GP3 Flashcards
Which general areas does eczema commonly present in adults? [1]
Name three areas
In adults, eczematous lesions commonly involve flexural areas
- antecubital fossae (inner elbows), popliteal fossae (behind knees), wrists, ankles, neck folds, axillae, and inguinal folds. However, eczema can also involve other sites such as the face, hands, feet, and trunk.
Name this complication of chronic ezcema [1]
What is it characterised by? [3]
Lichen Simplex Chronicus:
- may develop secondary to chronic scratching or rubbing in response to pruritus
- characterized by well-demarcated plaques with lichenification, hyperpigmentation, and scaling.
Name this complication of ezcema [1]
Why does it occur? [1]
Prurigo nodularis
- Characterized by multiple firm, itchy nodules that result from repeated scratching or picking at eczematous lesions.
What are the requirements for diagnosis of ezcema?
An itchy skin condition in the last 12 months
Plus three or more of
* Onset below age 2 years (not used if below 4)
* History of flexural involvement
* History of generally dry skin
* Personal history of other atopic disease
* Visible flexural dermatitis
Describe the conservative and medication used to treat eczema [+]
Conservative:
- Education to prevent remission / relapsing and complications
- Explanation medications do not cure but majority of children will grow out of it
- simple measures: cotton clothing / bedding, keep cool, avoid pets, rinse clothes adequately, moisturizer at school, avoid all soaps, house dust mite avoidance
Topical Preparations:
- Emollients - varies from water based to oil based; use all the time even when skin is clear
- bath oils/soap substitutes
Topical steroids - e.g. hydrocortisone 1%
- acute - strong steroid for 5-7 days
- chronic - use lowest appropraite potency, 10-14 days
- USE WITH EMOLLIENT
Phototherapy:
- Narrowband ultraviolet B (NB-UVB) phototherapy can be considered for patients with moderate-to-severe eczema who have not responded adequately to topical therapies
Topical immunomodulators
- calcineurin inhibitors - tacrolimus & pimecrolimus
.
Describe the NICE CG 57 (2021 update) describes the following stepped apprach to management of eczema [+]
Mild:
* Emollients
* Mild potency topical corticosteroids
Moderate:
* Emollients
* Moderate potency topical corticosteroids
* Topical calcineurin inhibitors
* Bandages
Severe:
* Emollients
* Potent topical corticosteroids
* Topical calcineurin inhibitors
* Bandages
* Phototherapy
* Systemic therapy
Which drugs can be used to manage itch in eczema? [2]
The use of sedating antihistamines, such as hydroxyzine or chlorphenamine, can be considered for short-term relief of itch and sleep disturbance
Describe the stepwise ladder for treating eczema using steroids [4]
Mild:
- Hydrocortisone 0.5%, 1% and 2.5%
Moderate
- : Eumovate (clobetasone butyrate 0.05%)
Potent:
- Betnovate (betamethasone 0.1%)
Very potent:
- Dermovate (clobetasol propionate 0.05%)
Which steroids might be used to treat areas such as face and genitals eczema [1]
Which steroids might be used to treat the rest of the body for eczema [1]
Face and genitals:
- hydrocortisone 1%
Rest of body:
- betamethasone valerate 0.1% - if severe or thicker skin
How do emollients work to treat eczema? [1]
How often should patients apply it? [1]
They provide symptomatic relief by hydrating the skin, reducing transepidermal water loss and restoring the skin barrier function
Patients should be advised to apply emollients liberally and frequently (at least twice daily) even when their skin appears clear. Emollient choice should be tailored to individual preferences (e.g., creams, ointments or lotions) to improve adherence.
eczema herpeticum
- Eczema herpeticum is a viral skin infection in patients with eczema caused by the herpes simplex virus (HSV) or varicella zoster virus (VZV). Patients can be very unwell.
Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome causes primary immunodeficiency due to a combined B- and T-cell dysfunction. It is inherited in a X-linked recessive fashion and is thought to be caused by mutation in the WASP gene.
PKU
What condition is shown? [1]
Where can / does eczema present differently in black ethnicities compared to white skin? [1]
Eczema
Those of black ethnicity may demonstrate a different distribution with rashes affecting the extensor surfaces. Affected skin can develop patches of both hypo and hyperpigmentation.
Infection to which pathogen often occurs in eczema? [1]
How do you treat? [1]
Secondary S.aureus: patients present with crusty, oozing rash with associated erythema. Disease is often mild and antibiotics may be avoided in those who are systemically well. New supplies of emollients and topical corticosteroids should be given and regular review organised.
Treatment is with oral antibiotics, particularly flucloxacillin.
Describe what is meant by psoriasis [2]
Psoriasis is a common, chronic, inflammatory papulosquamous disorder typically characterised by well-demarcated, scaly plaques and a relapsing-remitting course.
It is frequently associated with systemic diseases (e.g. psoriatic arthritis) and can also impact **individuals’ self-esteem and mental wellbeing. **
Describe the pathophysiology of psoriasis [1]
Psoriasis is an immune-mediated disease featuring hyperproliferation of the epidermis.
The pathophysiology of psoriasis is complex and incompletely understood. It has been demonstrated that the immune system plays a key role - becoming activated and resulting in inflammatory plaques on the skin.
It is estimated that a third of patients with psoriasis will develop psoriatic []
It is estimated that a third of patients with psoriasis will develop psoriatic arthritis.
Describe the following subtypes of psoriasis:
- Psoriatic nail disease [6]
Psoriatic nail disease
- Fingernails are involved in around 50% of cases and toenails in 35%. In patients with psoriatic arthritis, nail changes are very common affecting 90%.
- Subungual hyperkeratosis
- Nail pitting
* Oil drop discolouration (yellow/pink patches)
* Leukonychia (white discolouration)
* Onycholysis (detachment of the nail from the nail bed)
* Splinter haemorrhages
Describe the the subtypes of psoriasis:
- chronic plaque psoriasis
- raised, scaly, well-demarcated plaques
- symmetrically distributed
- scalp, extensor surfaces, trunk, gluteal cleft and knees.
- Lesions are typically itchy and may become fissured and painful over joint lines, on the palms of the hand or soles of the feet.
What is Auspitz’s sign in psoriasis? [1]
If the scale is removed, a red membrane with pinpoint bleeding points may be seen (Auspitz’s sign)
Describe what is meant by Guttate psoriasis [1]
Also termed raindrop psoriasis:
- it presents as a sudden eruption of small circular plaques classically 2 weeks following a streptococcal sore throat.
- It can also occur as a flare of disease in patients with pre-existing psoriasis.
It is generally self-limiting resolving over 3-4 weeks but around a third will develop classic plaque psoriasis.
Localised pustular psoriasis effects which parts of the body? [1]
What is a strongly associated RF? [1]
Localised pustular psoriasis:
- Localised (palmoplantar) psoriasis generally affects the hand and feet
- . Pustules develop along with plaques. It is strongly associated with smoking.
Describe how you treat psoriasis
Regular emollients may help to reduce scale loss and reduce pruritus
1st line:
- topical potent corticosteroid OD AND vitamin D analogue (e.g., calcipotriol)
- should be applied separately, one in the morning and the other in the evening
- for up to 4 weeks as initial treatment
- - if no improvement by 8 weeks go to…
2nd line:
- vitamin D analogue BD
- if no improvement by 8-12 weeks go to…
3rd line:
- potent vitamin D BD for up to 4 weeks, tar, short-acting dithranol