Eczema

Question 1

What is the alternative name for eczema?

Answer 1

Atopic Dermatitis

Question 2

Where does eczema present on the body?

Answer 2

Flexural Areas

Question 3

What gene is thought to be involved?

Answer 3

Filaggrin gene

Question 4

What is spongiosis?

Answer 4

Intracellular oedema within the epidermins

Question 5

What is acanthosis?

Answer 5

Thickening of the epidermins

Question 6

What is inflammation?

Answer 6

Superficial perivascular lymphohistiocytic inflitrate

Question 7

What are the clinical features of eczema?

Answer 7

Itch of flexures, eyes, neck, hands and feet. Erythema. papules, scale, crusting

Chronic - linchenification, plaques or fissuring

Question 8

Define linchenification?

Answer 8

Thickening and leathering of the skin

Question 9

Name some environmental factors which may contribute to irritant contact dermatitis?

Answer 9

Cold, over-exposure to water, chemicals such as acids, alkalis, detergents and solvents

Question 10

What occupations are prone to irritant contact dermatitis?

Answer 10

Hairdressers, NHS staff, cleaners

Question 11

How do you treat eczema?

Answer 11

Patient education, avoid causative factors, emollients, soap substitutes, intermittent topical steroids, antihistamines, calcineurin inhibitors, UV light, Immunosuppression