eczema Flashcards
the outermost layer of skin on your body. It protects your body from harm, keeps your body hydrated, produces new skin cells and contains melanin, which determines the color of your skin.
epidermis
the inner layer of the two main layers of the skin. The dermis has connective tissue, blood vessels, oil and sweat glands, nerves, hair follicles, and other structures. It is made up of a thin upper layer called the papillary dermis, and a thick lower layer called the reticular dermis.
dermis
the bottom layer of skin in your body. It has many functions, including insulating your body, protecting your body from harm, storing energy and connecting your skin to your muscles and bones; also known as the hypodermis
subcutaneous tissue
what are the main functions of the skin?
- protects underlying tissue
- temperature maintenance
- fluid and electrolyte balance
- absorption/excretion
- sensation
- immunity
- vitamin D synthesis
- persons identity and appearance
what are some potential indications for significant illnesses
-moles/tattoos/hair tufts/birthmarks/warts
-unusual body odour
-rashes, drainage, bruising, edema
this is a flat, distinct, discoloured area of skin that is usually less than 1cm wide with circumscribed borders. it usually does not include a change in skin texture or thickness. e.g. freckles, measles
macule
this is larger than 1cm and may have irregular borders. e.g. chloasma, vitiligo, port-wine spots, Mongolian spots (which are usually in newborns)
patch
this is an elevated solid palpable mass with circumscribed borders. less than 0.5cm. e.g. elevated moles, warts, lichen planus
papule
this is a group of papules and are larger than 0.5cm. e.g. psoriasis, actinic ketosis and lichen planus
plaque
these are elevated, fluid filled, round or oval shaped palpable mass with thin trans lucid walls with circumscribed borders. smaller than 0.5cm. e.g. herpres simplex/zoster, early chickenpox, poison ivy, small burn blisters
vesicles
these are elevated, fluid filled, round or oval shaped mass with thin trans lucid walls and circumscribed borders. larger than 0.5cm,. e.g. contact dermatitis, friction blisters and large burn blisters
bullae
a heterogenous group of disorders; similar in clinical and histopathologic findings. two types: acute (often appears vesicular) and chronic (often appears red, scaly and lichenified). pruritus is a common symptom of all types
dermatitis (eczema)
an itchy rash caused by direct contact with a substance or an allergic reaction to it
contact dermatitis
what are some common allergens of allergic contact dermatitis?
- poison ivy
- nickel, fragrances
- preservatives
- topical antibiotics
- black hair dye
what are some common irritants of irritant contact dermatitis
- water
-soap - industrial cleaners
- friction
this is the most common form of contact dermatitis. close to 80% of occupational contact dermatitis (e.g. nurses, factory workers). could be due to repeated exposure of water and soap, and solvents
irritant contact dermatitis
what are the 2 predisposing conditions that may lead to dermatitis (eczema)?
- atopic dermatitis - chronic disease that causes inflammation, redness and irritation of the skin
- asteatotic dermatitis - common type of pruritic dermatitis characterized by dry, cracked skin that is inflamed
what is the clinical presentation/symptoms if exposed to a weak irritant?
pruritus, pain and burning sensation that develops weeks after exposure
what is the clinical presentation/synptoms if exposed to a strong irritant?
prutitis, pain and burning sensation that develops immediately after exposure
what are the most common locations of contact dermatitis?
hands, forearms, eyelids, and face
symptoms occurs within hours to days after alleged exposure and may persist for up to 3 weeks after allergen removal. intense pruritic rash at the site of contact Is characteristic.
allergic contact dermatitis
what is the difference in clinical presentation of acute and chronic allergic contact dermatitis
acute presents as papules and vesicles on an erythematous base
chronic presents as xerosis, fissuring and lichenified plaques
what are the three management steps of allergic contact dermatitis
- identification of the allergen through patch testing
- avoidance of the allergen
- repair the normal skin barrier
true/false: atopic dermatitis is more common in adults than children
false
the ethology is multifactorial: combination of genetic susceptibility and environmental triggers and/or exposures
- genes associated with increased IgE levels or T lymphocyte activation
- filaggrin deficiency
- food allergy
- susceptibility to staph. aureus, molluscum, herpres simplex virus, human papilloma virus
atopic dermatitis
what is the clinical presentation of atopic dermatitis?
- complain of a rash and severe itching
- excoriation (from scratching), red, scaly papules and plaques, serous drainages, crusts are common
sometimes called “chicken skin,” is a common skin condition that causes patches of rough-feeling bumps to appear on the skin. These tiny bumps or pimples are actually dead skin cells plugging hair follicles. They sometimes appear red or brown in color. commonly found in shoulder areas
keratosis pilaris
is atopic dermatitis usually found on flexor or extensor areas?
flexor
true/false: most patients with atopic dermatitis improve with time, but a subset progresses to persistent skin disease and allergic rhinitis and/or asthma
true
this is a common skin disorder. presents with “coin shaped” plaques on extremities. it is more common in older individuals and is often associated with dry skin
nummular dermatitis
pathophysiology is unknown, but may be linked to impaired skin barrier function. the patient typically complains of an itchy rash on the extremities. physical exam: round, light pink, scaly, thin. 1 to 3 cm plaques on the extremities.
nummular dermatitis
what is used to treat nummular dermatitis?
use of mid to high potency topical corticosteroids bid and mild soaps/moisturizers
this is a common prutitic, vesicular skin disorder of the palms and soles. charcaterized by chronic, relapsing eruptions of vesicles. men and women are affected equally. looks like tapioca pudding
dyshidrotic dermatitis
the cause is unknown. often exacerbated by stress and/or sweat
dyshidoritc dermatitis
