Dermatology Flashcards
1
Q
Definition of eczema
A
- An itchy skin condition characterised by erythema and vesicle production that can lead to crusting and weeping.
- Endogenous triggers.
- Atopic linked to ashtma and hayfever.
- Usually seen in children, who can either grow out of it or continue to adulthood.
2
Q
Aetiology of eczema
A
- Genetic
- Triggers include detergents, soaps and other chemicals, pollen, animal dander and house dust mites, stress, dietary factors, extremes of temperatures.
3
Q
Presentation of eczema
A
- Itching!
- Priruritis, redness, swelling, dry skin.
- Chronic, relapsing condition.
- Itching plus 3 of the following: visible flexural eczema seen in the skin creases, generally dry skin, itching in the flexurals, history of hayfever/asthma and onset before the age of 2.
4
Q
Investigations of eczema
A
- Mainly based on history and visible investigations but could include IgE serum, skin prick tests or skin biopsies showing mast cells and lymphocytes.
5
Q
Management of eczema
A
- Emollients, topical steroids or oral steroids, topical/oral antibiotics, anti histamines, bandages, wet dressings and dietary advice.
6
Q
Definition of psoriasis
A
- Skin condition with dry scaly crusty red skin with silvery scales.
7
Q
Aetiology of psoriasis
A
- Family history.
- Usually seen in under 30’s with an associated with IBD and risk of CVD.
- Associated with infection, trauma, stress, drugs, alcohol, obesity and smoking.
8
Q
Presentation of psoriasis
A
- Extensor surfaces - usually in the trunk and the limbs, also seen in the sacral and umbilical regions as well as the scalp, behind the ears and the nails.
9
Q
Management of psoriasis
A
- Frequent use of emollients and topical steroids.
- Use of salicylic acid, coal tar and vitamin D analogues.
10
Q
Definition of acne
A
- An inflammatory skin condition that usually presents on the face, back and chest.
- Most commonly causes spots, oily skin and sometimes causes the skin becoming too hot to touch.
- Characterised by comedones, papules, pustulas, cysts and nodules and/or scarring.
11
Q
Aetiology of acne
A
- It is an immune and inflammatory response.
- Leads to excess sebum production and sebumateous gland hyperplasia.
12
Q
Presentation of acne
A
- Usually seen in pubertal age, can fluctuate with the menstrual cycle in women.
13
Q
Risk factors of acne
A
- Age (between 12 and 14), family history, certain medications such as corticosteroids or oily skin.
14
Q
Management of acne
A
- About reducing the number of lesions, reducing scaring and reducing psychological impacts.
- Topical treatments such as benzyl peroxide, topical retinoids, antibiotics, OCP, androgens therapy.
15
Q
Malignant melanoma
A
- Around 1% of skin cancers but contributes to 60% of skin cancer deaths due to early metastasis that can’t be treated.
- Usually seen in areas that are exposed to excess UV light as this is one of the main causes, so back in men and legs in women.
- Usually presents a new mole or changes to a current mole.
- Types include superficial spread, nodules, lentigo maligna.
- Risk Factors: freckles, fair skin, blonde/red hair, family history.
- Can assess using A(symmetry, B(orders), C(olour), D(iameter) and E(levation), important consider itchy, crusting and bleeding.
- Use the 7 point system to access and refer if 3 points or more.
