Dermatology Flashcards
What is the difference between a papule and a nodule?
papule is small bump (<5mm)
nodule is larger (5-10mm) and are usually solid and raised with deeper components
What is the proper name for scratch marks and for thickening of skin with exaggerated skin markings?
scratch= excoriations thickening= lichenification
What is a NON-palpable flat topped lesion of <2cm and >2cm called?
<2cm= macule >2cm= patch
What is the difference between and erosion and an ulcer?
erosion is only loss of epidermis (superficial), ulcer is loss of epidermis and dermis (deep)
What words can be used to describe the distribution of a rash?
generalised (all over), widespread (extensive), localised, flexural/ extensor, pressure areas, dermatomal, photosensitive
What virus usually causes viral warts?
human papillomavirus
How should viral warts be managed? (inc when should secondary care refferal be made)
- theyll usually resolve on own on time
- can use salicylic acid or cryotherapy if want to get rid but often reoccurs
- reffer when persistent symptomatic warts, immunocompromised, facial or extensive warts
- secondary care treatments inc bleomycin, 5FU and laser therapy
Whats the difference between epidermoid and pilar cysts?
- clinically indistinguishable
- pilar cysts contain keratinous material, are usually multiple and often inherited
How should cysts be managed?
- if uncomplicated, leave as may resolve spontaneously
- if infected–> flucoxacillin
- excision if troublesome or frequently infected
What syndrome is associated with multiple cysts
gardeners syndrome
describe a seborrheric keratosis
Soft, flat topped or warty looking lesions which appear stuck onto skin, usually pigmented with well circumscribed boarder. Seen in elderly. Usually asymptomatic but may become irrirtated, itchy, inflamed or bleed after minor trauma
How can seborrheic keratosis be managed?
- usually no treatment required
- remove when cosmetic dislike, repeated irritation, chafing or diagnostic uncertainty
- remove by cryotherapy, curettage and cautery or shave excisions
What does a dermatofibroma look like?
- single nodules, often on lower legs which are free moving, fire/ hard and between 0.5-1cm in diameter, they tend to remain static after an initial period of growth
- the overlying skin is generally smooth or sometimes scaly and may be tethered, causing it to dimple when pinched
- skin colour over the lesion varies from pink/ red- cream- brown- normal
how are dermatofibromas managed?
- generally no treatment required
- remove if cosmetic dislike, symptomatic or diagnostic uncertainty but often reoccur
- remove by elliptical excision or punch biopsy
when should a suspected lipoma be ultrasound scanned?
If ? lipsoscaroma
- >5cm, fast growing, deep, in extremities or invading bone or nerves
How is comedomal acne managed?
1st: topical retinoids (adapalene) +/- benzyl peroxide
2nd: azelaic acid
Describe the primary care steps to managing mild- moderate papular/ pustular acne
1st: adapalene + benzyl peroxide (epiduo)
2nd: clinadmycin + benzyl peroxide (duac gel)
3: systemic abx (continue topical tx (not duac)):
- lymecycline or doxycyline
- if not tolerated or contraindicated can give clarithromycn, erythromycin or trimethoprim
- if macrolide not tolerated & <12= trimethoprim
- stop after 3 months if no help
- Give 1st line if spread over chest and back
What is dianette?
- a type of COCP used in females if acne is related to menstrual cycle
- effective as contraception, but not sole indication
- increased risk of VTE compared with other COCPs (avoid is fhx)
- stop it 4-5 menstrual cycles after acne has resolved
When should GPs refer acne to secondary care
- severe acne
- moderate acne only partially responding to oral abx
- when scars or hyperpigmented lesions are staring to form
- if severe psychosocial stress
What treatments can secondary care physicians offer for acne
- prolonged and high dose courses of abx
- dianette with extra cyproteron acetate
- oral steroids
- retinoids (isotretinoin)
list 5 adverse effects of isotretinoin
- dry skin, lips and eyes
- fragile skin (avoid waxing)
- increased risk of skin infection and slow wound healing
- light sensitivity
- deranged LFTs and lipids
- myalgia
- arthralgia
- depression
- suicide
- teratogenic
- interactions with tetracycline, methotrexate, vit A supplements and POP
What types of emollients are available and what are their relative potencies
oitments like hydromol are stongest but very greasy so only for night really
creams like driprobase are less potent
lotions like E45 are least potent (more water, less lipids)
How should emollients be used
liberally 2-4 times per day, esp after washing
What general advice is important for eczema
Identify and avoid triggers (soaps, detergents, over heating, rough clothing, skin infections, pollens, foods, house dust mites, stress)
Avoid shower gels, use moisturisers to wash
Name and give an example of each of the 4 strengths of steroid creams
Hydrocortisone< clobetasone butyrate (eumovate)< betamethasone valerate (betnovate) < clobetasol propinoate (dermovate)
How long should steroid creams be used for before a review?
1-2 weeks
Give 4 side effects of topical steroid use
- skin thinning
- telangiectasia
- striae
- acne
- contact dermatitis
- can be masking/ exacerbating infections
How should infected eczema be managed?
- rule out eczema herpeticum (send to hosp if suspected) and make sure well
- can do nothing (abx + steroids have little benefit compared to steroids alone)
- if systemically well can give flucloxacillin or topical fusidic acid if localised
- refer urgently (within 2 weeks) if infected eczema not responding to tx
What can be done in primary care if pt is getting frequent flare ups of their eczema (7)
- check compliance
- consider weekend steroid regime (high dose steroids on areas prone to flaring at weekends only)
- swab skin and nose- if staph a +ve give bactroban for 1 week)
- consider allergic dermatitis secondary to topical treatments
- topical immunomodulators eg protopic or elidel (dont give in acute infection)
- secondary care refferal
How can scalp eczema be managed?
tar based shampoo if <18months
water based topical steroid scalp applications bg betacap
When should eczema get reffered to secondary care?
- diagnostic uncertainty
- severe
- moderate- severe and only partially responding to high dose steroids +/- protopic
- possible contact dermatitis
What further treatments can secondary care offer for eczema?
- methotrexate
- azathioprine
- ciclosporin
- light therapy
What are the 4 cornerstones to psoriasis management in primary care?
- assess for possible psoriatic arthritis (refer to rheum if needed) and CVD (modifiy risk factors)
- emollients
- topical steroids and vit D analogues
- refer to dermatology if not controlled
What steroids should be used for psoriasis and for how long
Devobet or enstilar foam for plague psoriasis for 8-12 weeks.
Mild- moderate potency steroids (eumovate) for 1-2 weeks if flexural, genital or facial lesions
How should topical vit d analogues (eg calcipotriol and calcitriol) be used in psoriasis?
- only combine with steroids for short term as skin atrophy risk
- safe and well tolerated when used alone long term
- can irritate skin in sensitive areas (face and folds)
- dont exceed limit as causes hypercalcaemia
- dont give in pregnancy or breast feeding
What treatments can secondary care offer for psoriasis?
- phototherapy
- Apremilast
- Dimethyl fumerate
- methotrexate/ ciclosporin
- biologics
- acitretin