Dermatology - Basics + Red Scaly Flashcards
Macule
Altered colour, flat, texture normal
Papule
Less than 5mm, raised
Nodule
> 5 mm raised
Plaque
Altered texture
Vesicles
Small blisters
Bullae
Large blisters
Pustule
Collection of leukocytes
Sclerosis
Excess fibrous tissue, loss of elasticity, hair, sweat glands
Lichenification
Leathery texture
Psoriasis - silvery scales, well circumscribed
Psoriasis
Well-circumscribed + silvery
What causes psoriasis?
Genetics, triggers = stress, trauma, drugs (B-blockers, lithium)
What is lateral onycholysis + indicative of?
Lifting of nail off bed at lateral margins - fairly specific for psoriasis
What phenomenon is this?
Koebner phenomenon - psoriasis in damaged areas (e.g. sunburn, scars)
What conditions are associated with psoriasis?
Joint disease, eye infections, CVS disease, obesity, HTN, diabetes, depression
What is inverse psoriasis?
On the flexures (e.g. in armpits), typically no silvery scale
How to treat psoriasis?
mild steroid creams
stronger for short-term use
Ointments
Methotrexate
Biologicals - very restricted use for severe, unresponsive
Seborrheic dermatitis
Red, greasy scale. May be itchy
What is the pathology behind seborrheic dermatitis?
abnormal inflammatory response to a yeast (Malassezia).
How to treat sebberhoic dermatitis?
Topical steroids, antifungals
NB does not cure only suppresses
Pityriasis rosea
Arrows = peeling ring of scale
How to treat pityriasis rosea?
Normally resolves in about 6 weeks. Normally just one episode.
Pityriasis rosea
What is a Herald Patch?
A single, larger patch of Pityriasis rosea at the beginning
Discoid Lupus Erythematosus (DLE)
DLE
Discoid lupus following sun exposure, with hyperpigmentation
DLE