Dermatology Flashcards
Describing an individual skin lesion
SCAM
S- size, shape
C- colour
A- associated secondary change
M- Morphology, Margin
Signs of melanoma within a skin lesion
ABCD A- asymmetry- lack of mirror image in any of the 4 quadrants) B- irregular Border C- two + colours within the lesion D- Diameter >6mm
Comedone
A plug in a sebaceous follicle containing altered sebum, bacteria and cellular debris
- can present as open (blackhead)
- closed - whitehead
Functions of the skin
- Protective barrier against environmental insults
- Temperature regulation
- Sensation
- Vitamin D synthesis
- Immunosurveillace
- Appearance/Cosmesis
4 Major cell types of the epidermis
Keratinocytes- produce keratin
Langherhan’s cells - present antigens adn activate T-lymphocytes
Melanocytes- produce melanin
Merkel Cells - contain specialised nerve endings for sensation
4 layers of the epidermis
Stratum basale - actively dividing cells, deepest layer
Stratum spinosum (prickle cell layer)- differentiating cells
Stratum granulosum (granular cell layer) cells lose their nuclei and contain granules of keratohyaline- secrete lipid into the intercellular spaces
Stratum corneum - layers of keratin, most superficial layer (horny layer)
Pathology of the epidermis
- changes in epidermal change over time (psoriasis)
- changes in the surface of the skin or loss of the epidermis (scales, crusting, exudate, ulcers)
- changes in pigmentation of the skin
What makes up the dermis
collagen, elastin and glycoaminoglycans (synthesised by fibroblasts) - provide strength and elasticity
Also contains immune cells, nerves, skin appendages and lymphatic and blood vessels
Pathology of the dermis
changes in the conout of the skin or loss of dermis e.g. papules, nodules, skin atrophy and ulcers
- disorders of skin appendages e.g. disorders of hair, acne
- Changes related to lymphatic and blood vessels e.g. erythema/urticaria
stages of wound healing
Haemostasis
Inflammation
Proliferation
Remodelling
Causes of urticaria, angioedema and anaphylaxis
idiopathic, food, drugs, morphine, ACE-i, insect bites, contact, viral or parasitic infections, autoimmune or herediatary
Description of urticaria
local increase in permeability of capilllaries and small veules
prostoglandins, leukotrienes and chemotactic release
main mediator = histamine released by skin mast cells
Presentation of urticaria
welling involving the superficial dermis, raising the epidermis
itchy wheals
Presentation of angioedema
deeper swelling involving the dermis and subcutaneous tissues
swelling of tounge and lips
Presentation of anaphylaxis
bronchospasm
facial and laryngeal oedema
hypotension
can present initially with angioedema and urticaria
Managment of urticaria, angioedmea and anaphylaxis
antihistamines for urticaria
corticosteroids for severe urticaria and angioedema
adrenaline, corticosteroids and antihistamines for anaphylaxis
Erythema nodosum
description
hypersensitivity reaction
Causes of erythema nodosum
Group A B-haemolytic streptococcus Primary TB Pregnancy Malignancy Sarcoidosis IBD Chlamydia Leprosy
Presentation of erythema nodosum
Discrete tender nodules which may become confluent
Lesions appear for 1-2 weeks and leave bruise like discolouration as they resolve
do not ulcerate and resolve without atrophy or scarring
Shins are the most common site
Description of Erythema multiforme
Acute self-limiting condition
Mainly precipitated by herpes simplex virus
Infections and drugs are other causes
Mucosal involvement absent or limited to only one mucosal surface
Discrete red annular lesions, with a paler ring and a red inner ring.
