Dermatology Flashcards
Give three red flags for a chronic rash
Skin Pain
Mucous Membrane Involvement
Unwell Child
Give three causes of a clear fluid filled rash
HSV
Impetigo
Chickenpox
Give three causes of a pus filled rash
Acne
Folliculitis
Pustular Psoriasis
Give three causes of a raised rash
Urticaria
Viral Warts
Milia
Give three causes of a red and scaly rash without epidermal breakage
Psoriasis
Tinea
Sebhorreic Dermatitis
Give a cause of a red and scaly rash with epidermal breakage
Atopic Eczema
Give three differentials for a purpuric rash (non blanching)
Meningococcal Septicaemia
ITP
Leukaemia
Define Acne Vulgaris. What is the cause?
Inflammatory disease of Pilosebaceous Follicles
Under influence of androgens, sebaceous glands produce more sebum and subsequently get blocked
Can become colonised with bacteria - Propionibacterium Acne
Acne Vulgaris commonly affects face/chest/upper back. How does it present?
Non Inflammatory (open and closed comedones - black and white heads
Inflammatory (Papules, Postules, Nodules, Cysts)
If Acne is localised then topical therapy can be used. Describe the three different types
Benzoyl Peroxide - reduces sebum production and P.Acne growth (may cause skin to peel)
Topical Antibiotics - used in combination with another topical therapy, erythromycin/Tetracycline
Topical Retinoids - Anti Inflammatory effect, contraindicated in pregnancy
If Acne is diffuse then systemic therapy can be used. Describe the three different types
Doxycycline (if over 12 - photosensitivity and oesophagitis)
Anti Androgens - COCP
Oral Isotretinoin - Highly effective but toxic so given under consultant supervision
How long does Systemic Acne Therapy take to ‘work’ in theory
Allow 3-4 months before review
How can Acne scarring be treated?
Laser Resurfacing
Chemical Peels
Define Eczema/Atopic Dermatitis
Chronic atopic condition caused by genetic defect in skin barrier function (loss of variants of filaggrin)
Describe the pathophysiology of Eczema
Tiny gaps in skin barrier provide entrance for irritants/allergens/microbes , that create an immune response resulting in inflammation
Name three exacerbating factors for Eczema
Infections
Allergens
Sweating
How does Eczema typically present?
Itchy erythematous dry scaly patches
Infants - Face and Extensor
Children and Adults - Flexor
Nail pitting and ridging
How do Eczema exacerbations present?
Erythematous, Vesicular, Weepy
What is the maintenance therapy for Eczema?
Emollients (thick layers, should be used as soap substitutes)
Can be thin - E45, Diprobase
Or thick - Hydromol, Cetraben
How are Eczema flares treated?
Thicker emollients, Topical Steroids, Wet Wraps
The use of steroids should be the weakest possible for the shortest possible time. Describe the steroid ladder
Mild (Hydrocortisone)
Moderate (Eumovate - Clobetasone Diproprionate)
Potent (Betnovate)
Very Potent (Dermovate)
Describe some specialist treatment in resistant eczema
Zinc bandages
Topical Tacrolimus
Phototherapy
State three possible infective organisms in Eczema
S.Aureus
Eczema Herpeticum
Molluscum Contagiosum
What is Napkin Dermatitis/Nappy Rash?
Common due to urine/faeces/friction in the nappy area
Spares the folds and favours the convexities
When would you suspect Candida infection in Nappy Rash?
If there are satellite lesions
How is Nappy Rash managed?
Frequent nappy changes
Drying after bathing
Hydrocortisone Ointment
If Nappy Rash fails to respond to initial management, what other diagnoses could be considered?
Psoriasis
Zinc Deficiency
Langerhans Cell Histiocytosis
Give five causes of Pruritus Ani in infants
Contact dermatitis from faeces/urine/sweat Allergic Contact Dermatitis Threadworms Anal Disease (eg Crohns) Candidiasis
How should Pruritus Ani be investigated?
Threadworms are normally visible
Swans of Perianal Skin for MC&S
How should Pruritus Ani be managed?
Treat underlying cause
Improve Perianal Hygiene
Mild Steroid Ointment (if infective causes ruled out)
Give three causes of Pruritus Vulvae
Contact Dermatitis
Diabetes Mellitus
Threadworms
How should Pruritus Vulvae be managed?
Ensure no evidence of lichen sclerosus or diabetes
Void regularly
Change damp underwear
Wipe front to back
Treat acute inflammation with topical steroid until redness settles
Give three common allergens in Allergic Contact Dermatitis (delayed type IV hypersensitivity)
Nickel
Plasters
Henna Tattoos
How is Allergic Contact Dermatitis investigated and managed?
Ix - Patch test left on for 48hrs and then read on day 5 to 7
Mx - Allergen withdrawal and topical steroids