Eczema

Question 1

what will you find in 90% of eczema patients?

Answer 1

raised serum IgE

Question 2

exacerbating factors:

Answer 2

skin or systemic infection
'hygiene hypothesis'
strong detergents
chemicals
woollen clothes
pet fur

Question 3

activation of what drives the inflammatory process?

Answer 3

activation of Th2-type CD4 lymphocytes

Question 4

presentation

Answer 4

itchy erythematous scaly patches, esp. in the flexures

Question 5

an associated feature?

Answer 5

pitting + ridging of the nails

Question 6

main complication?

Answer 6

broken skin becomes infected by bacteria (Staph aureus)

Question 7

how to test for high specific IgE levels to certain antigens?

Answer 7

skin prick testing

immunoabsorbent assay

Question 8

What’s the triple combination treatment?

Answer 8

topical steroid
frequent emollients
bath oil/soap substitute e.g. aqueous cream

Question 9

For topical steroid, whats the 1st of the 5 stages and an example?

Answer 9

mild: hydrocortisone

Question 10

other therapies

Answer 10

topical immunomodulators, antibiotics, sedating antihistamines, bandaging