ECZEMA Flashcards
What is the other name used for eczema?
Dermatitis
What is the principal symptom of eczema?
Itching
What are the clinical signs of acute eczema?
Erythema Oedema Papules Vesicles Exudate
What are the clinical signs of chronic eczema?
Thickened epidermis - Lichenification
Exaggerated skin surface markings
How do we classify the different forms of eczema?
Exogenous - Outside factors
Endogenous - eg Atopic eczema
Unclassified
What are the three types of exogenous eczema?
Irritant contact eczema
Allergic contact eczema
Photocontact eczema
What are some of the most important irritants that are known to lead to irritant contact dermatitis (a form of exogenous eczema)?
Water Abrasives Chemicals - e.g. Acids and alkalis Solvents (alcohol gel) Detergents
Name 5 occupations that can be a risk factor for irritant dermatitis.
Hairdresser Mechanic Nurse Doctor Caterer Engineer
What type of hypersensitivity leads to allergic contact dermatitis (allergic eczema)?
Type IV hypersensitivity - delayed reaction (48-72 hours after contact begins)
How do we test for sensitivity to different allergens in people with allergic contact dermatitis?
Patch testing - several patches with common allergens are kept on the patients back for several days to look for dermatitis reaction.
What are some of the common allergens responsible for allergic contact dermatitis?
Nickel - cheap jewellery Chromates Cobalt Rosin Fragrance Paraphenylenediamine (Henna) Plants Preservatives in hand creams Rubber and latex
What is a photocontact eczema reaction?
Activation of eczema by UV radiation of topically or systemically administered agent (eg some antibiotics such as doxycycline)
What are the different types of endogenous eczema?
Atopic eczema Seborrhoeic eczema Discoid eczema Venous stasis eczema Pompholyx
What is atopic disorder?
Genetic predisposition to develop eczema, hayfever and asthma.
Which bacteria is found in particularly high amounts in the natural flora of patients with atopic eczema?
Staphylococcal colonisation
When does atopic eczema tend to start?
In the first 6 months of life
What proportion of patients will still suffer from atopic eczema by the age of 15?
25%