Inflammatory skin conditions

Question 1

Answer 1

Atopic eczema (or dermatitis)

• papules and vesicles on erythematous base
• Avoid exacerbating agents, frequent emolients
• Topical steroids for flare ups
• Antihistamines for symptoms, Flucloxacillin for secondary bacterial infections and antivirals for secondary herpes infection

Question 2

Answer 2

Acne Vulgaris

• Inflammatory disease of the pilosebaceous follice
• Hormonal cause (androgen)
• Topical therapies for mild such as benzoyl peroxide and antibiotics
• Oral for severe such as antibiotics and anti-androgens (females)

Question 3

Answer 3

Chronic plaque Psoriasis

• Chronic inflammatory disease due to hyperproliferation of keratinocytes and inflammatory cell infiltration
• Well demarcated erythematous scaly plaques
• Topical therapies : Vitamin D, analogues, corticosteroids
• Oral (severe) : methotrexate, ciclosporin