Face, Scalp and Neck Flashcards
What is acne
a common condition that affects nearly all adolescents and has an equal sex incidence
How does acne arise
chronic inflammation and blockage of the pilosebaceous units with an increased production of sum and colonisation of the ducts
What are the clinical features of acne
comedones papules pustules cysts scars
Where on the body does acne arise
face
shoulders
back
upper chest
What can acne be confused with
rosacea
folliculitis
What are some first line treatments for acne
Benzoyl peroxide cream or gel
Isotretinoin
Antibiotics (clindamycin) for moderate to sever acne
Topical agents: azalea acid and adapalene
What is the first line systemic antibiotic for acne
tetracycline 500mg BD for 4 months
When should a patient with acne be referred to a dermatologist
Non-response to topical or antibiotic therapy
What is Rosacea
A chronic inflammatory facial dermatosis characterised by erythema and pustules
At what age is rosacea commonest
middle age
What is the earliest symptom of rosacea
Flushing
What can exacerbate rosacea
sunlight and topical steroids
What is the main difference between acne and rosacea
rosacea lacks the comedones of acne and occurs in an older age group
What is the first line treatment for rosacea
Topical metronidazole gel or cream
What is seborrhoeic dermatitis
a chronic inflammatory eruption of the face and scalp seen in adults
How does seborrhoeic dermatitis arise
yeast pityrosporum ovale that colonises the scalp induces an inflammatory response in some people that manifests as a dermatitis
Where on the body does seborrhoeic dermatitis usually occur
sides of the nose forehead eyebrow eyelashes moustache area
What is the treatment for seborrhoeic dermatitis
steroid or antimicrobial cream
medicated shampoo if on the scalp
What is polymorphic light eruption (PLE) characterised by
itchy papules, plaques and sometimes vesicles in light exposed areas
What sex is affected more commonly by PLE
women (2x more)
What drugs can cause photosensitivity
ACE inhibitors NSAIDs phenothiazines ciprofloxacin tetracyclines thiazides
What is impetigo
a common superficial skin infection due either to staph or strep or both
What are the clinical features of impetigo
Thin walled-easily ruptured vesicles, often on the face which leaves areas of yellow0crusted exudates
Bullous form, with blisters 1-2cm in diameter