Intro to derm- skin disorders Flashcards
What is psoriasis?
A chronic, immune-mediated disorder which causes, most commonly, scaly erythematous plaque.
What is the pathophysiology of psoriasis?
Stressed keratinocytes release D/RNA which form complexes with antimicrobial peptides. This induces cytokine production, which in turn causes the activation of dermal dendritic cells. These then migrate to lymph nodes and promote cytokine release from T-cells, which means inflammatory cells migrate into the dermis, causing keratinocyte proliferation and psoriatic plaque.
What are the clinical features of psoriasis?
scaly erythromatous plaque, flexural psoriasis (in skin folds), palmoplantar psoriasis, sublingual hyperkeratosis, onycholysis, pitting, erythroderma, guttate psoriasis.
What are management options for psoriasis?
Topic therapies (eg retinoids, topical corticosteroids and vit D analogues), phototherapy, systemic immunosuppressants (eg cilcosporin, methotrexate)
What is atopic eczema?
A chronic inflammatory condition of the skin, often beginning in early childhood.
What is the pathophysiology of eczema?
It is a barrier defect, where fliagggin binds to keratin bundles and intermediate filaments to form cellular scaffold, reducing extracellular lipids and increasing water loss. This in turn causes impaired protection against microbes (increased microbial colonisation) and environmental allergens. This can also cause immune dysregulation, where staph super antigens regulate T cell responses and subversive Treg cells.
What are the clinical features of atopic eczema?
erythematous, oedematous papillae + plaques, vesiculation, dyspigmentation, lichenification, fissuring allergic contact dermatitis, gold crust, impetiginisation, venous stasis,
What are management options of atopic eczema?
topical therapy (eg corticosteroids, retinoid, tacrolimus), phototherapy, systemic immunosuppression (methotrexate, ciclosporin).
