Dermatology Flashcards
When performing an examination of the skin what are the four steps?
inspect describe palpate systemic check
what acronyms are used in the describe step of investigating a lesion
SSCAMM: size shape colour associated secondary changes morphology and margin plus if the lesion is pigmented ABCD asymmetry irregular border two or more colours within the lesion diameter >6mm
the presence of which features of a lesion would indicate melanoma
asymmetry irregular border two or more colours within the lesion and a diameter greater than 6 cm
what are the layers of the epidermis
stratum corneum stratum lucidum stratum granulosum strarym spinosum stratum basale
what is the composition of the stratum basale
actively dividing cells
what is the composition of the stratum spinosum
differentiating cells
What is the composition of the stratum granulosum
differentiated cells begin to use the nucleus and contain granules of keratohyaline which secrete lipids into the intracellular spaces
what is the composition of the stratum lucidum?
this is found only in areas of thick skin such as the soles of feet and consists of paler compacted keratin
what is the composition of the stratum corneum
layers of keratin it is the most superficial layer
what with three ways in which pathology can occur in the epidermis
changes in theepidermal turnover time (e.g. psoriasis has decreased turnover time)/changes in skin surface or epidermal loss (e.g. crusting exudates ulcers)/changes in skin pigmentation
what substances are found in the dermis of the skin ? And what is their function?
collagen and elastin glycolosaminoglycans - allow for elasticity and strength / immune cells nerves skin appendages such as her and lymphatic tissue and blood vessels
what synthesises glycolosaminoglycans in the skin?
fibroblasts
what are the ways in which pathology can occur in the dermis?
changes in skin control or loss of dermis (e.g. papules nodules skin atrophy and ulcers) disorders of skin appendages (hair and sebaceous glands) changes related to lymphatic and blood vessels (erythema urticaria and purpura)
how would you describe this image below?
a wheal - a transient raised lesion due to dermal oedema
how would you describe the image below?
a discrete lesion – individual lesions separate from each other
how would you describe the image below
confluent – lesions are merging together also known as maculopapular
how would you describe the image below?
Linear common scabies or scratch
how would you describe the image below?
target – like a bull’s-eye or dartboard
how would you describe the image below?
annular – a ring/hollow cycle
how would you describe the image below?
discoid/nummular - around lesion
what does the term naevus mean?
localised malformations of tissue structures for example moral
what does the term commedone mean
a plug-in the sebaceous follicle causing altered Seaburn, bacteria and cellular debris deposit which can be open (blackhead) or closed (Whitehead)
what is meant by flexor distribution
usually found in the body folds
what is meant by an extensive distribution
usually found on the knees and elbows shins
what is the definition of a dermatome
and area of skin supplied by single nerve (spinal)
what is meant by term Köeber Phenomenon?
linear eruption arising from the site of trauma mainly found in psoriasis
what is the function of the skin
a protective barrier against environmental insults cosmetic appearance immuno survey temperature regulation vitamin D synthesis and sensation
what are the four stages of wound healing
haemostasis inflammation proliferation remodelling
what occurs in the haemostasis stage of wound healing
vasoconstriction and platelet aggregation clot formation
what occurs in the inflammatory stage of wound healing
vasodilation migration of neutrophils and macrophages phagocytosis of cellular debris and invading bacteria
what is the mechanism of the proliferative stage of wound healing
fibroblasts are proliferating and causing granulation tissue to form (synthesised by fibroblasts) and angiogenesis occurs / epidermal cell proliferation and migration then allows for re-epithelisation
what occurs in the remodelling stage of wound healing
there is collagen fibre reorganisation and scar maturation the freshly healed epidermis will be slightly red
what are the two types of urticaria
immunological or non-immunological which means there is no IgE involvement
what is the pathophysiology of urticaria
inflammation occurs in response to a trigger increasing permeability of the small manuals inflammatory mediators especially histamine released from mast cells and other driving force in the inflammatory reaction resulting in the swelling of the dermis and raising the epidermis
which layer of skin is urticaria occur in
in the dermis however the swelling of the dermis has knock-on effect causing swelling of the epidermis
what are the common triggers of urticaria?
food drugs insect bites contact with chemicals or latex viral or parasitic infections autoimmune hereditary
what drugs commonly cause urticaria
penicillin contrast media and ACE inhibitors
what can be a severe consequence of urticaria
angioedema which is a red flag for anaphylaxis
what is angioedema
a swelling of the dermis and deeper tissues which occurs in the face and lips
what is the management for urticaria
antihistamines and if there is severe reactions give corticosteroids (usually of angioedema is present)
what is the criteria for acute urticaria?
