Module 2 - Dermatology Flashcards
List changes in skin related to aging.
Structural: decrease in Langernas cells, thickness of dermis, elastic tissue, sweat glands, hair follicles, specialized nerve endings, & vasularity. Increase in fagility of capillaries.
Functional: decreased inflammatory response, sweat capacity, and sebum; increased time for wound healing, thinning of skin, and dryness
History & Physical should include:
onset, progression, medications, social and occupational factors, dietary practices.
dermoscopy, possible woods light, palpation
Differentiate nonscarring alopecia from scarring alopecia
Nonscarring: hair follicles still present; usually results from abnormality of the hair cycle.
Scarring: hair follicles absent or fibrosed; usually result of inflammatory process of the scalp
Diagnostic testing for alopecia:
KOH, TSH, CBC, