonly seen secondary to a drug reaction. In this condition, the skin develops a scalded appearance over an extensive area. Some authors consider TEN to be the severe end of a spectrum of skin disorders which includes erythema multiforme and Stevens-Johnson syndrome
TEN features?
- Systemically unwell e.g. pyrexia, tachycardia
- Positive Nikolsky’s sign = epidermis separates with mild lateral pressure
Drugs known to induce TEN?
- Phenytoin, Penicillins
- Sulphonamides
- Allopurinol
- Carbamazepine
- NSAIDs
TEN Rx?
- Stop precipitating factor
- Supportive care = ITU
- IVIG 1st line
- Others = immunosuppressive agents (ciclosporin and cyclophosphamide), plasmapharesis
Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis definition?
A common and benign condition characterised by the development of a painful nodule on the ear. It is thought to be caused by factors such as persistent pressure on the ear (e.g. secondary to sleep, headsets), trauma or cold. CNH is more common in men and with increasing age.
Chondrodermatitis nodularis helicis Rx?
- Reducing pressure on ears = foam protectors
- Cryotherapy, steroid injection, collagen injection
- Surgery possible but high recurrence rate
Lichen planus features?
- Itchy, papular rash on palms, soles, genitalia and flexor surfaces of arms
- Rash often polygonal, white lines on surface (Wickham’s striae)
- Koebner phenomenon
- Oral involvement on 50%
- Nails = thinning of nail plate, longitudinal ridging
Lichenoid drug eruption causes?
- Gold
- Quinine
- Thiazides
Lichen planus Rx?
- Potent topical steroids
- Benzydamine mouthwash or spray for oral
- If extensive may require oral steroids or immunosuppression
Chronic plaque psoriasis Rx?
Regular emollients
1. 1st line = Potent corticosteroid OD + Vitamin D analogue OD, apply separately one in AM and one in PM, for up to 4 weeks as initial treatment
2. 2nd line = If no improvement after 8 weeks, Vitamin D analogue BD
3. 3rd line = If no improvement after 8-12 weeks, Potent corticosteroid BD up to 4 weeks or coal tar OD/BD
4. Short acting dithranol can also be used
Psoriasis secondary care management?
- Phototherapy
- Systemic therapy
Psoriasis phototherapy mushkies?
- Narrowband UVB 3x week preferred
- Photochemotherapy (PUVA)
Phototherapy s/e?
Skin ageing, SCC (not melanoma)
Psoriasis systemic therapies?
- Oral MTX 1st line
- Ciclosporin
- Systemic retinoids
- Biological = Infliximab, Etanercept, Adalimumab
- Ustekinumab (IL12 & IL23) showing promise
Scalp psoriasis Rx?
- Potent topical corticosteroid OD 4 weeks
- If no improvement after 4 weeks –> use different formulation of the potent corticosteroid (for example, a shampoo or mousse) and/or a topical agents to remove adherent scale (for example, agents containing salicylic acid, emollients and oils) before application of the potent corticosteroid
Face, flexural and genital psoriasis Rx?
Mild/moderate potency corticosteroid OD/BD for maximum 2 weeks
Topical steroids psoriasis mushkies?
- S/e = skin atrophy, striae, rebound symptoms
- Don’t treat scalp, face and flexures for more than 1-2 weeks per month
- Systemic s/e seen when used >10% BSA
- 4 week break before starting another course of topical corticosteroids
- Potent corticosteroids for no longer than 8 weeks at a time, very potent corticosteroids for no longer than 4 weeks at a time
Psoriasis Vitamin D analogue mushkies?
- Calcipotriol (Dovonex), calcitriol, tacalcitol
- Reduce cell division and differentiation, reducing epidermal proliferation
- Adverse effects are uncommon
- Can be used long term, do not smell or stain
- Avoid in pregnancy
- Maximum weekly amount for adults is 100g
- Tend to reduce the scale and thickness of plaques but not the erythema
Dithranol mushkies?
Inhibits DNA synthesis, wash off after 30 mins, s/e = burning, staining
Coal Tar MOA?
Probably inhibits DNA synthesis
Venous ulceration typically seen where?
Above medial malleolus
Venous ulceration Ix?
ABPI (Normal 0.9-1.2). Values below 0.9 indicate arterial disease. Interestingly, values above 1.3 may also indicate arterial disease, in the form of false-negative results secondary to arterial calcification (e.g. In diabetics)
Venous ulceration Rx?
- 4 layer compression banding (only treatment shown to be of real benefit)
- Oral pentoxifylline (peripheral vasodilator), improves healing rate
- Flavinoids
- Little evidence for hydrocolloid dressings, topical growth factors, ultrasound therapy and intermittent pneumatic compression
Dermatitis herpetiformis definition?
