Dermatology Flashcards
Define toxic epidermal necrolysis
Potentially life-threatening dermatological disorder characterised by widespread erythema, necrosis and bullous detachement of epidermis and mucous membranes
What is the milder form of TEN called?
Stevens-Johnson syndrome (<10% involvement)
What are the risk factors for TEN?
Children
HIV/AIDS
Drugs
What drugs can cause TEN?
Sulphonamides Phenobarbital Carbamazepine Lamotrigine Allopurinol
What is the aetiology of TEN?
Adverse drug reaction
Infection
Vaccination
Graft vs host disease
What are the symptoms of TEN?
Prodrome of cough, myalgia and anorexia 2-3 days before
Itching
Burning
Fever
What are the examination findings in TEN?
Involvement of mucosa and internal epithelial surfaces
Nikolsky’s sign
What is Nikolsky’s sign?
Slight rubbing of the skin results in exfoliation - occurs in TEN
What investigations can be done for a patient with suspected TEN?
Bloods - FBC, U&Es, CRP
Skin biopsy
Blood cultures
How is TEN managed?
ITU, burn, gynae, ophthalmology involvement
Stop all drugs
Analgesia and fluids
IVIG
What are the differential diagnoses for TEN?
Bullous pemphigoid
Bullous pemphigus
What are the complications of TEN?
Death Dehydration/malnutrition ARDS GI ulceration/perforation Infection Sepsis
What is the prognosis of TEN?
30-50% mortality
Define erythema multiforme
Acute hypersensitivity rash caused by infection or drugs
Usually mild but makor form can affect mucous membranes
What are the risk factors for EM?
History of EM or infection
Suspect drugs
Vaccinations - diphtheria, tetanus
What is the aetiology of EM?
HSV EBV Drugs - sulphonamide, anticonvulsants Mycoplasma Autoimmune HIV Wegener's Carcinoma, lymphoma
What features are seen on examination of a patient with EM?
Erythematous polycyclic/annular/concentric rings (target lesions)
May blister
Symmetrical rash
What investigations can be done for a patient with suspected EM?
Bloods - FBC, U&Es
Serology - HSV, VZV
M.pneumoniae titre
CXR
How is EM managed?
Treat underlying cause
Recurrent - aciclovir
Resistant - azathioprine
What are the differential diagnoses of EM?
TEN
SJS
What are the complications of EM?
Sepsis
Cellulitis
Permanent skin/eye damage and scarring
Inflammation of internal organs
What is the prognosis of EM?
Usually self-limiting
Can recur
How can EM be prevented?
Prophylactic antivirals for HSV
Define acute urticaria
Development of itchy weals/swellings in the skin due to leaky dermal vessels
AKA hives
What is the difference between urticaria and angio-oedema?
Angio-oedema involves sub-dermal vessels; life-threatening
Urticaria involves dermal vessels
What are the types of urticaria?
Cold Pressure Stress Heat/cholinergic Solar Aquagenic Contact
What are the risk factors for urticaria?
Atopy
Young age
What is the aetiology of urticaria?
Autoimmune Viral/parasitic infection Drug reaction Food allergy SLE Idiopathic
What drugs can cause urticaria?
NSAIDs
Penicillin
ACEi
Opiates
What would be the examination findings of a patient with urticaria?
Cutaneous swellings/weals, develop over a few minutes anywhere on the body and resolve spontaneously in minutes/hours
Lesions are intensely itchy and erythematous
How is urticaria managed?
Treat underlying cause Avoid salicylates and opiates Oral antihistamines (e.g. cetirizine)
How is angio-oedema managed?
IM adrenaline
IV steroids
What are the differential diagnoses for urticaria?
Blisters
Dermatitis
Insect bite
Drug reaction
What are the complications of urticaria?
Anaphylaxis
Airway blockage
What is the prognosis of urticaria?
Usually spontaneously resolves
May become chronic
How can urticaria be prevented?
Prophylactic antihistamines for predisposed individuals
Define erythroderma
Clinical state of inflammation/redness of all/most of the skin
What are the risk factors for erythroderma?
