Eczema Flashcards
What is another term used interchangeably for atopic eczema?
Atopic dermatitis
Approximately what % of children will have eczema in childhood?
24%
What is atopic eczema?
Inflammatory skin condition which commonly affects flexural areas
There is inflammation and barrier dysfunction
Which group of people are more likely to get eczema?
Babies and children
->important to note that most eczema clears, 60% has cleared by adult life
What is a definition of atopic eczema?
An itchy skin condition in the last 12 months
PLUS 3 OF THE FOLLOWING:
-onset before age 2
-history of flexural involvement
-history of generally dry skin
-history of other atopic disease (hayfever, asthma, food allergy) or history in 1st degree relative if under 4yrs
Which gene in particular plays a role in the pathogenisis of atopic eczema?
Filaggrin gene
Is atopic eczema related to family history?
Yes- atopic family history so any of asthma, hayfever, food allergy
What are the factors of the pathogenesis of atopic ezcema?
Genetics
Epidermal barrier dysfunction
Environmental factors
Immune system dysregulation
If you have one copy of the Filaggrin gene, what condition are you likely to develop?
Eczema
If you have two copies of the Filaggrin gene, what condition are you likely to develop?
Ichthyosis e.g. ichthyosis vulgaris
Skin biopsies aren’t routinely carried out in eczema but if the diagnosis is unclear, they can be done.
What would be seen under the microscope?
Spongiosis (intercellular oedema) within the epidermis
Acanthosis - thickening of epidermis
Inflammation
What is the main clinical feature of eczema?
Itch!!
What is the usual distribution of eczema?
Flexures, neck, eyelids, face, hands and feet
What are the features of acute eczema?
Erythema
Prurutis
Scale
Papules
Exudate
Crustingq
What are the features of acute eczema?
Plaques, fissuring
What are some of the types of exogenous/external eczema?
Contact dermatitis, either irritant or allergic
Lichen simplex
Photoallergic or photoaggravated eczema
What are some of the types of endogenous/internal eczema?
Atopic
Discoid
Venous
Seborrheic dermatitis
Pompholyx
Juvenile plantar dermatitis
Which type of hypersensitivity is allergic contact dermatitis?
Type 4 hypersensitivity
How long does type 4 hypersensitivity rake to present?
2-3 days