Dermatology Flashcards
Bacteria that proliferate immediately after a burn
Gram-positive skin flora (Staph Aureus)
> 5 days after a burn, most infections are caused by
Gram-negative organisms (Pseudomonas)
Fungi (Candida)
Early signs of wound infection
Change in appearance (partial thickness becomes full thickness)
Loss of viable skin graft
Burn wound sepsis
Can develop rapidly
Findings: Temperature < 36.5 (97.7) or > 39 (102.2) - Low temperature counts too! Weird! Progressive tachycardia (>90) Progressive tachypnea (>30) Refractory hypotension (SBP < 90)
Also common: Oliguria Unexplained hyperglycemia Thrombocytopenia AMS
Diagnosis of Burn Wound Sepsis
Quantitative Wound Culture (> 10^5 bacteria/g tissue)
Biopsy (determine tissue invasion depth)
Treatment of Burn Wound Sepsis
Empiric broad spectrum IV antibiotics
Pip/Taz
Carbapenem
Potentially include Vanc for MRSA coverage
Potentially include Aminoglycoside for MDR Pseudomonas
Local wound care & debridement
Definition of a large burn
> 20% of body surface area
You see a pediatric burn patient with uniformity of burned skin, sharp lines of demarcation & flexor surface sparing. What do you do?
Call child protective services
Child with: Recent infection Hematuria Abdominal Pain Lower extremity purpuric rash No thrombocytopenia
Vasculitis (probably HSP)
Treat with hyrdation & NSAIDS
Major risk factor for Actinic Keratosis
Chronic sun exposure
Surrounding skin often shows features of solar damage (telangiectasias, hyperpigmentation)
Clinical significance of Actinic Keratosis
Potential progression to squamous cell carcinoma
Likelihood of malignant progression of an individual lesion is low
When is a biopsy of Actinic Keratosis indicated?
> 1cm diameter Indurated Ulceration Rapidly growing Fail appropriate treatment (Cryotherapy or fluorouracil if large)
Histopathology of Actinic Keratosis
Acanthosis (Thickening of epidermis)
Parakeratosis (Retention of nuclei in stratum corneum)
Nuclear atypia
Abnormal keratinization w/ thickening of stratum corneum
Treatment for Actinic Keratosis
Cryotherapy
Large area may require field therapy (Fluorouracil)
Characteristics of Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Erythematous papules or vesicles
Lichenification in chronic cases
Triggers of Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Toxicodendron Plants (Poison Ivy)
Nickel
Rubber
Topical medications
Characteristics of Pityriasis Rosea
Numerous
Oval
Scaly
Plaques
Follow cleavage lines of the trunk
Begins with initial lesion (“Herald Patch”) larger than later lesions
Characteristics of Psoriasis
Well-circumscribed
Plaques
Silvery scales
Predominantly extensor surfaces & scalp
Characteristics of Seborrheic Dermatitis
Scaly
Oily
Erythematous rash
Skinfolds around: Nose Eyebrows Ears Scalp
Characteristics of Seborrheic Keratosis
Benign
Pigmented
Well-demarcated border
Velvety / Greasy surface
“Stuck On” appearance
Mongolian Spot
Benign
Flat
Blue-grey patches
Usually over lower back & buttocks
Can be seen elsewhere
Look like bruises, but are nontender. Document them so future providers know.
Nonwhite children have them at birth, spontaneously fades during first decade. So benign. Reassure.
When does colic (prolonged periods of inconsolable crying) peak?
2 months
Parents get exhausted, increases risk of abuse
Cafe-au-lait macules are associated with
Neurofibromatosis
Ash-leaf spots are associated with
Tuberous Sclerosis