Male
Older age
What is the aetiology of erythroderma?
Atopic eczema Psoriasis Drugs Seborrhoeic eczema Idiopathic Rare - leukaemia, HIV, toxic shock syndrome
What drugs can cause erythroderma?
Sulphonamides Gold Sulfonylureas Penicillin Allopurinol Captopril
What are the symptoms of erythroderma?
Tight, itchy skin
Malaise
Pyrexia
Widespread lymphadenopathy
What signs are seen on examination of a patient with erythroderma?
Hair loss
Ectropion
Nail shedding
Pustules
How is erythroderma investigated?
Skin biopsy
How is erythroderma managed?
Keep patient warm Regular observation and fluid balance Swab for infection Stop drugs Bed rest Emollient/mild topical steroid
What are the complications of erythroderma?
Death Cardiac failure Hypothermia Fluid loss Hypoalbuminaemia Capillary leak syndrome
Define impetigo
Highly contagious superficial bacterial infection with yellow crusting most common in children
What are the risk factors for impetigo?
Age 2-5
Crowded conditions (schools)
Warm, humid weather
Broken skin
What bacteria are most commonly implicated in impetigo?
S.aureus
Group A β-haemolytic streptococcus
What does impetigo look like on examination?
Weeping, exudative areas with honey-coloured crust
How is impetigo investigated?
Nasal swabs (resistant infection)
How is impetigo managed?
Topical fusidic acid or oral antibiotics
What are the differential diagnoses for impetigo?
Bullous impetigo
Scabies
Give a complication of impetigo
Cellulitis
What is the prognosis of impetigo?
Self-limiting and mild
How can impetigo be prevented?
Good personal hygiene
Avoid direct contact with affected
Define tinea
Superficial fungal infection of skin/nails by dermatophytes
What is tinea more commonly known as?
Ringworm
Give a risk factor for tinea
Immunosuppression
What are the 3 main organisms implicated in tinea?
Microsporum
Epidermophyton
Trichophyton
What does tinea look like on examination?
Asymmetrical, scaly patches with central clearing
Advancing, scaly, raised edges
Vesicles/pustules may be present
How can tinea be investigated?
Skin scrapings
How is tinea managed?
Topical terbinafine or systemic terbinafine/itraconazole
What are the differential diagnoses for tinea?
Nummular eczema
Granumola annulare
Psoriasis
Contact dermatitis
What are the complications of tinea?
Bacterial superinfection
General invasion of dermatophyte infection
What is the prognosis of tinea?
Curable
How can tinea be prevented?
Good skincare
Not sharing things with people who are affected
Define soft tissue abscess
Infection in the dermis/fat with development of walled off infection
What 2 organisms are most commonly implicated in soft tissue abscesses?
S.aureus
S.pyogenes
How are soft tissue abscessed managed?
Surgical drainage
Antibiotics if severe infection
Define cellulitis
Infection involving the dermis, mostly on the lower limb
What 2 organisms are most commonly implicated in cellulitis?
S.aureus
β-haemolytic streptococci
How do patients with cellulitis present?
Fever, unwell
Hot, tender area
How is cellulitis managed?
IV flucloxacillin for 3-5 days followed by oral therapy for 2 weeks
What are the differential diagnoses for cellulitis?
Animal bites
DVT
Dermatitis
What organism is responsible for causing streptococcal toxic shock?
Group A β-haemolytic streptococci (primary infection of throat/skin)
How does streptococcal toxic shock present?
Localised infection, fever and shock
Diffuse, faint rash over whole body
How is streptococcal toxic shock managed?
Surgery - drain abscess
Antibiotics - penicillin, clindamycin
IVIG (severe)
Define necrotising fasciitis
Immediately life-threatening, rapidly progressive soft tissue infection with deep tissue involvemtn
How does necrotising fasciitis present?
Rapidly progressive
Pain out of proportion to clinical signs
Severe systemic upset
Visible necrotic tissue
What late signs can be seen on imaging of necrotising fasciitis?
