Dermatology Flashcards
What is a macule?
An area different in colour or consistency with no elevation
What is a papule?
Raised lesion <1cm diameter
What is a nodule?
Raised lesion >1cm
What is a plaque
Circumscribed, superficial, elevated plateau area
What is a vesicle?
Raised lesion containing fluid
What is a bulla
Large lesion containing fluid >0.5cm
Looks like a blister
What is a pustule?
Circumscribed lesion containing pus
May be white or yellow
What is an erosion?
Loss of epidermis that generally heels without scaring
What is an ulcer?
Deeper loss of epidermis/dermis
What is a patch?
Large area of colour change
What is the pathophysiology of eczema?
Immune response occurs due to exposure to irritants and allergens
This immune response leads to breaks the layers of the skin
Water leaks out and skin becomes dry and itchy
What factors can exacerbate eczema?
Stress Sweat Climate Foods House dust mite Infection
If atopic eczema is present in a child, will it progress to adulthood?
10-20% of children have it
Only 1-2% adults have it
As some children grow older, their skin disease may improve or disappear altogether, although their skin often remains dry and easily irritated
Which protein is mutated in 50% of cases of severe eczema?
Filggrin (FLG)
This is a protein in the epidermis which helps the layers to stick - loss of protein leads to break in the epidermal layer making it easier for irritants and allergens to enter the skin with resultant inflammation
In which area of the body is eczema more common?
Flexor surfaces
Note in infancy the cheeks is the most common place
What is eczema Herpeticum?
Herpes simplex virus infection of eczema areas of skin
Severe complication of eczema and may be life threatening
May be caused by being in contact with someone who has a cold sore
How do you spot the signs of eczema Herpeticum?
Areas of rapidly worsening painful eczema
Clustered blisters - that look like early stage cold sores
Skin erosions (Any skin that has broken away)
Possible fever
What are the life threatening complications of eczema Herpeticum?
Hepatitis
Encephalitis
Pneumonia
What is contact dermatitis?
A type of eczema
Due to a type IV hypersensitivity immune reaction
Either to an allergen e.g, latex, perfumes
Or to an irritant e/g, bleach, acid, pepper spray
What is linchenified skin?
Thickened skin which can be seen in areas of chronic eczema
What is the clinical picture of eczema?
Flexural surfaces Dry and cracked skin Red itchy scaly patches Can be weepy or blistered Skin can be linchenified (thickened) in chronic eczema
What is the management of eczema?
Conservative: Avoid triggers
Emollients: e.g, diprobase, epidermis
Steroid cream: mild hydrocortisone, moderate eumovate
For more severe eczema may consider phototherapy and systemic medication
What kind of emollients are available and where are they best used?
Creams - good for daytime use as they aren’t very greasy and absorbed quickly
Lotions - good for hairy or damaged areas of skin (weeping eczema) they are thin and spread easily
Sprays - for hard to reach areas
Ointments - these are more greasy, but good for very dry skin so good for night time use. Not to be used on weeping eczema
Soap substitutes - don’t foam like normal soap (remember to pat dry)
How often should emollients be applied in eczema?
As much as you like to keep skin moisturised
Ideally 3-4 times a day
How would you counsel someone on how to apply an emollient?
Apply generously
Use a clean spoon or spatula to remove from a pot or tub - this reduces risk of infections from contaminated pots
Be careful not to slip when using emollients in bath/shower or tiled floor - protect floor with a towel
Apply in a downwards motion
Apply after showering
Apply before steroids
What are calcineurin inhibitors?
Give some examples?
Immunemodulators used as an alternative to steroid therapy for eczema
They suppress the T lymphocyte response
Used as 2nd line treatments when you want to avoid the side effects of prolonged steroid use
Examples: tacrolmius, pimecrolimus
What is Dupilimab?
Immuneregulator
Antibody which inhibits the Th2 immune response
Approved for moderate to severe eczema
What is the pathophysiology of psoriasis?
Autoimmune skin condition
Where there is rapid turnover of skin cells (keratinocytes)
Cells only take 3-5 days to migrate to surface (normal cells take 23)
This causes hyperkeratosis - thickened skin and scaling
Leads to immature skin cells at the surface