Dermatology: allergic and immune-mediated disorders Flashcards
define atopic dermatitis
aka eczema
a relasping inflammatory skin disorder that is common in infancy
characterized by pruritus leading to lichenification
pt with atopic dermatitis are at increased risk of what?
increased risk of 2nd bacterial (S aureus) and viral (HSV or molluscum) infection
name common triggers of eczema?
climate, food, contract will allergens, or physical or chemical irritants, and emotional factors
how does eczema present in infants? what area is usually spared?
- erythematous, edematous, weeping, pruritic papules and plaques on the face, scalp, and extensor surfaces of extremities
- diaper area is usually spares
how does eczema present in children
dry, scaly, pruritic, excoriated papules and plaques in the flexural areas and neck
how does eczema present in adults? what 2 areas are often involved?
lichenfication and dry fissures skin in flexural distribution. often hand or eyelid involvement
how is eczema diagnosed?
diagnosis is clinical
pt may have mild eosinophilia and increased IgE
what is atopic dermatitis commonly associated with? 2
asthma and allergic rhinitis
how is eczema prophylactically treated?
nondrying soaps, applications of moisturizers, and avoidance of known triggers
name 1st line treatment for eczema? what is used in pt >2yrs of age with moderate to severe?
tropical corticosteroids topical immunodulators (tacrolimus, pimecrolimus) are useful moderate to severe if pt is >2 yrs of age
how long should corticosteroids be used in treatment of eczema?
topical corticosteroids should not be used for longer than 2-3 wks to avoid decreasing the integrity of the skin
how is erythema toxicum neonatorum defined? how is it treated?
-begins 1-3 days after delievery and resembles eczema, presenting with red papules, pustules, and or vesicles with surrounding erythematous halos.. increases eosinophils are present in pustules or vesicles. usually resolves in 1-2 wks with no treatment
how is contact dermatitis defined?
a type IV hypersensitivity reaction that results from contact with an allergen to which the pt has previously been exposed and sensitized. more common in adults in children
how does contact dermatitis present?
pruritus and rash
can also present with edema, fever, and lymphadenopathy
name some common allergens in contact dermatitis?
poison ivy, poison oak, nickel, soaps, detergents, cosmetics,and rubber products containing latex (gloves and elastic bands in clothing)
what is shape of rash in contact dermatitis?
often mimics that of exposing object and characteristic distributions of involvement are often seen where makeup, clothing perfume, nickel jewelry, and plants
-it can spread over body via transfer of allergen by the hands or via circulating T lymphocytes
how can contact dermatitis be diagnosed?
- clinical impression
- patch testing can be used to establish the causative allergen after the acute phase rash has been treated
how is contact dermatitis treated?
prophylaxis consist of avoiding allergen
topical or systemic corticosteroids as needed with cool, wet compresses to soothe crusted lesions of skin
an infant with a history of ecczema treated with corticosteroids is brought in for a new-onset rash and fever. physical examination reveals grouped vesicles involving eczematous areas of the infant’s extremities and face. what is appropriate therapy?
this infant has eczema herpeticum a medical emergency that is due to propensity for HSV infection to spread systemically, potentially affecting the brain. acyclovir must be started immediately!
how is seborrheic dermatitis defined?
a common disease that may be caused by Malassezia furfur a generally yeast found in sebum and hair follicles. it has predilection for areas with oily skin
name appearance of seborrheic dermatitis in infants
presents with severe, red diaper rash with yellow scale, erosions, and blisters. a thick crust “craddle cap” may be seen on the scalp
name appearance of seborrheic dermatitis in children/adults
red, scaly patches are seen around the ears, eye brows, nasolabial fold, midchest, and scalp. the rash is more localized and less dramatic than that seen in infants
name groups of pts are risk for severe seborrheic dermatitis?
HIV/AIDS
Parkinson’s disease
how is seborrheic dermatitis diagnosed? what two illnesses should be ruled out
clinical impression
rule out contact dermatitis and psoriasis
name treatment for seborrheic dermatitis?
selenium sulfide or zinc pyrithione shampoos for scalp,
topical antifungals or corticosteroids for other areas
how is craddle cap treated?
often resolves wit routine bathing and application of emollients in infants
how is psoriasis defined
A t-cell mediated inflammatory dermatosis characterized by erythematous plaques with silvery scales due to dermal inflammation and epidermal hyperplasia
when does psoriasis start?
starts in puberty or young adulthood
where are psoriasis lesions found?
classically on extensor surfaces, including elbows, knees, scalp, and lumbosacral regions
what happens to pts nails in psoriasis?
pitting- oil spots
onycholysis (lifting of nail plate)