Fascial oedema
Gas in soft tissues
How is necrotising fasciitis treated?
Surgical debridement
Broad spectrum antibiotics
What are the 2 types of necrotising fasciitis?
Type 1 - polymicrobial, existing wound
Type 2 - group A streptococci, healthy tissue
What are the 2 types of herpes simplex virus?
Type 1 - cold sores
Type 2 - genital herpes
How is HSV diagnosed?
Clinically
Blood/vesicle fluid PCR
Serology
How is HSV managed?
Aciclovir
How is varicella zoster virus infection managed?
Supportive
At risk adults (pregnant, immunocompromised, pneumonitis) should be treated with 48 hours of symptoms with aciclovir
Define eczema
Group of skin disorders causing dry, irritated skin
List the different types of eczema
Atopic Seborrhoeic Varicose Pompholyx Contact Photoreaction
What is the pathophysiology of eczema?
Abnormalities in skin barrier lead to increased permeability
What are the risk factors for eczema?
Family history
Hygiene hypothesis
Exacerbating factors
Atopy
What is the aetiology of eczema?
Genetic - loss of function mutation of FLG gene (codes for filaggrin protein)
What signs are seen on examination of eczema?
Itchy, erythematous, scaly patches
Commonly in flexures
Acute lesions may weep/exude and have vesicles
Scratching causes excoriations and repeated rubbing causes lichenification
What are the associated features of eczema?
Keratosis pilaris
Hyperlinear palms
Ichthyosis vulgaris
How is eczema investigated?
Clinical diagnosis
IgE RAST
Allergy testing/skin prick
Swabs and scrabes
How is eczema managed?
General - avoid triggers, good skincare
Topical - emollients, soap substitutes and steroids
Oral - antibiotics, antihistamines
Immune - tacrolimus
How are steroids classified by potency in dermatology?
Mild > moderate > potent > super potent
How are emollients classified by viscosity in dermatology?
Ointments vs creams vs lotions
What second-line agents can be used to manage eczema?
UV phototherapy
Immunosuppressants - azathioprine, ciclosporin, methotrexate
Oral retinoids - alitretinoin
What are the differentials for eczema?
Psoriasis
Scabies
Tinea
What are the complications of eczema?
Secondary skin infection - S.aureus, viral warts
Conjunctival irritation, cataracts
Retarded growth in children
What is the prognosis of eczema?
Spontaneous clearance in most children
Late onset more chronic with remitting/relapsing pattern
How can eczema be prevented?
Secondary - moisturise, avoid sudden temperature change, reduce stress, avoid harsh fabrics/soaps
What are the 4 main types of leg ulcer?
Venous
Arterial
Neuropathic
Pressure
What is the pathophysiology of venous leg ulcers?
Sustained venous HTN in superficial veins causes incompetent valves in deep/perforating veins causing fibrin deposition and poor oxygenation of surrounding skin
What is the pathophysiology of arterial leg ulcers?
Reduced arterial blood flow causes decreased tissue perfusion and poor healing
What is the pathophysiology of neuropathic leg ulcers?
Repeated trauma over a pressure point
What is the pathophysiology of pressure leg ulcers?
Skin ischaemia from sustained pressure over a bony prominence
What are the risk factors for venous leg ulcers?
Older age FH Venous disease Orthostatic occupation Smoking DVT Female Increasing parity
What are the risk factors for arterial leg ulcers?
Smoking
Diabetes
HTN
What are the risk factors for neuropathic leg ulcers?
Peripheral neuropathy - diabetes
Foot deformity
Concurrent vascular disease
What are the risk factors for pressure leg ulcers?
Prolonged immobility
Decreased sensation
Vascular disease
Poor nutrition - anaemia, hypoalbuminaemia, vitamin C/zinc deficiency
What drug can cause leg ulcers?
Hydroxycarbamide
What infections can cause leg ulcers?
TB
Deep mycoses
Syphilis
Yaws
What features of the history indicate an arterial ulcer?
