Eczema Flashcards
1
Q
What is Eczema?
A
- Inflammatory skin condition
- Characterised by dry- pruritic skin
- Also known as Atopic Dermatitis
2
Q
What other conditions is Eczema closely associated to?
A
=> Part of the Atopic Triad
- Asthma
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Eczema
3
Q
What are the risk factors of Eczema?
A
- Active or passive smoking
- Asthma
- Allergic Rhinitis
- Age < 5 years
- Family History
4
Q
What are the clinical features of Eczema?
A
- Itchy, erythematous scaly patches
- Excoriations
- Thickened skin
- Broken skin which may become infected
- Scaling
- Vesicles
- Hypopigmentation
5
Q
What are the most common areas affected by Eczema?
A
- Inside of elbows
- Creases of wrist
- Back of knees
6
Q
What are the causes of Eczema?
A
- Defects in skin barrier
- Immune dysregulation
7
Q
What is the differential diagnosis of Eczema?
A
- Irritant contact dermatitis
- Allergic contact dermatitis
- Scabies
- Psoriasis
- Seborrhoic Dermatitis
8
Q
What type of hypersensitivity reaction is Eczema?
A
Type 1 Hypersensitivity reaction
9
Q
What is the pathophysiology of Eczema?
A
- Allergen makes its way through slightly porous skin
- Engulfed by APC
- The allergen presented to a naive T cell, resulting in the formation of a Th2 cell
- Th2 cells trigger B cells to release IgE which circulate and bind to mast cells and basophils
- Second exposure to same allergen causes cross linking of igE molecules on the surface of the mast cells and basophils
- This results in degranulation and release of histamines, leukotrienes and proteases
=> Release of pro-inflammatory molecules molecules acts on nearby vessels, causing:
- Dilatation
- Increase in permeability
Skin therefore allows in more of the allergen and more water is lost, leaving skin dry
10
Q
What are the investigations in suspected Eczema?
A
Patch Test
11
Q
What is the management of Eczema?
A
- Avoid irritants and use regular emollients and creams
- If infection, mild steroid and antibiotic use
- In severe cases, UV therapy and PO Predinisolone
- Anti pruritic agents
