Eczema (2) Flashcards
What is it?
What is the pathophysiology of it?
How does it present?
What are its complications?
➊ Atopic dermatitis, which is a chronic atopic condition causing defects in the natural continuity of the skin barrier, leading to inflammation
➋ • Defects in skin barrier to form tiny gaps, allowing for irritants, allergens, and microbes to enter the skin
• Immune response to these leads to the inflammation and associated symptoms
➌ Dry skin and flares of itchy, erythematous, poorly demarcated patches
‣ Usually forms on the cheeks of infants
‣ Usually forms on the flexural surfaces in older children and adults
➍ • Eczema herpeticum - Dermatological emergency where the impaired skin protection leads to a disseminated HSV infection. Presents as a monomorphic vesicular rash, which can ulcerate and crust. Treated with IV Aciclovir.
• Superficial bacterial infection - usually caused by staph or strep
• Erythroderma - dermatological emergency where there is widespread erythema affecting >90% of the skin surface, which can result in heat and fluid loss, causing hypothermia and systemic symptoms
• SEs of topical corticosteroid use - skin thinning, striae, telangiectasia
Management:
What should be avoided?
What is given?
➊ • Activities that break down the skin barrier e.g. hot baths, itching, scrubbing skin, and using soaps that remove natural oils of the skin
• Known triggers e.g. humidity, diet etc.
➋ • Emollients - thick, greasy creams e.g. E45, Cetraben to help create an artificial skin barrier
• Topical corticsteroids e.g. Hydrocortisone, Betamethasone (Betnovate)
