Dermatology Flashcards
How are steroids used in eczema?
Use the weakest steroid cream which controls symptoms
Mild:
Hydrocortisone 0.5-2.5%
Moderate:
Betnovate RD (betamethasone valerate 0.025%)
Eumovate (clobetasone butyrate 0.05%
Potent:
Cutivate (luticasone proprionate 0.05%)
Betnovate (betamethasone valerate 0.1%)
Very potent:
Dermovate (clobetasol proprionate 0.05%)
How is eczema managed?
General emollients +/- steroids
Continue treatment for 48h after flare has been controlled (aim max 5 days)
When should you refer eczema to secondary care?
- Uncertain diagnosis
- Uncontrolled eczema (>1/2 flares monthly)
- Facial eczema poor reponse
- Contact allergic dermatitis suspected
- Recurrent secondary infection
- Significant social or psychological problems
Eczema herpeticum - rapidly progressing painful rash with monomorphic punched out erosions (ulcerated)
Admit for IV aciclovir
What is pompholyx? How is it managed?
aka dyshidrotic eczema
- Affects hands and feet
- Precipitated by humidity and high temperatures
- Intensly itchy blisters on palms and soles
Management:
- Cool compresses and emolients +/- topical steroids
How is psoriasis managed?
1st line:
Potent corticosteroid OD + vit D analogue (one in morn one in eve) for up to 4 weeks as initial treatment
2nd line (no improvement after 8 weeks):
Vitamin D analogue BD
3rd line (no improvement after 8-12 weeks):
Potent steroid BD for up to 4 weeks or coal tar preparation OD
Can also use short-acting dithranol
Use alongside emollients
How is scalp psoriasis managed?
Potent topical corticosteroids OD for 4 weeks
If nil improvement use a different formulation (eg. shampoo/mousse) or agents to remove scale (eg. salicylic acid) before application of the steroid
How are face, flexural and genital psoriasis managed?
Mild-moderate potency corticosteroid OD/BD for a maximum of 2 weeks
Reduced time as these areas are prone to steroid atrophy
How long should steroids be used for?
Potent - 8 weeks max
Very potent - 4 weeks max
Should have a 4 week break before starting another course
How do
a) vitamin D analogues work?
b) dithranol work?
a) eg. calcipotriol (dovonex), calcitriol, tacalcitol
- Work be decreasing cell division and differentiation to decrease epidermal proliferation
- Can be used long time
- Avoid in pregnancy
b) - Inhibits DNA synthesis
- Wash off after 30 mins as can burn/stain
What is the pathophysiology of psoriasis?
- Multifactorial and not fully understood
- Associations with HLA-B13-B17 and -CW6
- Abnormal T cell activity stimulates keratinocyte proliferation
- Can be worsened be environmental factors eg. trauma, strep infection
What are the different types of psoriasis?
- Plaque psoriasis: the most common sub-type resulting in the typical well-demarcated red, scaly patches affecting the extensor surfaces, sacrum and scalp
- Flexural psoriasis: in contrast to plaque psoriasis the skin is smooth
- Guttate psoriasis: transient psoriatic rash frequently triggered by a streptococcal infection. Multiple red, teardrop lesions appear on the body
- Pustular psoriasis: commonly occurs on the palms and soles
What are the complications/associations of psoriasis?
- Psoriatic arthropathy
- Metabolic syndrome
- CV disease
- VTE risk increased
- Psychological distress
What nail changes are seen with psoriatic arthropathy?
- Pitting
- Oncholysis
- Subungual hyperkeratosis
- Loss of nail
Which factors can exacerbate psoriasis?
- Trauma
- Alcohol
- Drugs - B-blockers, lithiu, antimalarials, NSAIDs, ACEis, infliximab
- Withdrawal of systemic steroids
- Strep infection (guttate)
What is Auspitz sign?
Red membrane with pinpoint bleeding - seen after remove of scale in psoriasis
What are the 2 types of contact dermatitis?
- Irritate - non-allergic due to weak acids or alkalis. Often on hands. Erythema typical
- Allergic - type 4 hypersensitivity reaction due to hair dye. Often on scalp, acute weeping eczema. Treat with potent steroid.
Cement can cause BOTH
Diagnose with skin patch test
What is urticaria? How is it managed?
Allergic (or non-allergic) swelling of the skin
Treat with non-sedating antihistamines
Prednisolone if severe
What is dermatitis herpetiformis?
`Autoimmune blistering skin disorder associated with coeliac
Caused by deposition of IgA in granular pattern in upper dermis (can be seen on skin biopsy with immunofluorescence)
How is dermatitis herpetiformis managed?
- Gluten-free diet
- Dapsone (antibiotic)
What is impetigo?
A bacterial skin infection by staph aureus or strep pyogenes
Common in children, spread by direct contact with discharge from scabs - incubation period 4-19
How is impetigo managed?
1st line - Hydrogen peroxide 1% cream
2nd line - Topical fusidic acid
3rd line - Topical mupirocin
Extensive disease - oral fluclox (erythromycin if pen allergic)
Exclude childern from school until lesions are crusted and healed or 48h after commencing abx
What is seborrhoeic dermatitis?
Chronic dermatitis secondary to proliferation of a fungas called malassezia furfur
Features:
- eczematous areas on sebum rich areas
- otitis externa and blepharitis
Associations:
- HIV
- PD
How is seborrhoeic dermatitis managed?
SCALP:
1st line - Ketoconazole 2% shampoo
2nd line - zinc/tar preparations
3rd line - selenium, topical corticosteroids
FACE/BODY:
1st line - topical antifungals
2nd line - short course topical steroids
What is tinea? What are the 3 main types?
Dermatophyte fungal infections:
- Tinea capitis (scalp)
- Tinea corporis (trunk, leg, arms)
- Tinea pedis (feet)