less than six weeks and linked to allergen or viral infections
what is the criteria for chronic urticaria
over six weeks without any links to allergens/viruses
what are usually the triggers for chronic urticaria
cold or heat sun aquagenic cholinergic
what is erythema nodosum?
hypersensitivity response to various stimuli
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urticaria
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erythema nodosum
what is the presentation of erythema nodosum
discrete tender nodules which appear for one – two weeks and then leave a bruise -like discolouration because they resolve most commonly occurring at the shins
what are some causes of erythema nodosum?
primary TB pregnancy malignancy IBD group a beta haemolytic strep chlamydia leprosy sarcoidosis
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erythema multiforme
what is erythema multiforme?
atypically acute self-limiting but often relapsing inflammatory condition
what are the two most common causes of erythema multiforme
drug reactions or post infectious (herpes simplex and Mycoplasma pneumoniae)
what is the characteristic presentation of erythema multiforme
target lesions that resemble a bull’s-eye erupting over 24 – 48 hours lasting for 1 – 2 weeks
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SJS
what is Stevens Johnson syndrome
characterised by mucocutaneous necrosis with more than two sites involved where there is skin detachment and mucocutaneous involvement
why the presentation of SJS
severe erythema mucocutaneous necrosis and detachment of skin
what sign is usually present in SJS
Nikolskys signs
what is nikoskys sign
epidermal layer easily slows off when pressure is applied to the blister or erythema to this area
what is the difference between SJS and TENS
SGS there is less than 10% skin involvement whereas TENS there is a larger proportion of skin involved and thus has a higher mortality rate
what usually triggers SJS
infections or drug reactions
do drug reactions usually cause SJS or TENS
TENS
why is the mortality rates are high in TENS
often due to: sepsis easily occurs electrolyte imbalances and multisystem organ failure and shock
what is the management of both TENS and SJS
stop any reactive agents / IV fluid nutritional support/ IVIg/ /analgesia/PPI (stress-related gastritis)/ dressings topical antibiotics and the millions/ U+E close monitoring and eeplacing deficiencies/ urgent ophthalmological evaluation
what investigations are required in SJS/TENS
Cultures for ? Causative agent / U+E for derrangement and monitoring organ function / ECG for electrolyte abnormalities affecting heart / SKIN BIOPSY - diagnostic
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classic rash associated with meningococcacemia
what pathogen usually causes meningitice septicaemia
nesseria meningitidis
what is the description of the rush associated with meningitis septicaemia
non-blanching maculopapular purpuric rash - although at the start of the disease it may be blanching / usually found on trunk and extremities and can rapidly progress
what is the presentation of meningitic septicaemia?
will undertake symptoms (headaches fever next) hypotension fever myalgia tachycardia and other symptoms of septicaemia plus the rash
what does the rash rapidly progress to in meningitic septicaemia?
echymoses aka brusing, haemorrhagic bullae and tissue necrosis
who is most likely to get meningitic septicaemia
those under five teenagers aged 11 to 22 years over 65s
what investigation team into performing in ?meningitis
blood cultures/ urine cutures / FBC / U+E / LFT and coag panel / VBG/ actate - FULL SEPTIC SCREEN
what is the management of meningitic septicaemia?
cephalosporin (ceftriaxone) ampicillin and vancomycin adj. corticosteroids IV dexamethosone
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erythroderma
what is erythroderma
an exfoliative dermatitis involving 90% of the skins surface
what is the presentation of erythroderma
inflamed oedematous scaly peeling skin with systemic features of lymphadenopathy and malaise
what are common causes of erythroderma?
most commonly drug reactions but also: eczema and psoriasis lymphoma or idiopathic
which drugs commonly cause erythroderma
sulphanamides / gold/ penicillin / allopurinol / captopril
what is the management of erythroderma
stop causative agent / underlying cause / only ends and wet wraps/IV fluids and any nutritional support/ topical steroids/systemic steroids if appropriate/watch out for any secondary infections give topical antibiotics if necessary and moving up to Ivy
what are consequences of erythroderma
secondary infections fluid loss electrolyte imbalance hypothermia high cardiac output heart failure and capillary leakage syndrome
how do you monitor the complications associated with erythroderma
fluid balance / U+E / FBC / skin biopsy + serum albumin
how does psoriasis or eczema cause erythroderma?