Pain
CV features - claudication, HTN, angina, smoker
What features of the history indicate a pressure ulcer?
Old/immobile/unconscious
Pain of continued pressure
Hospital acquired
What is seen on examination of a venous leg ulcer?
Gaiter area between medial malleolus and mid-calf
Oedma
Haemosiderin deposition - hyperpigmentation
Lipodermatosclerosis
Atrophie blanche - shiny white scarring
Telangiectasia
What is seen on examination of a arterial leg ulcer?
Lateral aspect of leg or on foot
Punched out appearance
Leg cold and pale, hair loss, absent peripheral pulses
Surrounding skin shiny white
What is seen on examination of a neuropathic leg ulcer?
Pressure areas (e.g. metatarsal heads)
Surrounded by callus
Deep
Insensate
What is seen on examination of a pressure leg ulcer?
Painful and warm
Exudative, foul odour
Non-blanching discolouration
How is a suspected venous ulcer investigated?
Duplex US - check for reflux
How is a suspected arterial ulcer investigated?
Vascular assessment
Doppler USS
ABPI
How is a suspected neuropathic ulcer investigated?
Bloods - glucose, HbA1c
US
ABPI
X-ray foot
How is a suspected pressure ulcer investigated?
Clinical diagnosis
Wound swab, WCC, biopsy
How is a venous ulcer managed?
High compression bandaging and leg elevation
Analgesia
How is an arterial ulcer managed?
Keep clean and covered
Analgesia
Vascular reconstruction
How is a neuropathic ulcer managed?
Remove pressure
Good footcare
How is a pressure ulcer managed?
Keep pressure off bony areas
Adequate nutrition
Analgesia
What are the differentials for leg ulcers?
Different types of leg ulcers
Squamous cell carcinoma
Pyoderma gangrenosum
Lymphoedema
What are the complications of venous leg ulcers?
DVT
Haemorrhage
Infection
What are the complications of arterial leg ulcers?
Infection
Tissue necrosis
Amputation
What is the prognosis of venous leg ulcers?
80% healed in 6 months
How can venous leg ulcers be prevented?
Avoiding prolonged sitting/standing
Exercise
Smoking cessation
How can pressure ulcers be prevented?
Tissue viability nurses identify and assess those at risk
Define psoriasis
Common skin disorder characterised by well-dermarcated scaly red plaques due to increased skin turnover
What is the Koebner phenomenon?
Development of psoriasis at sites of skin trauma
What is the pathophysiology of psoriasis?
T cell mediated autoimmune response causing inflammation and hyperproliferation of the skin
What are the risk factors for psoriasis?
Age (16-22 and 55-60) FH Drugs Stress Smoking Alcohol Causasian
What drugs can contribute to psoriasis?
Lithium
Antimalarials
Beta-blockers
What is the aetiology of psoriasis?
Genetics - PSORS 1 gene
Environment
What features of a history would indicate psoriasis?
Fluctuating course Itching, bleeding Pain Family history Known triggers
What features would be found on examination of psoriasis?
Pink/red well circumscribed plaques with silver scale
Extensor surfaces affected, plus back/ears/scalp
Associated - nail dystrophy, psoriatic arthritis, metabolic syndrome
What nail features are associated with psoriasis?
Pitting
Onycholysis
Discolouration
Subungual hyperkeratosis
How is psoriasis investigated?
Clinial diagnosis
Skin biopsy
How is psoriasis managed?
Education Emollients Topical therapy - steroids, vitamin D analogues, tacrolimus, coal tar, retinoid, dithranol UV therapy - B or A with psoralen Systemic - methotrexate, actirectin Biologics - adalimumab
What are the differentials for psoriasis?
SLE Pityriasis rosacea Seborrhoeic dermatitis Eczema Lichen planus
What are the complications of psoriasis?
CV disease Psoriatic arthritis Depression/anxiety Lymphoma Secondary infection
What is the prognosis of psoriasis?
Chronic, life-long
Relapses and remits
How can psoriasis be prevented?
