Dermatology (look at podcast) Flashcards
What is dermatology?
Skin conditions - common
Discuss Eczema
Common in children
Redness Scaling + dryness
Itchy (release of histamine) (bleeding)
Thickening of skin
Scratching leads to breaking of skin
Can get vesicles - blistering
Can get infected - bacterial
What is the treatment of Eczema?
To reduce itching to reduce scratching
Emollients = moisturisers (E45)
Topical steroids
What is Atopic Eczema?
Irritant contact dermatitis
e.g. washing hands frequently
Irritant response to cheap jewellery, detergents, cosmetics
Causes sore, dry skin, itchy splits in skin
How do you treat atopic eczema?
Treat w/ emollients
Apply liberally + frequently
What is allergic contact dermatitis?
Allergic reaction
Cause blistering
How to treat allergic contact dermititis?
Emollients + topical steroids
Name a mild topical steroid
1% hydrocortisone
Name a moderate topical steroid
Clobetasone butyrate
Name a potent topical steroid
Betamethasone
Name a very protein topical steroids
Clobetasol propionate
How do you use topical steroids
Apply once daily
On the affected areas
Not sparingly - finger tip rule
What is Psoriasis?
Common skin disease
Autoimmune disease
Causes abnormal rapid growth of skin cells
Red, flaky, crusty patches with silvery scale
E.g. elbows, knees, scalp, ears, hairline
Can be nail + joint movement
Treatment of psoriasis
Vit. D analogues (+/- potent steroid)
Emollients
Coal tar
Topical steroid monotherapy (special circumstances)
Dithranol (topical retinoid)
Second line treatment for Psoriasis
Phototherapy
Acitretin
Immunosuppressants (cyclosporin, methotrexate, fumaric acid esters)
Biological agents (anti-TNFalpha, ustekinumab)
Downfalls of psoriasis treatment
Steroid Tachyphylaxis
Sudden withdrawal of potent topical steroids/oral steroid causes rebound
Oral steroids never used for psoriasis
Drugs that exacerbate psoriasis:
- beta-blockers
- lithium
- interferon
What is Urticaria?
They are like hives
Either allergic/non-allergic
Caused by release of histamine
Treat w/ oral antihistamine
Occurs w/ morphine - displaces histamine from mast cells
Nettle stings - oral antihistamine
Pruritus (itching) - calamine, crotamiton
Further treatment on asthma
Immunosuppression
Phototherapy
Alitretinoin
Topical calcineurin inhibitor
What causes acne
Increased sebum secretion
Blocked pores
Colonisation with Propionibacterium acnes
Inflammation
How to diagnose acne
Non-inflammatory lesions
Open and closed comedones
Inflammatory lesions
Pustules
Papules
Nodules Scars
Topical treatment for acne
Benzoyl peroxide
Azelaic acid
Retinoids
Antibiotics
Systemic treatment for acne
Antibiotics
Oral contraceptive pill - reduce androgens in the body which cause sebum Isotretinoin
