Dermatology Primary Care Flashcards
What is the pathophysiology of acne vulgaris?
Increased sebum production (exacerbated by androgens), occlusion of follicular ducts by hyperkeratinisation, and bacterial colonization of ducts, which breaks down triglycerides, producing free fatty acids that cause dermal inflammation.
Which bacteria colonizes follicular ducts in acne vulgaris?
Proprionibacterium acnes
p.acnes
Name four risk factors for acne vulgaris.
P.acnes infection
Puberty and menstrual cycles (increased androgens)
High glycaemic load diets
Stress
Which areas of the body does acne vulgaris present?
Areas rich in sebaceous glands: face, back, sternal area
What are the three cardinal features of acne vulgaris?
Open or closed comedomes Inflammatory papules (ruptured comedomes) Pustules
What is an alternative name for comedomes?
Open - blackheads
Closed - whiteheads
What are three other features of acne vulgaris?
Premenstrual exacerbation
Seborrhoea
Deep dermal inflammation and keyloid scarring.
Name the 5 main variants of acne.
Infantile Steroid Conglobata Acne excoriee Acne fulminans
What are the symptoms of acne fulminans, other than severe necrotic crusted lesions?
Malaise, pyrexia, arthralgia
What is the management of acne fulminans?
Urgent prednisolone and analgesics
Oral isoretinoin
What drugs are known to cause or exacerbate acne?
Anabolic steroids Corticosteroids Isoniazid Ciclosporin Anti-epileptics
What is the first line treatment of mild to moderate acne?
Topical retinoid or antibiotic, with benzoyl peroxide.
e.g. adapalene 0.1%/isoretinoin
e.g. clindamycin 1%
Both with benzoyl peroxide
What is the 2nd line treatment for acne vulgaris?
Addition of PO antibiotic: doxycycline
Why should macrolide antibiotics such as erythromycin be avoided in the treatment of acne?
High levels of p.acnes resistance
The COCP is an alternative 2nd line treatment for acne in women; how does it work?
Anti-androgen activity.
What are the indications for referral to a dermatologist for treatment with PO isotretinoin (roaccutane)?
No response to two different abx
Scarring
Severe psychological distress
Severe variant such as fulminans or conglobata.
What are the side effects of isotretinoin?
Mucosal dryness
Teratogenic
Depression rarely
What is the pathophysiology of atopic eczema?
Atopic individuals who have a mutation in the epidermal barrier protein filaggrin are predisposed to dysfunction in the skin barrier.
Which cells are overactive in atopic eczema and what antibody is produced?
Overactive Th2 lymphocytes
Produce IL4 and IL5 Stimulate IgE production
What are some exacerbating factors for atopic eczema?
Stress
Detergents
Food allergens
What is the distribution of atopic eczema?
Flexures
Infants - face to body
What are five signs of atopic eczema?
Erythematous scaly patches Vesicles Excoriations Lichenification Post-inflammatory hypo/hyperpigmentation
Name two complications of atopic eczema.
Secondary infection with s.aureus
Eczema herpeticum
What is the treatment of eczema herpeticum?
PO or IV aciclovir
What is the triple combination treatment of atopic eczema?
Topical steroid
Emollients
Bath oil/soap substitute
What are three side effects of topical steroids?
Skin atrophy
Telangiectasia
Adrenal suppression
What is the management of fissured digits in eczema?
Haelan tape (Fludroxycortide)
What type of cream is initiated in secondary care for atopic eczema?
Topical immunomodulators such as tacrolimus ointment or pimecrolimus cream
What antibiotic is prescribed for secondary infection of atopic eczema?
PO flucloxacillin 7-10d
/Erythromycin
What is pompholyx eczema?
Itchy vesicles/blisters on palm and sides of fingers.
When should patch testing be considered?
Irritant/allergic dermatitis suspected
Hand eczema.
What is the classification of dermatophytosis (tinea infections)?
Corporis (body) Capitis (scalp) Pedis (feet) Cruris (groin) Unguium (nails)
How are tinea infections diagnosed?
Microscopy of skin and nail specimens - hyphae and spores
Woods UV light for tinea capitis
What is the treatment of tinea infection?
Clotrimazole/miconazole cream
Capitis and Unguium require systemic agents such as terbinafine OD
Name four risk factors for candidiasis infection?
Broad spectrum antibiotics
Immunocompromise
Pregnancy
Diabetes mellitus