Dermatology Flashcards
Bacterial Infections: usual etiology
- Staph Aureus/ MRSA or
- Strep Pyogenes (Group A Strep)
- less commonly: Pseudomonas, H. Influenza, Cornyebacter
Primary Infections: examples
impetigo, ecythema, folliculitis, furuncles, carbuncles, cellulitis, sweat glad infections
Impetigo: etiology
- Caused by Group A Strep, Staph aureus
- More common in hot climates or with poor hygiene; Contagious (close living quarters can be an issue)
Impetigo: presentation
- superficial
- bullous = STAPH
- nonbullous = STREP A
Ecthyma: etiology
-usually Group A Strep
Ecthyma: presentation
- Thick, dry, hard crust (as large as 3 cm)
- Superficial (but deeper than impetigo)
- Commonly found : thighs or buttocks
- Starts as vesicle and»_space; vesicopustule
Folliculitis: etiology
- VERY COMMON
-Usually caused by coagulase positive staph
-Other organisms include
Pseudomonas
Kiebsiella
Escherichia
Serratia marcescens
Proteus
MRSA
Fungi
Folliculitis: presentation
- usually bacterial infection of hair follicle
- Red, elevated, tender pustule
- Hair in center of pustule
Follicular Eczema: differential DX
-FE looks a lot like folliculitis but is allergic in nature; does not require antibiotics
Cellulitis/ Erysipelas: definition and presentation
=Superficial skin infection that spreads to deeper dermis and subcutaneous fat/cellulitis/dermal lymphatics
- Caused by Group A streptococci, Staph aureus, Haemophilus influenza
- Fever, low blood pressure, tachycardia, and regional lymphadenitis may occur
Furuncle: definition and etiology
= spread of acute Staph infection from hair follicle to adjacent dermis
-caused by Staph and MRSA
Furuncle: presentation
-painful nodule with pustular center
What is a secondary infection?
=complication of pre-existing skin disorder
Examples of secondary infections=
Staph aureus Methicillin-resistant Staph aureus Streptococci Enterococci Enterobacteriaceae Anaerobes
Nonpharmalogical TX for bacterial skin infections:
- Clean the area
- Bacteriocidal soap/chlorhexadine
- Bleach baths
- Warm compresses to furuncles
- Incision and drainage
- Culture
Topical TX of bacterial skin infections:
- Bacitracin (not preferred)
- Bactroban: BID x 5-10 d
- Altabax 1%: BID x 5 d (only 9 mo +)
Topical TX options for folliculitis:
- Clindamycin: topical BID
- Erythromycin: topical BID
- Bactroban: topical BID
Simple skin infections: 1st line oral antibiotics
-Amoxicillin/clavulinic acid: 25–50 mg/kg/day divided BID
-Cephalexin: 25–50 mg/kg/day divided TID, max 500 mg TID
Cannot be used for MRSA
-Dicloxacillin: 250–500 mg QID × 5–7 days
Pseudomonal Infections- TX:
- If unsure whether infection is pseudomonas, can start with the previous agents, but may need to change to Cipro
- If pseudomonas: start with Ciproflaxin: 500 mg BID × 7–14 days
- Other options: beta lactam and a macrolide
Skin infections: second-line oral antibiotics
- Note: If the patient has multiples allergies, look up second-line oral antibiotics on a case-by-case basis.
- Azithromycin: 500 mg po on first day, then 250 mg po qd × 4 days
- Erythromycin: 250–500 mg po (adult) × 5–7 days
- Clindamycin: 15 mg/kg/day po TID × 10 days
MRSA: oral antibiotics
- Clindamycin: 30–40 mg/kg/day max 450 mg po TID
- Bactrim: 4–6 mg/kg/dose of TMP max 2 DS tabs BID
- Doxycycline: 100 mg po BID
- Minocycline: 200 mg po × 1, then 100 mg po BID
- Linezolid: 600 mg po BID
Inpatient RX for MRSA:
- Vancomycin IV
- Daptomycin IV
- Linezolid po/IV
- Telavancin IV
- Clindamycin po/IV
- Tigecycline
- Ceftaroline
What is decolonization? When is it used, how done?
- Patients with persistent staph, strep, or MRSA infections (and even household contacts, on a case-by-case basis) may be considered for decolonization.
- Mupirocin nasal: apply to nares BID × 5–10 days
- Chlorhexadine: apply to body × 7–14 days
- Bleach baths
Decolonization: Bleach baths- the “how to”
-Bleach baths have become a common recommendation and come in various forms:
-Spray on
-Tub
IDSA 2011 Treatment
For diluted bleach baths, use 1 teaspoon per gallon of water (or 1/4 cup per 1/4 tub, or 13 gallons of water), for 15 minutes twice a week for about 3 months.
