Dermatology Flashcards
What is eczema?
Itchy, dry inflammatory skin condition
What are the different types of eczema?
Atopic Seborrhoeic Varicose Pomphylx Discoid Allergic contact dermatitis Irritant contact dermatitis Photosensitive eczema
What is the most common type of eczema?
Atopic
What is a typical presentation of atopic eczema?
Dry, itchy skin on cheeks of infant, flexural surfaces of children
Skin barrier dysfunction –> loss of water, penetration of irritants/allergens
What causes atopic eczema?
Overactive immune response to environmental stimuli –> immune mediated defect in skin barrier function
Abnormality in filaggrin protein which binds keratin together
What are common flares for eczema?
Infection, central heating, cold air, pets, teething, stress
How can you treat eczema?
Emollients (creams, lotions, ointments) Topical steroids (for 1-2weeks BD + wkend dose) Calcineurin inhibitors UVB Immunosuppression
What are the steroids we can use on the skin in order of strength?
Mild - hydrocortisone
Moderate - eumovate (25x)
Potent - betnovate (100x)
Dermovate - 600x
Don’t use above eumovate on face
What is a typical presentation of seborrheic eczema?
Face and scalp
<3m old
clears up by 12m
Gets infected by Malasseizia yeast –> cradle cap
How do you treat seborrheic eczema?
Antifungal cream/shampoo
Emollients
Steroids
How does discoid eczema present?
Annular itchy patches
How does pomphylx eczema present?
Vesicles on palms/soles
How does varicose eczema present?
Oedema/venous insufficiency/varicose veins –> irritation of skin
usually legs which are dry and inflamed/ulcerated
How do you treat varicose eczema?
Emollients, topical steroids, compression stockings
What is allergic contact dermatitis due to?
Sensitisation of an allergy (commonly diary, soy, wheat, dander, pollen etc.)
How might you investigate an allergic contact dermatitis?
Blood test for IgE
Prick testing
What features might be suggestive of a food allergy?
Anaphylaxis, GI probs, late reactions, failure to thrive, severe eczema unresponsive to Rx
What is treatment for allergic contact dermatitis?
Dietary restrictions >8wks
Eliminate 1 food at a time
Dietician input
Reintroduce to see if allergic
What causes irritant contact dermatitis?
Repeated contact with water, citrus, soaps, friction
How can you identify photosensitive eczema?
T-shirt lines
Places not struck by sun unaffected
What is impetigo? What does it present like?
Superficial bacterial infection
Pustules and honey-crusted erosions