Dermatology - Chronic Conditions Flashcards
Presentation of eczema.
- itchy papules
- dry, scaly patches
- affects flexor aspects
- lichenification
- pitting of nails
Causes of eczema.
- positive family history of atopy
- genetic defect in skin barrier
Management of eczema.
General measures.
- avoid known exacerbating agents
- frequent emollients
- bandages
- soap substitutes
Management of eczema.
Topical therapies.
Topical steroids for active areas.
Topical immunomodulators (e.g. tacrolimus) for maintenance therapy (steroid-sparing).
Management of eczema.
Oral therapies.
- antihistamines (symptomatic relief)
- antibiotics (2° bacterial infection)
- antivirals (eczema herpeticum)
Management of eczema.
Phototherapy and immunosuppressants.
Used in severe non-responsive cases.
Complications of eczema.
- impetigo
- molluscum contagiosum
- viral warts
- eczema herpeticum
What is eczema herpticum?
A severe skin infection in which eczema flares introduce breaks to the skin, by which HSV-1 can enter.
This results in a painful, blistering rash.
Management of eczema herpticum.
Emergency - admit to hospital for IV antivirals / antibiotics.
NB: do NOT use a steroid as this will make it worse.
Presentation of acne vulagris.
Inflammation of pilosebaceous follicle:
- open comedones
- closed comedones
- papules / pustules / nodules / cysts
Causes of acne vulagirs.
- hormonal (androgens)
- bacterial colonisation
- abnormal follicular keratinization
Management of acne vulgaris.
- Topical benzoyl peroxide (reduce inflammation)
- Topical retinoids (slow production of sebum)
- Topical antibiotics (e.g. clindamycin)
- Oral antibiotics (e.g. lymecycline)
- oral contraceptive pill (female)
- Oral teinoids
Considerations of retinoid prescription.
- strongly teratogenic (contraception required)
- photosensitivity of skin to sunlight
- suicidal ideation (screen for mental health issues)
- Stevens-Johnson syndrome / TEN
Complications of acne vulgaris.
- post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
- scarring
- deformity
- psychological and social effects
What is psoriasis?
A chronic inflammatory skin disease due to hyperproliferation of keratinocytes, and inflammatory cell infiltration.
Presentation of psoriasis.
- well-dermacated scaly plaques
- itching / burning / pain
- extensor surfaces affected
- nail changes
- psoriatic arthropathy
Nail changes associated with psoriasis.
- pitting
- oncholysis
Köbner phenomenon.
The appearance of new skin lesions of a pre-existing dermatosis, upon areas of cutaneous injury in otherwise healthy skin.
Occurs in:
- psoriasis
- vitiligo
- lichen planus
Complications of psoriasis.
- erythroderma
- psychological and social effects
Management of psoriasis.
General measures.
- avoid known precipitating factors
- emollients to reduce scales
Management of psoriasis.
Topical therapies.
For localised and mild psoriasis:
- vitamin D analogues
- topical corticosteroids
- topical retinoids
Management of psoriasis.
Phototherapy.
For extensive disease.
Management of psoriasis.
Oral therapies.
Extensive or severe disease:
- methotrexate
- retinoids
- biologics
What is bullous pemphigoid?
A blistering skin disorder affecting the elderly.
Autoantibodies against antigens between the epidermis and dermis, causing a sub-epidermal split in the skin.
Presentation of bullous pemphigoid.
- tense, fluid-filled blisters
- erythematous skin
- itching
Management of bullous pemphigoid.
General measures - wound dressings, monitor for signs of infection.
Topical steroids.
What is pemphigus vulgaris?
A blistering skin disorder affecting the middle aged.
Autoantibodies against antigens within teh epidermis cause an intra-epidermal split in the skin.
Presentation of pemphigus vulgaris.
- painful lesions
- mucosal involvement
- flaccid, easily ruptured blisters
Management of pemphigus vulgaris.
General measures - wound dressings, monitor for signs of infection, oral hygiene.
Oral therapies - high dose steroids and immunosuppressive agents (e.g. methotrexate).