Dermatology and Endocrine Flashcards
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.
Give 2 essential properties of transdermal drugs.
- Lipophilic- to get through lipid rich stratum corneum.
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.
How does hydrocortisone work?In what diseases would the use of hydrocortisone be indicated?
Hydrocortisone targets cytoplasmic receptors. It leads to a reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines and an increase in anti-inflammatories.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.
What class of drug is tacrolimus?
Calcineurin inhibitor.
When might you prescribe someone tacrolimus?
Tacrolimus is often used as a second line treatment for eczema.
(1st line = glucocorticoids e.g. hydrocortisone).
Name 3 drug induced dermatological reactions.
- Exanthematous reactions.
- Urticaria.
- Stephen Johnson syndrome.
Give 5 signs of eczema.
- Superficial skin redness/inflammation.
- Oozing.
- Scaling.
- Pruritus.
- Flexors typically affected e.g. at elbows.