usually from steroid withdrawal or triggered by use of beta-blockers, lithmus and antimalarials
what is eczema herpeticum?
a widespread eruption caused by HSV when there is a concordant skin disease/underlying pathology usually axeman
eczema herpeticum is usually a manifestation of a _______ HSV infection
1ry
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eczema herpeticum
what is the presentation of eczema herpeticum
extensive crusted papules blisters and erosions as well as systemic features of malaise and fever
what is a diagnostic test for eczema herpeticum
swab and culture with PCR
What is the management of eczema herpeticum
acyclovir and cover for any secondary infections if they can occur with antibiotics
what are complications which can arise because of eczema herpeticum
herpes hepatitis herpes encephalitis secondary infections DIC
what are the two types of HSV
type I causing and skin lesions Type II causing genital lesions
what is the presentation of a primary infection of HSV
is usually asymptomatic but may present with high fever sore throats myalgia cervical lymphadenopathy also said appear a few days later on the Fangio and mouth mucosa
what is a typical presentation of HSV eruption
has prodromal tingling and burning and then a vesicular lesion which can turn ulcerative
what is a serious complication of a primary infection of HSV
HSV aseptic meningitis
what investigations should be performed in HSV meningitis
anyone suspected of having central nervous system HSP should have CSF HSP PCR as well as viral cultures in any active lesions
what can trigger an eruption of HSV vesicle?
UV lights or trauma
what other symptoms of genital HSV
dysuria tingling and burning can be with or without recurrent genital ulceration and ulcers can range from asymptomatic to painful there can be discharged and proctitis in males
how does the presentation of genital HSV differ in male and female
females tend to have stronger symptomatic response on primary infection and so will have more systemic symptoms such as fever constipation neuralgia and lower back pain or pain down the back of the legs
what investigations are diagnostic for genital herpes?
active lesions should be swamped for HSV and then PCR
what investigations are needed for oral herpes?
Nan into their clinical diagnosis however H is the culture/swab and PCR should be performed if there is any doubt
what is the management of a primary genital HSV infection
oral acyclovir or valacyclovir
how does the management differ in HSV for immunocompetent and immunocompromised patients
if immunocompromised give foscernet
what is the management of oral HSV?
oral acyclovir or valacyclovir topical antivirals may be used and can be bought over-the-counter however this is not typically recommended
what is the management of HSV in a woman who is 36 weeks gestation
prophylactic acyclovir
what are the indications for IV acyclovir in HSV infection
visceral involvement: pneumonitis hepatitis CNS (meningitis) eczema herpeticum corneal scarring from eye involvement
what is necrotising fasciitis?
rapidly spreading infection of the deep facia with secondary tissue necrosis
what pathogens usually cause necrotising fasciitis
group A haemolytic strep or mic of aerobic and anaerobic
what is the most common precipitating factors of necrotising fascitis?
recent abdominal surgery or with many medical comorbidities such as diabetes and pregnancy immunosuppressed
what is the presentation of necrotising fasciitis?
severe pain erythematous blistering necrotic skin and cellulitis systemic features of sepsis presence of crepitus
what would crepitus indicate in necrotising fasciitis
subcut emphysema
what investigations are necessary in necrotising fasciitis
CT/MRI blood and tissue cultures and septic screen especially checking U+E and Lactate
what would you see on CT/MRI in necrotising fasciitis?
oedema along fascial plane and soft tissue gas
what features would indicate circulatory collapse in necrotising fasciitis?
hyponatraemia lactate and creatine kinase ++
what is the management of necrotising fasciitis?
surgical debridement and IV antibiotics
what are the most common pathogens which cuase bacterial skin infectons?
streptococcal staphylococcal
what are the most common pathogens which cause viral skin infections?
HPV HSV
was the most common pathogens which cause fungal skin infections?
