Eczema and related dermatitis Flashcards
aetiology of eczema
mutlifactorial both genetic and environmetal factors
-50% of severe cases have a mutationin the filaggrin gene
-this gene forms part of the strattum corneum which helps form the skin barrier
how is eczema diagnosed 2
clinically
-although total and specific IgE may be raised and aid diagnosis
diagnostic criteria for eczema 4
flexural rash
development before the age of 2 (seen in 80%)
FHx
dry skin
allergic sensitation (total and specific IgE)
chief characterisitic of eczema 1
itch
-can be unbearable leeding to sleep loss,s tress and depression
prinicples of eczema management
restoring the skin barrier
avoiding irritant and allergens
reducing inflammation
trying to reduce itch
what can itching in eczema lead to 3
excoriation (which further disrupts the skin barrier)
infection
lichenifiication (thickening of the skin)
barrier protection managemnt in eczema
bathe daily
use the greasiest emolloient tollerated (ointments)
-generally use a greasy emollient at night and cream during the day
-if greasy ointments are felt to be too messy for day time
overview of priniciples of eczema managemnt 4
improving barrier
avoiding irritants and allergens
reducint in itch and scratchin
topical steroids
prinicples of avoiding irritatns and allergens in eczema
these aggrevate eczema
-include soap perfumes and individualised allergens
heat and sweating aggrevates eczema so child and bedroom should be kept cool
prinicples of reduction in itch and scratcing for eczema 4
dryness will contribute to itch so ensure well moisturied
sedative anti-histamines
cotton garmnets/scratch mits
keep nails schort
-scratching will cause release of histamiens and other chemicals into the skin which causes further ithcing (itch scratch cycle)
when should topical steroids be used in eczema 2
for the following steroid potentencies give an example
mild
moderate
potent
very potent
short burts for active areas
-either flares only or additionally twice weekly if there are chronic pathces that do not clear
steroid potency
mild-hydrocortison (0.5-2.5%)
moderate betamethasone 0.025
potent Fluticasone 0.05
v potent clobetasol PROPIONATE 0.05
topical steroid regime for body in eczema
medium potency for 7 day for flares
-then 2-3 times weekly in chronic areas
*-if not controlled increase strength to a potent steroid again for short burts for flates then twice weekly for chronic patches- (if over 1yo)
what is safe topical steroid amounts for long term use in eczema
moderate and potetn topical steroids twice weekly
topical steroid regime for eczema of the face
1% hydrocort safe for daily use
-except eyelids when use should be limited to 3 nights weekly
three day bursts of moderately potent steroids shouild be safe for occasionaly flares
side effects of topical steroids in eczema 4
if used twice weekly moderate potency no side effects seen
fear of adverse affects has led to under use
others:
-systemic -cushings
-local- thinning, striae, telengectasia
-eyelids
-periorifical dermatitis
-steroid rosacea
-pustular psoriasis