Autoimmune blistering skin disorder associated with coeliac disease
Dermatitis herpetiformis pathophysiology?
Deposition of IgA in the dermis
Dermatitis herpetiformis features?
Itchy, vesicular skin lesions on the extensor surfaces (e.g. elbows, knees, buttocks)
Dermatitis herpetiformis Dx?
Skin biopsy = direct immunofluorescence shows deposition of IgA in a granular pattern in the upper dermis
Dermatitis herpetiformis Rx?
- Gluten-free diet
- Dapsone
2 main types of contact dermatitis?
- Irritant
- Allergic
Irritant contact dermatitis mushkies?
Common non-allergic reaction due to weak acids or alkalis (e.g. detergents). Often seen on the hands. Erythema is typical, crusting and vesicles are rare
Allergic contact dermatitis mushkies?
Type IV hypersensitivity reaction. Uncommon - often seen on the head following hair dyes. Presents as an acute weeping eczema which predominately affects the margins of the hairline rather than the hairy scalp itself. Topical treatment with a potent steroid is indicated
Frequent cause of contact dermatitis?
Cement. The alkaline nature of cement may cause an irritant contact dermatitis whilst the dichromates in cement also can cause an allergic contact dermatitis.
Sparing of nasolabial folds?
SLE
Milia?
Small, benign, keratin-filled cysts that typically appear around the face. They may appear at any age but are more common in newborns.
Strawberry naevus AKA?
Capillary haemangioma
Strawberry naevus/capillay haemangioma features?
- Not present at birth but may grow rapidly in 1st month of life
- Erythematous, raised, multilobed tumours
- Typically they increase in size until around 6-9 months before regressing over the next few years (around 95% resolve before 10 years of age).
- Common sites include the face, scalp and back. Rarely they may be present in the upper respiratory tract leading to potential airway obstruction
- Capillary haemangiomas are present in around 10% of white infants. Female infants, premature infants and those of mothers who have undergone chorionic villous sampling are more likely to be affected
Capillary haemangioma potential complications?
- Mechanical = obstructing visual fields or airway
- Bleeding
- Ulceration
- Thrombocytopenia
Capillary haemangioma Rx?
If treatment is required (e.g. Visual field obstruction) then propranolol is increasingly replacing systemic steroids as the treatment of choice. Topical beta-blockers such as timolol are also sometimes used.
What is a cavernous haemangioma?
Deep capillary haemangioma
Acute onset tear-drop scaly papules on trunk and lumbs?
Guttate psoriasis
Guttate psoriasis features?
- More common in children and adolescents
- May be precipitated by streptococcal infection 2-4 weeks prior to lesions appearing
- Tear drop papules on the trunk and limbs, pink/scaly patches or plaques of psoriasis
- Tends to be acute onset over days
Guttate psoriasis Rx?
- Usually resolve spontaneously within 2-3 months
- No evidence for Abx
- Topical agents as per psoriasis
- UVB phototherapy
- Tonsillectomy may be necessary with recurrent episodes
Guttate psoriasis needs to be differentiated from?
Pityriasis rosea
Pityriasis rosea mushkies?
- Many patients report recent respiratory tract infections but this is not common in questions
- Herald patch followed 1-2 weeks later by multiple erythematous, slightly raised oval lesions with a fine scale confined to the outer aspects of the lesions.May follow a characteristic distribution with the longitudinal diameters of the oval lesions running parallel to the line of Langer. This may produce a ‘fir-tree’ appearance
- Self-limiting, resolves after around 6 weeks
Vitiligo definition?
Autoimmune condition which results in the loss of melanocytes and consequent depigmentation of the skin
Vitiligo epidemiology?
1% of the population and symptoms typically develop by the age of 20-30 years.
Vitiligo features?
- Well demarcated patches of depigmented skin
- Peripheries tend to be most affected
- Koebner phenomenon
Vitiligo associated conditions?
- T1DM
- Addison’s
- Thyroid
- Pernicious anaemia
- Alopecia areata
Vitiligo Rx?
- Sunblock
- Camouflage make-up
- Topical corticosteroids may reverse the changes if applied early
- May also be a role for topical tacrolimus and phototherapy, although caution needs to be exercised with light-skinned patients
Purpura definition?
Bleeding into the skin from small blood vessels that produces a non-blanching rash. Smaller petechiae (1-2 mm in diameter) may also be seen. It is typically caused by low platelets but may also be seen with bleeding disorders, such as von Willebrand disease.
Purpura definition?
