Eczema

Question 1

What parts of the skin are affected by eczema?

Answer 1

Flexor surfaces

Question 2

What is the pathophysiology of eczema?

Answer 2

Defects in skin

Tiny gaps provide entrance for irritants, microbes and allergens

This causes an immune response causing inflammation

Question 3

How is eczema managed?

Answer 3

Maintenance and management of flares

Maintenance of artificial barrier over skin using emolients

Soap substitutes

Question 4

How are flares treated?

Answer 4

Thicker emolients
Topical steroids
Wet wraps

Question 5

How are severe eczema flares treated?

Answer 5

Zinc impregnated bandages
Topical tacrolimus
Oral corticosteroids
Methotrexate
Azathioprine

Question 6

What are some examples of thin creams?

Answer 6

E45
Diprobase
Epaderm

Question 7

What are some examples of thick, greasy emolients?

Answer 7

Diprobase ointment
Epaderm ointment
Hydromol ointment
50:50 ointment
Cetraben ointment

Question 8

What is the steroid ladder from weakest to most potent?

Answer 8

Mild : Hydrocortisone
Moderate : Eumovate
Potent : Betnovate
Very potent : Dermovate

Question 9

What is the most common opportunistic bacterial infection of the skin in eczema?

Answer 9

Staphylococcus aureus

Give flucloxacillin

Question 10

What is Eczema herpeticum?

Answer 10

Viral skin infection in patients with eczema caused by HSV or VZV