Acne: prevalence
- 85% of population (12-25 yo)
- more severe/ frequent in males
- can occur in neonates related to maternal androgen exposure
Acne: definition
- Acne is a disorder of the pilosebaceous unit of the skin
- inflammatory or noninflammatory
- Usually inflammatory by the time of primary care consultation
Acne: development
- Comedo (dried sebum and keratin) plugs a pore, creating a “whitehead”
2 .Oxidation of melanin and sebum in the plugs creates open comedones - Proliferation of Propionibacterium acnes creates inflammation, inciting formation of erythematous papules
- Inflammation progresses, forming pustules
- Pustules can become cystic due to abscess formation, and scarring may occur (at this point the patient should see a doctor)
Acne: nonpharmacologic TX
Patients should:
- Gently wash face twice a day using mild soap
- Avoid oil-based skin care, cosmetics, and hair care products
- If using oil-based ethnic hair care products, follow up by washing off skin along hairline
- Avoid friction or scrubbing
Acne: PCP review and Pt ed-
As a dermatologist, you should
- Review full current regimen for both skin and hair
- Review what you will do for the patient
- Explain that it usually takes up to three medications to find the right option
- Provide drug education (e.g., skin usually gets worse before it gets better)
Pharmacologic TX for Acne:
- Keratolytics
Antibacterial action
Reduce hyperkeratinization - Retinoids
Reverse abnormal keratinization - Antibiotics
Reduce microbial colonization and decrease inflammatory response
Used best when in combination with keratolytic or retinoid
If used alone, bacterial resistance can occur
Keratolytics: examples
- Benzoyl Peroxide
- Salicylic Acid
- Azelaic Acid
- Sulfur (has odor; rare)
Benzoyl Peroxide: options/ notable
- OTC or Rx
- Forms: wash, soap, lotion, gel, solution
- Can cause irritation or scaling
- May bleach clothing or hair (rare)
- No bacterial resistance
Retinoids: 3 options/ notable
-Tretinoin (Retin-A)
Forms: cream, gel, solution
May cause local irritation, but this usually improves with time
Tumorigenic in animals with UV light, so must always use sunscreen!
-Adapalene (Differin) 0.1%
Works well, comparatively, with less irritation
-Tazarotene (Tazorac)
Forms: 0.1% gel and cream
Should not be used during pregnancy
Women who use it should be on contraception
Topical Antibiotics: options/ notable
- Available in gel, solution, or lotion
- Must be used in combination with benzoyl peroxide to decrease keratinization and bacterial drug resistance
- As insurance companies do not usually cover the combination medications that include benzoyl peroxide, these antibiotics require drug education to ensure the patient knows to use both together
Topical Antibiotics: name 3
Types
- Erythromycin
- Clindamycin
- Sulfacetamide
TX of severe acne in primary care-
In cases of severe acne, the patient should be sent to dermatology, but the following options are available in primary care:
- Tetracycline: 250 mg QID
- Doxycycline: 100 mg BID
- Minocycline: 50–100 mg QD-BID
Accutane (Isoretinoin) : Indications and who can RX
- Accutane must be prescribed by a dermatologist registered through the I-PLEDGE program
- Only for severe cystic acne and may have some harsh side effects
Accutane: SE’s and pt monitoring
- Dryness, itching of mucous membranes and skin, and premature closure of epiphyses
- When using, patients must undergo:
1. regular pregnancy tests and
2. monitor their lipids, also
3. monitor the patient for depression
4. and osteoporosis
Stepwise care for acne
- Nonpharmalogical care
- Topical keratolytic
- Topical retinoid (alone) at PM
- Topical antibiotic
- Systemic antibiotic
- Systemic isotretinoin (Accutane)
Scabies: presentation
- Look for dermatitis that is worse on trunk, hands, feet, and perineum
- May have burrows
Scabies: TX (and SEs, pregnancy category)
-Elimite cream:
Sleep with cream on, then shower it off in the morning and wash clothing and bedding in HOT water
-Topical antiparasitic/pediculocide/scabicidal
-Pregnancy Factor B
-Lactation safety: unknown
-Side effects: pruritis, erythema, rash, and edema
Flea or mosquito bites: presentation and TX
-Characterized by punctate papules
-Many patients have hypersensitivity reactions
There is widespread id reaction or papular urticaria
-Treat with Benadryl, topical Benadryl, or calamine
-If those fail, steroid creams can be used.
Pediculosis: presentation
- Found on the head, body, or pubis
- Erythema and scaling may be present
Pediculosis: notable
- Very contagious and highly resistant to medication
- Patients should take great care to avoid recurrence
Pediculosis: TX
- Pyrethrins or permethrin (OTC)
- Malathion (RX): Ovide
-For those ages 6 and older
-Inhibits cholinesterase
Apply to dry hair/scalp and leave on for 8–12 hours
Do not use with infants or neonates - Ivermectin topical and spinosad (RX): both are ovicidal
- Lindane (RX): not first line and cannot be used with children less than 2 years of age or those with seizures
Pediculosis TX: NONNEUROTOXIC TX
-Benzyl alcohol lotion 5% (Ulesfia)
-4% dimeticone lotion (not occlusive)
-Other occlusives: olive oil, vaseline, mayonnaise
[Benzoyl alcohol is FDA approved, dimeticone has one study
Others have no evidence base]
Atopic Dermatitis: presentation/ cardinal SX
- Can be intrinsic or extrinsic
- Characterized by acute erythema, scaling, fissuring, and may have vesicles or papules
- Called “the itch that rashes” (if it does not itch, it is not atopic dermatitis)
- Chronic signs and symptoms develop into lichenification of skin
Atopic Dermatitis: TX
-Medical treatment is primarily: topical corticosteroids
-Can try nonpharmacologic treatments at first
Avoidance of perfumes, irritants such as smoke, laundry detergent, soaps, and bubble bath
Decrease in frequency of bathing, temperature of bath water, and duration of shower/bath
Wearing loose/cotton clothing (avoid synthetic fibers and wool)
Atopic Dermatitis: notable-
Note: Evidence shows that a large number of people with AD also have a metal allergy. Make sure to exclude all metal, and cover with nail polish. Otherwise, the treatment may not work.