Bleeding into the skin from small blood vessels that produces a non-blanching rash. Smaller petechiae (1-2 mm in diameter) may also be seen. It is typically caused by low platelets but may also be seen with bleeding disorders, such as von Willebrand disease.
Purpura definition?
Bleeding into the skin from small blood vessels that produces a non-blanching rash. Smaller petechiae (1-2 mm in diameter) may also be seen. It is typically caused by low platelets but may also be seen with bleeding disorders, such as von Willebrand disease.
Molluscum contagiosum transmission?
Closer personal contact, fomites
Molluscum contagiosum epidemiology?
Maximum incidence 1-4 y/o
Molluscum contagiosum features?
- Pinkish/pearly white papules with central umbilication, up to 5mm in diameter
- Do not occur on palms or soles
Molluscum contagiosum self care advice?
- Self limiting, within 18m
- Avoid sharing towels etc., do not scratch lesions
- No exclusion from school/gym/swimming necessary
Molluscum contagiosum Rx?
- Not usually recommended, if lesions troublesome use simple trauma or cryotherapy
- Squeezing with fingernails or piercing with orange stick following a batch
- Cryotherapy in older children or adults
- Eczema can develop around lesion –> 1% hydrocortisone if itching problematic, fusidic acid 2% if skin looks infected
Molluscum contagiosum and HIV +ve?
Urgent referral to HIV specialist
Molluscum contagiosum on eyelid margin/ocular lesions/red eye Rx?
Urgent referral to ophthalmologist
Anogenital Molluscum contagiosum in adults Rx?
Refer to GUM for screening for other STIs
Allergic contact dermatitis Ix?
Patch testing
Seborrheoic dermatitis definition?
A chronic dermatitis thought to be caused by an inflammatory reaction related to a proliferation of a normal skin inhabitant, a fungus called Malassezia furfur (formerly known as Pityrosporum ovale). It is common, affecting around 2% of the general population.
Seborrhoeic dermatitis in adults features?
- Eczematous lesions on sebum-rich areas: scalp, periorbital, auricular and nasolabial folds
- Otitis externa and blepharitis may develop
Seborrhoeic dermatitis associated conditions?
- HIV
- Parkinsons
Seborrhoeic dermatitis scalp disease Rx?
- OTC containing zinc pyrithione (H&S) and tar (Neutrogena T/gel) 1st line
- Ketoconazole 2nd line
- Selenium sulphide and topical corticosteroid may also be useful
Seborrhoeic dermatitis face and body Rx?
- Topical antifungals = ketoconazole
- Topical steroids = short periods
- Difficult to treat = recurrences are common
Scabies cause?
Sarcoptes scabiei
Scabies pathophysiology?
The scabies mite burrows into the skin, laying its eggs in the stratum corneum. The intense pruritus associated with scabies is due to a delayed-type IV hypersensitivity reaction to mites/eggs which occurs about 30 days after the initial infection.
Scabies features?
- Widespread pruritis
- Linear burrows on the side of fingers, interdigital webs and flexor aspects of the wrist
- In infants, the face and scalp may also be affected
- Secondary features are seen due to scratching: excoriation, infection
Scabies Rx?
- Permethrin 1st line
- Malathion 0.5% 2nd line
- All household/close physical contacts should be treated at the same time, even if asymptomatic
- Launder, iron or tumble dry clothing, bedding, towels, etc., on the first day of treatment to kill off mites.
How long can pruritis persist after scabies Rx?
Up to 4-6 weeks post eradication
Permethrin application isntructions?
- Apply to cool, dry skin
- Pay close attention to areas between fingers and toes, under nails, armpit area, creases of the skin such as at the wrist and elbow
- Allow to dry and leave on the skin for 8-12 hours for permethrin, or for 24 hours for malathion, before washing off
- Reapply if insecticide is removed during the treatment period, e.g. If wash hands, change nappy, etc
- Repeat treatment 7 days later
Crusted (Norwegian) Scabies?
- Seen in patients with suppressed immunity, especially HIV
- Will have hundreds of thousands of organisms
- Ivermectin is the Rx of choice and isolation is essential
Hirsutism definition?
Androgen-dependent hair growth in women
Hypertrichosis definition?
Androgen-independent hair growth
Causes of hirsutism?
- PCOS, Cushings, CAH, Androgen therapy
- Obesity, adrenal tumour, androgen secreting ovarian tumour
- Drugs = phenytoin, corticosteroids
Assessment of hirsutism?
Ferriman-Gallwey scoring system = 9 body areas are assigned a score of 0 - 4, a score > 15 is considered to indicate moderate or severe hirsutism
Hirsutism Rx?
