Diseases Flashcards
allergic contact dermatitis (ACD)
type IV delayed hypersensitivity: T cell mediated
Sx: pruritus
rash: eczematous, scaly edematous plaques with vesicles in area of exposure
Hx: daily skin care routine, all topical products, occupation/hobbies, regular and occasional exposure (lawn care products, animal shampoos)
Tx: avoid exposure
irritant contact dermatitis (ICD)
inflammatory reaction in skin resulting from exposure that can cause an eruption in most people (non-immunologic)
host and environmental elements
NO previous exposure necessary
single application with severely toxic substance or repeated application of mildly irritating substances (soap, detergent)
sites: thinner skin: face, neck, scrotum, dorsal hands
risk factor: atopic dermatitis
Sx: erythema, chapped skin, dry, fissuring, pruritus, pain
severe Sx: edema, exudate, tender, bull within hours
Tx: avoid irritant, topical steroids, emollients to improve barrier
prevention: protective equipment, avoidance
need patch test in occupational cases to exclude allergic contact dermatitis
atopic dermatitis (AD)
before age 5, clears by adolescence
loss of FILAGGRIN: Th2 immunity
mutlifactorial: genetics, skin barrier dysfunction, impaired immune response, environment
type I hypersensitivity triad: allergic rhinitis, bronchial asthma, AD
chronic, pruritic, inflammatory skin disease
Sx: pruritus, xerosis
ITCH that RASHES: erythematous papules that coalesce to plaques with weeping, crusting, or scaling
Tx: avoid trigger, anti-inflammatory therapy, skin care to compensate for genetically determined impaired barrier, emollients (petrolatum), topical steroids, tacrolimus, pimecrolimus, oral steroids, phototherapy in refractive cases, oral antibiotics if infected with staph
dyshidrotic dermatits
firm vesicles of the palms, soles, lateral and medial fingers and toes
Sx: pruritus, burning, prickling sensation
associations: atopic dermatitis, contact dermatitis
NO disturbance of sweat gland function
may be related to stress, atopy, allergens (topical and ingested)
Tx: steroids (topical and systemic), topical calcineurin inhibitors, consider underlying allergen/irritant
Lichen simplex chronicus
chronic, intensely pruritic skin condition triggered by repeated rubbing and scratching
Sx: solitary, well-defined, pink to tan, thick and lichenified plaque
locations: lateral neck, scrotum/vulva, and dorsal foot
Tx: topical steroids and break habit of scratching
acute dermatitis
appears vesicular or bullous
chronic dermatitis
red, scaly and lichenified with fissures
pruritus
itching
common in all types of dermatitis
causes of contact dermatitis
most common: Rhus dermatitis: poinson ivy, oak, sumac (all contain urushiol)
other: nickel, rubber, fragrance, preservatives, formaldehyde, topical antibiotics, benzocaine, Vitamin E
What are the two phases of allergic contact dermatitis?
- sensitization (induction): 10-14 days
2. elicitation (challenge): dermatitis within 12-48 hours
Rhus allerg
allergic contact dermatitis: poison ivy, sumac, oak
initial episode: rash 7-10 days after exposure
duration: up to 6 weeks
other episodes: within 2 days
duration: 10-21 days
Tx: topical steroids, antihistamine, oatmeal soak/ calamine lotion
severe: oral steroids for 2-3 weeks
prevention: avoid plants, wash objects exposed, apply barriers
eyelid allergic contact dermatitis
causes: often from transfer from hands: nail polish, cosmetics, nickel
Sx: intensely pruritic
scaling red plaques greater on upper lids
patch testing
determines which allergens a patient with allergic contact dermatitis reacts against
use ONLY when allergen is unclear
apply to back, remove in 2 days
latex allergy (2 types)
delayed hypersensitivity: allergic contact dermatitis on dorsal surface of hands
immediate hypersensitivity: immediate burning, stinging, itching with or without localized urticaria, may include disseminated urticaria, allergic rhinitis, anaphylaxis
location of atopic dermatitis lesions by age
- infants and toddlers: eczematous plaques on cheeks, foreheads, scalp, extensor surfaces
- older children, adolescents: lichenified eczematous plaques in flexural areas of neck, elbows, wrists, ankles
- adults: lichenification in flexural regions and involvement of hands, wrists, ankles, feet, face (forehead and around eyes)
eczema herpeticum
severe herpes simplex virus infection in atopic dermatitis patient
severe cases require hospitalization
Tx: IV acyclovir
nummular dermatitis/ discoid eczema
older
coin shaped, well demarcated plaques with scales and tiny vesicles
location: legs, dorsal hands, extensor surfaces
Sx: intensely pruritic, worse in winter (DRY SKIN)
Tx: topical steroids, topical tacrolimus or pimecrolimus, emollients, phototherapy
may be linked to impaired skin barrier function
urticaria
rapid development of hives: evanescent, itchy swellings of skin
wheals last few hours before resolving, may have angioedema up to 72 hrs
*consider urticarial vasculitis if wheals last longer than > 24 hrs
HISTAMINE release and other cytokines: edema
can be allergic or non-allergic, with or with our identifiable cause
Prevent: antihistamines, leukotriene antagonists, H2 blockers
usually avoid steroids: risk of rebound
causes of urticaria
acute ( 6 weeks): unknown, chronic infection, rheumatologic disorder, Ab to IgE
angioedema
swelling of deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue
more frequent with food induced urticaria
typically face: lips, periorbital, hands, feet
also: tongue larynx, respiratory, GI: can cause anaphylaxis (wheezing, difficulty breathing, abdominal pain, dizzy, low BP)
hereditary angioedema
C1 inhibitor deficiency
recurrent episodes of edema, abdominal pain
angioedema without urticaria
often drug therapy related
angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors
physical urticarias
not immunologic; physical cause
dermatographism, cold/heat ,delayed pressure , solar, aquagenic, cholinergic
cutaneous drug reactions
risk: increased age, female, concomitant viral infection (HIV, EBV)
common causes: antibiotics, anticonvulsants, NSAIDS
rash: morbilliform (maculopapular) or urticarial