Inflammatory Disorders Of Skin Flashcards
What inflammatory disorders of the skin may affect children?
- Atopic dermatitis
- Psoriasis
- Acne
What is atopic dermatitis?
A chronic inflammatory skin condition mainly of childhood
What is atopic dermatitis also known as?
Eczema
How common is atopic dermatitis?
Affects 1 in 5 children in the UK
What will often be found in the history of children presenting with atopic dermatitis?
Strong personal or family history of atopic disorders, eg eczema, asthma, hay fever
How does atopic eczema present clinically?
Patches of dry, red, itchy skin
Where does atopic dermatitis present?
Often presents on face in infants, and gradually spreads to the trunk and limbs (predominantly flexural involvement)
What may complicate atopic dermatitis?
Infection
What are the differentials for atopic eczema?
- Seborrhoeic eczema
- Infantile acne
How does seborrhoeic acne present?
Predominantly scalp involvement with greasy, scaly, and crusty rash
How does infantile acne present?
Non-itchy papules and pustules
What genetic abnormality is associated with atopic dermatitis?
Genetic mutation in the fillagrin gene
What does the fillagrin gene do?
Encodes filaggrin (filament aggregating protein)
What does filaggrin do?
Aggregates keratin filaments during terminal differentration of the epidermis
What does management of eczema include?
- Parental education and avoidance of triggers
- Soap substitutes and regular emollients
- Topical anti-inflammatories