- Weight loss if overweight
- Waxing/bleaching not available on NHS
- COCP e.g. co-cyprindiol (Dianette) or ethinylestradiol and drospirenone (Yasmin)
- Facial hirsutism = topical eflornithine - contraindicated in pregnancy and breast-feeding
Causes of hypertrichosis?
- Drugs = minoxidil, ciclosporin, diazoxide
- Congenital hypertrichosis lanuginosa, congenital hypertrichosis terminalis
- Porphyria Cutanea Tarda
- Anorexia Nervosa
Acne vulgaris pathophysiology?
Obstruction of the pilosebaceous follicles with keratin plugs which results in comedones, inflammation and pustules
Acne classification?
- Mild = open and closed comedones with or without sparse inflammatory lesions
- Moderate = widespread non-inflammatory lesions and numerous papules and pustules
- Severe = extensive inflammatory lesions, which may include nodules, pitting, and scarring
Acne Rx?
- Single topical therapy = topical retinoids, benzoyl peroxide
- Topical combination therapy
- Oral Abx
- COCP
- Oral isotretinoin
Acne oral Abx mushkies?
- Tetracycline = lymecycline, doxycycline, oxytetracycline
- Avoid tetracyclines in pregnant/breastfeeding/children<12y/o
- Use erythromycin in pregnancy
- Single oral abx should be used for maximum of 3m
- Topical retinoid (if not contraindicated) or benzoyl peroxide should always be co-prescribed with oral antibiotics to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance developing
- Gram-negative folliculitis may occur as a complication of long-term antibiotic use - high-dose oral trimethoprim is effective if this occurs
Topical and oral Abx in combination?
No
Gram -ve folliculitis Rx?
High dose oral trimethoprim
Acne COCP Rx mushkies?
- Use in combination with topical agents
- Dianette (co-cyprindiol) is sometimes used as it has anti-androgen properties. However, it has an increased risk of venous thromboembolism compared to other COCPs, therefore it should generally be used second-line, only be given for 3 months and women should be appropriately counselled about the risks
Any role for dietary modification in pts with acne?
No
Erythema nodosum mushkies?
- Inflammation of subcutaneous fat
- Tender, erythematous, nodular lesions
- Occur over shins, may also occur elsewhere e.g. forearms, thighs
- Usually resolves within 6 weeks
- Lesions heal without scarrgin
Erythema nodosum causes?
- Infection = Strep, TB, Brucella
- Inflammation = Sarcoid, IBD, Behcets
- Malignancy/lymphoma
- Drugs = penicillins, sulphonamides, COCP
- Pregnancy
Acanthosis nigricans definition?
Symmetrical, brown, velvety plaques that are often found on the neck, axilla and groin.
Acanthosis nigricans causes?
- T2DM, Obesity, PCOS, Acromegaly, Cushings, Hypothyroidism
- GI Cancer
- Familial
- Prader-Willi syndrome
- Drugs = COCP, Nicotinic acid
Acanthosis nigricans pathophysiology?
Insulin resistance → hyperinsulinemia → stimulation of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblast proliferation via interaction with insulin-like growth factor receptor-1 (IGFR1)
Erythema multiforme mushkies?
A hypersensitivity reaction that is most commonly triggered by infections. It may be divided into minor and major forms.
Previously it was thought that Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) was a severe form of erythema multiforme. They are now however considered as separate entities.
Erythema multiforme features?
- Target lesions initially seen on back of hands/feet before spreading to the torso
- Upper limbs are more commonly affected than the lower limbs
- Pruritis occasionally seen and is usually mild
Erythema multiforme causes?
- Viral = HSV (most common), Orf
- Bacteria = Mycoplasma, Streptococcus
- CTD = SLE
- Sarcoidosis
- Malignancy
- Idiopathic
- Drugs = Penicillins, sulphonamides, carbamazepine, allopurinol, NSAIDs, COCP, Nevirapine
Most common cause of erythema multiforme?
HSV
Erythema multiforme major?
Mucosal involvement
Alopecia classification?
- Scarring = destruction of hair follicle
- Non-scarring = preservation of hair follicle
Scarring alopecia causes?
- Trauma, burns
- Radiotherapy
- Lichen planus
- Discoid lupus
- Tinea capitis
Non-scarring alopecia causes?
- Male-pattern baldness
- Iron and zinc deficiency
- AI = alopecia areata
- Telogen effluvium = hair loss following stressful period
- Trichotillomania
- Drugs = cytoxic drugs, carbimazole, heparin, COCP, colchicine
When can scarring develop in untreated tinea capitis?
If a kerion develops