Atopic Dermatitis: first line TX
First Line: Emollients
- Steroid sparing
- Minimum or BID application and after bathing
- Ideal moisturizer is thick, as well as fragrance and alcohol free
Atopic Dermatitis: second line TX
TOPICAL CORTICOSTEROIDS
=Mainstay of pharmacologic treatment
Anti-inflammatory
Topical Corticosteroids- Classes/ how rated
Rated by vasoconstrictor effect (most potent: Class 1; least potent: Class 7)
Topical Corticosteroids: duration of action potency/ absorption
- Longer duration of use and higher potency steroid increases risk of side effects
- Absorption is influenced by surface area used, thickness of the skin, vehicle type, drug concentration, and use of occlusive dressings (or not)
Topical Corticosteroids- RULES OF THUMB
- No Class 1–5 topical steroids should touch eyelids, face, mucous membranes, genitalia, intertriginous areas
- Potent topical steroids may be needed on the palms and soles
- The younger the child, the lower the potency
Atopic Dermatitis: example-
3-month-old infant with papules and xerosis on face
3-month-old infant with papules and xerosis on face
-Start with 0.5% hydrocortisone cream
-Always use 0.5% or 1% HCT on young infants, unless severe
Example 2: 36-year-old with lichenification of popliteal and antecubital space
Use an ointment like Triamcinalone 0.025%, and move up higher if needed
Atopic Dermatitis: example-
36-year-old with lichenification of popliteal and antecubital space
36-year-old with lichenification of popliteal and antecubital space
-Use an ointment like Triamcinalone 0.025%, and move up higher if needed
Choices of “vehicles” for topical steroids
- Use a low-potency topical steroid for maintenance and higher potency steroids for acute exacerbations (e.g., an oral steroid “burst”)
- Ointments: more potent and penetrate stratum corneum better
- Foams and loations: less messy for hairy areas
- Creams
Topical Steroids: SEs
- HPA access suppression
- Systemic absorption
- Skin atrophy, corticoid rosacea
- Steroid-induced acne
- Hypopigmentation
- Hypertrichosis
- Increased intraocular pressure
- Cataracts
- Contact dermatitis
Calcineurin Inhibitors: uses, benefits
- May be used with steroids or as an alternative to topical steroids
- No steroid side effects, so can be used in areas of thinner epidermis
- Use only for the short term, second line, and not for those younger than 2 years of age
Calcineurin Inhibitors: SEs and Adv Effects
- burning sensation possible
- Adverse effects: viral infections, HSV, molluscum, varicella, warts
- Side effects: flu-like symptoms, allergic reactions, asthma, coughing, fever, AOM, headache
Calcineurin Inhibitors: FDA warning
Warning from FDA in 2005: use increases risk of skin cancer and lymphoma
Calcineurin Inhibitors: 2 RX options
- Pimecrolimus (Elidel): use for ages 2 and older
- Tacrolimus (Protopic):
Ages 2–15: .03% ung
Ages 16 and older: 0.1% tacrolimus ung
Calcineurin Inhibitors: MOA
Inhibits phosphatase activity of calcineurin: results in inhibition of T-cell activation
Atopic Dermatits: systemic TX options
- Oral antihistamines
- Oral steroids: rebound
- Immunomodulators
- Phototherapy
- Antimicrobials
Seborrheic Dermatitis: presentation / occurrence
- Characterized by diffuse papular rash that can develop into greasy, crusty, scaly lesions
- -Ranges from nonpruitic (in infants) to very pruritic
- When on the scalp, often accompanied by hair loss (alopecia)
- Most frequently occurs in the first year of life, but can occur again in adolescence and adulthood
- More common in men
Seborrheic Dermatitis: etiology
-Malassezia furfur has been implicated as a causative agent in older onset seborrhea (unclear whether this is consistent for infantile seborrhea)
Seborrheic Dermatitis: TX
- There is no FDA-approved treatment for those under 2 years old.
- Pharmacologic therapy works best if wet compresses are applied before application of medication.
- OTC solutions: daily use of antiseborrheic shampoo containing selenium sulfide, sulfur, salicylic acid, zinc pyrithione, tar
- Topical corticosteroids (ketoconazole to treat Malassezia furfur)
- Topical immunomodulators if older than 2 years old