Description of Steven-Johnson syndrome
mucocutaneous necrosis with at least 2 mucosal sites involved
drugs/infections main associations
epithelial necrosis with few inflammatory cells involved on histopathology
Description of Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
usually drug induced
acute severe disease characterised by extensive skin and mucosal necrosis accompanied by systemic toxicity
full thickness epidermal necrosis with subepidermal detachment
Management of Erythema Multiforme, Steven-Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal necrolysis
Early recognition and call for help
Full supportive care to maintain haemodynamic equilibrium
Complications of Erythema Multiforme, Steven-Johnson syndrome and Toxic Epidermal necrolysis
Sepsis
electrolyte imbalance
multisystem organ failure
Description of acute meningococcaemia
Serious communicable infection transmitted by respiratory secretions
bacterial in circulating blood
Causes of acute meningococcaemia
gram negative diplococcus Neisseria meningitides
Presentation of acute meningococcaemia
meningitis- headache, fever, neck stiffness
septicaemia - hypotension, fever, myalgia
non-blanching purpuric rash on the trunk and extremities (may be preceded by a blanching maculopapular rash )
may progress to ecchymoses, haemorrhagic bullae and tissue necrosis
Ecchymoses
a discolouration of the skin resulting from bleeding underneath, typically caused by bruising
Management of acute meningococcaemia
Antibiotics
prophylactic abx for close contacts
Complications of acute meningococcaemia
septic shock
DIC
multi-organ failure
death
Erythryoderma
Description
exfoliative dermatitis involving at least 90% of the skin surface
Causes of Erythryoderma
previous skin disease (eczema, psoriasis)
lymphoma
drugs (sulphonamides, gold, sulphonylureas, penicillin, allopurinol)
idiopathic
Presentation of Erythryoderma
Skin appears inflamed, oedematous and scaly
Systemically unwell with lymphadenopathy and malaise
Management of Erythryoderma
treat underlying cause where known
emollients and wet wraps to maintain skin moisture
topical steroids to help relieve inflammation
Complications of Erythryoderma
Secondary infection fluid loss and electrolyte imbalance hypothermia high out-put cardiac failure and capillary leak syndrome (most severe) overall mortality 20-40%
Eczema herpeticum (Kaposi’s varicelliform eruption)
Description
widespread eruption
serious complication of atopic eczema or other skin conditions
Causes of Eczema herpeticum (Kaposi’s varicelliform eruption)
herpes simplex virus
Presentation of Eczema herpeticum (Kaposi’s varicelliform eruption)
extensive crusted papules, blisters and erosions
systemically unwell with fever and malaise
Management of Eczema herpeticum (Kaposi’s varicelliform eruption)
anti-virals e.g. aciclovir
antibiotics for secondary bacterial infection
Complications of Eczema herpeticum (Kaposi’s varicelliform eruption)
Herpes hepatitis
encephalitis
disseminated intravascular coagulation
rarely - death
Necrotising fasciitis
Description
rapidly spreading infection of the deep fascia with secondary tissue necrosis
Causes of Necrotising fasciitis
Group A haemolytic streptococcus
or
Mixtures of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria
Risk factors for necrotising fasciitis
abdominal surgery
medical co-morbidities - DM, malignancy
50% of cases in previously healthy individuals
Presentation of necrotising fasciitis
severe pain
erythematous, blistering and necrotic skin
systemically unwell with fever and tachycardia
prescence of crepitus (subcutaneous emphysema)
XR may show soft tissue gas
Management of necrotising fasciitis
urgent referral for extensive surgical debridement
IV abx
mortality up to 70%
Erysipelas and cellulitis
description
spreading bacterial infection of the skin
erysipelas- acute superficial form of cellulitis and involves the dermis and upper subcutaneous tissue
cellulitis - involves deep subcutaneous tissue
Causes of Erysipelas and cellulitis
staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyrogenes
RF- immunosuppression, wounds, leg ulcers, toeweb intertrigo and minor skin injury
Presentation of Erysipelas and cellulitis
most common in the lower limbs
local signs of inflammation - tumour, rubor, calor and dolor
may be associated with lymphangitis
systemically unwell with fever, malaise or rigors esp. erysipelas
Erysipelas differentiated from cellulitis by well-defined, red raised border
Management of Erysipelas and cellulitis
Abx- flucloxacillin or benzylpenicillin
supportive care- rest, leg elevation, sterile dressings and analgesia
Complications of Erysipelas and cellulitis
local necrosis, abscess and septicaemia