Eczema

Question 1

What are the clinical features of eczema?

Answer 1

erythemascaling drynessfissuresvesicles/blisterslichenification itch pain bleeding weeping

Question 2

What are the different classifications of eczema?

Answer 2

atopicdiscoidseborrhoeic venous/varicose/stasis/graviational asteatoicpompholytic irritant contact allergic contact

Question 3

Describe atopic eczema?

Answer 3

familial predisposition to eczema, asthma and hay fever prevalence in children around 10-20%decreases with age

Question 4

What exacerbates eczema?

Answer 4

irritants e.g. soap, nylon clothing illness/teething skin infection stresschange in weatherallergy

Question 5

Describe seborrhoeic eczema

Answer 5

young middle aged adults pathogenesis not fully understood

Question 6

How should seborrhoeic eczema be treated?

Answer 6

emollients topical antifungals midly potent steroids

Question 7

Describe discoid eczema?

Answer 7

discrete plaques any see often infected may be manifestation of atopic eczema

Question 8

Describe varicose eczema

Answer 8

lower limbs signs of chronic venous diseasecompression helpful

Question 9

describe irritant contact dermatitis

Answer 9

direct effect of irritant substances affecting skin integrity usually hands common in certain occupations - hairdressers, chefs, housewives

Question 10

describe allergic contact dermatitis

Answer 10

eczema following a type 4 allergic reaction to contact with a substance

Question 11

What are the common sources of allergic contact dermatitis

Answer 11

nickel in jewellery and buckles hair dyeplantstopical medication fragranceoccupational

Question 12

What is the manegment of eczema?

Answer 12

avoid exacerbating factorstreat dry skin - emollient treat active eczema - topical steroids, second line treatments

Question 13

What are the different levels of steroid potency?

Answer 13

MildModeratePotent V potent

Question 14

What potency is hydrocortisone 1%?

Answer 14

Mild

Question 15

What potency is eumovate?

Answer 15

Moderate

Question 16

What potency is elocon, betnovate?

Answer 16

Potent

Question 17

What potency is dermovate?

Answer 17

Very potent

Question 18

What are the potential side effects of using steroids?

Answer 18

site dependent - face, axilla, upper thighs age dependent striae telangectasia and perioral dermatitis glaucoma and cataracts

Question 19

What should you think about when prescribing steroids?

Answer 19

ointment versus cream treat in bursts active areas only

Question 20

What can be used as second line treatment in eczema?

Answer 20

topical immunoodulators bandaging/wet wipessystemic treatments - UV light, oral prednisolone, cyclosporin, azathioprine