Inflammatory Skin Disorders

Question 1

Eczema (dermatitis) , characteristics

Answer 1

Most common inflammatory skin disorder
Known as dermatitis

Characteristics:
Itching (pruritus)
Lesions with indistinct borders
Lesions may be reddened, have papules or scales
May have serous discharge & crusting
Found on face, hands, inner elbows, back of knees

Question 2

Allergic Contact Dermatitis

Answer 2

T- cell delayed hypersensitivity
Due to contact with an allergen (poison ivy or latex)

Of note:
Type 1 allergens such as latex can also cause an acute dermatitis (IgE mediated)

Results in:
erythema & swelling
pruritic vesicular lesions
Pattern of distribution

Antigen must be removed for inflammatory response to resolve

Question 3

Irritant Contact Dermatitis

Answer 3

Similar to allergic dermatitis ((BUT involves the innate immune system))

Skin inflammation by direct skin contact with a substance> no allergy is involved

Severity depends on concentration of irritant & length of exposure

Cause is chemical irritation form soaps or detergents

Question 4

Stasis Dermatitis

Answer 4

Inflammatory skin disorder that occurs in the lower extremities

Early sign of venous insufficiency (variscosities, phlebitis, vascular trauma) & may be a precursor to venous leg ulceration

Result of venous stasis & edema from pooling of blood

Edema evolves to erythema & pruritus

May progress to scaling, petechiae & hyperpigmentation ulceration

Question 5

Psoriasis

Answer 5

Chronic proliferative inflammatory disorder

Has remissions & exacerbations

Involves the skin, scalp and nails

Most common type is plaque psoriasis (well demarcated

Question 6

Psoriaris Patho

Answer 6

Macrophages, fibroblasts, dendritic cells, NK cells & CD4 cells are activated
↓
Secretion of inflammatory mediators
↓
Affects dermis and epidermis
↓
Hyperproliferation, altered keratin differentiation & vascular changes
↓
Thickened epidermis & plaque formation, Lesion appears silvery & scaly, erythema