Lecture 6: Acute and Emergency Dermatology Flashcards
What is erythoderma
Any inflammatory skin disease affecting > 90% of the total skin surface
Causes of Erythoderma
Psoraisis Ezcema Drugs Cutaneous Lymphoma Hereditary disorders Idiopathic/unknown
Management of erythoderma
Fluid balance Good nutrition- protein Removal of offending drugs Temperature regulation Emollients Oral/eye care Treat underlying cause Anticipate or treat any infection Manage itch
Severe consequences of skin drug reactions
Stevens Johnsons Syndrome & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
Epidermal detachment
Differences between Stevens Johnsons Syndrome & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis
SJS < 10% epidermal detachment
SJS-TEN Overlap 10-30%
TEN > 30%
Clinical features of Stever Johnsons Syndrome
Fever Malaise Arthralgia- pain in joints Rash- maculopapular, target lesions, blisters Mouth ulceration- Greyish white membrane Hemorrhagic crusting Ulceration of other mucous membranes
Difference between SJS/TEN and Erythema Multiforme
Erythema Multiforme- hypersensitivity reaction usually triggered by a viral infection
Do much better the SJS/TEN and is often self-limiting
What is Drug reaction with Eosinophilia and Systemic Symptoms (DRESS)
Drug reaction 2-8 weeks after exposure
Signs:
- Widespread rash, blistering
- Fever
- Eosinophilia and deranged liver function
- Lymphadenopathy
- Other organ involvement
Treatment for DRESS
Stop the drugs
Systemic steroids
Immunotherapy
What is Pempigus
Antibodies attacking the dermasomes in the skin (mucous membrane) causing painful blisters in the skin
Clinical features of pempigus
Superficial
Flaccid blisters that can easily rupture
Ill defined erroisions
Positive Nikolsky’s sign (top layer of skin peels off)
Common sites of pempigus
Face Axilla Groin Eyes Nose Genital areas
What is Pempigoid
Antibodies directed at dermo-epidermal junction in the skin
Clinical features of pempigoid
Intact epidermis forms roof of tense blisters
Difference between pempigus and pempigoid
Pempigus:
- Uncommon
- Middle age patients
- Fragile blisters
- Mucous membrane usually affected
- Patients may be very unwell if extensive
- Treatment: systemic steroids
Pempigoid:
- Common
- Usually elderly patients
- Blisters are intact and tense
- Even if extensive, patient may not have any systemic symptoms
- Topical steroids