Dermatology and Endocrine Flashcards
Describe the progression from melanocytic naevi (mole) to nodular melanoma.
Melanocytic naevi -> dysplastic melanocytic naevi -> in situ melanoma -> superficial spreading melanoma -> nodular melanoma.
What is the main cause of all skin cancer?
SUN EXPOSURE - UV light.
What is the treatment for malignant melanoma?
Surgical excision.
Give 5 causes of generalised pruritus but no rash.
- AGEING.
- Chronic renal failure.
- Cholestasis e.g. PBC.
- Iron deficiency.
- Lymphoma.
- Polycythaemia.
- Hypothyroid.
- Drugs.
Give 3 causes of generalised pruritus with rash.
- Urticaria.
- Atopic eczema.
- Psoriasis.
- Scabies.
- Lichen planus.
What investigations might you do in someone with pruritus?
- FBC.
- Ferritin levels.
- U+E.
- LFT’s.
- TFT’s.
What cytokines are commonly targeted in the treatment of pruritus?
IL-4 and IL-13.
Why do transdermal drugs need to be lipophilic?
They need to be lipophilic in order to get through the lipid rich stratum corneum.
Give 2 essential properties of transdermal drugs.
- Lipophilic.
2. High affinity for their targets.
Give 3 advantages of transdermal drug delivery.
- Avoids first pass effect, hardly metabolised.
- No pain.
- Controlled dosing.
What are emollients used for?
They hydrate the skin and reduce itching.
In what diseases would the use of emollients be indicated?
Dry skin, eczema.
What receptors do glucocorticoids target?
Cytoplasmic receptors.
How does hydrocortisone work?
Hydrocortisone targets cytoplasmic receptors. It leads to a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase in anti-inflammatories.
In what diseases would the use of hydrocortisone be indicated?
Eczema and contact dermatitis.
Give 3 potential side effects of glucocorticoids.
- Skin thinning.
- Oral candidiasis.
- Acne.
- Striae.
- Bruising.
What receptors do vitamin A analogues target?
Nuclear retinoic acid receptors.
Name a Vitamin D analogue.
Calcipotriol.
How does calcipotriol work in the treatment of psoriasis?
Calcipotriol is a vitamin D analogue. It has anti-proliferative and anti-inflammatory effects.
In what diseases would the use of calcipotriol be indicated?
Psoriasis.
Calcipotriol is a vitamin D analogue.
What receptors does tazarotene bind to?
Tazarotene is a Vitamin A analogue. It binds to nuclear retinoic acid receptors.
How does tazarotene work in the treatment of acne and psoriasis?
Tazarotene is a Vitamin A analogue. It binds to nuclear retinoic acid receptors and modifies gene expression and inhibits cell proliferation.
In what diseases would the use of tazarotene be indicated?
Psoriasis and acne.
Would you prescribe tazarotene to a pregnant lady?
NO! Tazarotene is highly teratogenic.