Candida Tinea
what are the most common types of infestations of skin ?
lice scabies cutaneous leishamaniasis
what is cellulitis
infection of the deep subcutaneous tissue
what is erysipelas?
acute superficial form of cellulitis involving only the dermis and the upper subcutaneous tissue
what pathogens are usually caused cellulitis
strep pyogenes and Staphylococcus aureus
what risk factors are associated with cellulitis
prior episode of cellulitis lymphadenoma ulcer/wound up Tinea pedis venous insufficiency
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cellulitis
what is the presentation cellulitis
swelling warmth erythema pain systemic symptoms of malaise and rigors
how does a presentation between cellulitis and erysipela differ?
cellulitis has a less well-defined red border
what are complication associated with cellulitis
local necrosis abscesses and septicaemia
what is management of cellulitis
flucloxacillin +/- vancomycin for MRSA cover + supportive care including rest like elevation sterile dressings and analgesia
what is staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
skin infection which produces an acute scolded the skin -like appearance
what is the pathophysiology behind staphylococcus scalded skin syndrome
staphylococcus produces an epidermolytic toxin
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staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
what is the presentation of staphylococcus called skin syndrome
onset of hours – days tends to be worse on face neck axilla and groin skin has a scolded appearance with redness, large flaccid bulla painful lesions intra epidermal blistering and perioral crusting
what is the management of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
Iv flucloxacillin or erythromycin + vancomycin if ?MRSA / analgesia / top emmolients and Abx + skin hydiene
what is impetigo
a highly common and contagious bacterial infection caused by either strep or staph
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impetigo
what is the presentation of impetigo
vesicles/bullae with golden crusting and associated erythema
what is the management of impetigo
usually resolves spontaneously but topical abx given or topical antiseptics –> PO abx
what three types of fungal infections which can happen on skin most commonly?
dermatophytes (tinea/ringworm) yeasts (candidiasis malassezia) moulds (aspergillus)
where does tinea corporis affect?
trunk and limbs
where does tinea cruris affect?
groin and natal cleft
where does tinea pedis affect?
athletes foot
where does tinea manum affect
hand
where does tinea capitis affect
head
where does tinea ungium affet
nails
where does tinea incogneto affect
wherever there has been inappropriate treatment of a tinea infection with topical or systemic steroids it is ill-defined and less scaly
what is the presentation of tinea corpsris
itchy circular or annular lesions with a clearly defined raised scaly edge
what is a presentation of tinea cruris
itchy circular or annular lesions with a clearly defined raised scaly edge
what is the presentation of tinea pedis
moisture scaling and for sharing in web spaces spreading to the sole and dorsal aspect with itching
what is the presentation of tinea manum
scaling and dryness of palmar creases and itching
what is a presentation of tinea captis
patches of broken hair scaling and inflammation
what is the presentation of tinea ungium
yellow discolouration and thickened crumbling nail
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tinea captis
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tinea gruris
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althletes foot/tinea pedis
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tinea manum
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tinea captis
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tinea ungium
how word candidiasis at present as a skin infection
white plaques on mucosal areas erythema and satellite leasions in flexures
what is the presentation of pitryasis
scaly brown patches on the upper trunk that failed to turn on sun exposure they are usually asymptomatic
how would you diagnose a fungal skin infection
skin scraping her toenail clippings or skin swabs as appropriate
what is the management of fungal skin infections
topical antifungal is terbinofine cream / oral antifungal if a severe widespread infections
what is the management of a tinea captis
oral and topical antifungal
what is scabies
and intensely itchy skin infestation caused by the human parasite sarcoptes scabiei
what causes the symptoms of scabies
immune response to the mites and their saliva eggs or faeces
what is the image below show
scabies
what is a presentation of scabies
pruritus particularly at night linear boroughs with wavy threadlike whitish lines connecting them symmetrical erythematous papules which are often excoriated common in the inter-digital web spaces or extensors
how would the presentation of scabies differ if it is present on the scrotum penis buttocks or groin or axilla
there may be nodules which are violet in colour and intensely itchy
where is scabies most common on the body
into digital web spaces expenses folds of skin but can be anywhere especially in elderly and young children
what is crusted scabies
are hyper infestation with thousands or millions of mites which are present in exfoliating scales of skin caused by immunodeficiency
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crusted scabies
what risk factors are associated with scabies
family or close contacts also having scabies overcrowded living conditions children and elderly
what test is diagnostic for scabies
Inc Barrow test plus microscopy of skin scrapings
what is the management of scabies
if under two months of age: paediatric dermatologist referral non-crusted scabies: topical insecticide - permethrin cream 5%
What are the two types of skin cancer
melanoma and non-melanoma
what subtypes are there of non-melanoma skin cancer
Basal cell carcinoma’s claim as cell carcinoma
which have skin cancer usually has the highest mortality
melanoma
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nodular basal cell carcinoma
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superficial basal cell carcinoma
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pigmented basal cell carcinoma