Secondary control of flare-ups - moisturise, reduce stress, avoid triggers
Give 4 types of psosiasis
Chronic plaque
Flexural
Guttate
Erythrodermic/pustular
What are the main features of flexural psoriasis?
Later in life
No scaling
Large flexures - groin, natal cleft, sub-mammary
Often misdiagnosed as candida
What are the main features of guttate psoriasis?
Raindrop lesions
Children and young adults
Explosive eruptions over trunk
Triggered by strep throat
What are the main features of pustular psoriasis?
Severe, life-threatening
Malaise, pyrexia, circulatory disturbance
Pustules are sterile collections of inflammatory cells
Define acne vulgaris
Formation of comedones, papules, pustules, nodules, and/or cysts as a result of obstruction and inflammation of pilosebaceous units
What is the pathophysiology of acne vulgaris?
Increased androgens -> increased sebum -> P.acnes overgrowth -> pustule
Genetic susceptibility -> blockage of duct -> comedones -> papule -> pustule
What are the risk factors for acne vulgaris?
Adolescence (12-24) Genetic predisposition Greasy skin type Precipitating drugs PCOS Female
What drugs can precipitate acne vulgaris?
Androgens Steroids Antiepileptics Lithium ACTH
What is the aetiology of acne vulgaris?
Multi-factorial
Proprionibacterium acnes
What features are found on examination of acne vulgaris?
Face and upper torso
Non-inflammatory open comedones (blackheads) and closed comedones (whiteheads)
Inflammatory papules, pustules, nodules, cysts
Scars - raised/hypertrophic or depressed/pitted
How is acne vulgaris investigated?
Clinical diagnosis
Hormone levels, bacterial culture
How is mild acne vulgaris managed?
Comedones = topical retinoid or salicylic acid Inflammatory = topical retinoid + topical antimicrobial
How is moderate acne vulgaris managed?
Oral antibiotic + topical retinoid +/- benzoyl peroxide/OCP
How is severe acne vulgaris managed?
Oral isotretinoin
OR
High-dose oral antibiotic + topical retinoid + benzoyl peroxide
OR
OCP + topical retinoid + topical antimicrobial + benzoyl peroxide
What antibiotics are used in acne vulgaris?
Tetracyclines
Erythromycin
What are the additional considerations with isotretinoin treatment?
Teratogenic - monitor
What are the differentials for acne vulgaris?
Folliculitis
Rosacea
Acneiform eruptions
What are the complications of acne vulgaris?
Depression/anxiety/suicide
Hyperpigmentation
Scarring
What is acne fulminans?
Severe form
Fever, arthralgia, myalgia, hepatosplenomegaly, osteolytic bone lesion
What is the prognosis of acne vulgaris?
Usually improved after adolescence
Severe lesions may leave scarring
How can acne vulgaris be prevented?
Secondary - good skin care
Define rosacea
Common inflammatory facial rash with papules and pustules on a background of erythema, most commonly occurring in mid-adult life
What are the risk factors for rosacea?
Female
Prolonged steroid use
Light skin type
Exposure to triggers - hot showers, temperature extremes, sunlight, alcohol, emotional stress
What is the aetiology of rosacea?
Unknown
May be triggered by demodex folliculorum mite
What is seen on examination of rosacea?
Flushing/fixed erythema Inflammatory papules and pustules Convexities of face affected Telangiectasia, rough skin, rhinophyma Irritated eyes
How is rosacea investigated?
Clinical diagnosis
Skin biopsy
How is rosacea managed?
Supportive
Inflammation - metronidazole/azelaic cream with intermittent oral tetracyclines as required
Erythema - topical brimonidine, vascular laser therapy
What are the differentials for rosacea?
Seborrhoeic/contact dermatitis
SLE
Dermatomyositis
Acne vulgaris
What are the complications of rosacea?
Ocular involvement - blepharitis, conjunctivitis
Sebaceous gland/soft tissue overgrowth (especially nose in men)
What is the prognosis of rosacea?
Range of severity and response to treatment
How can rosacea be prevented?
Secondary - avoid triggers, good skincare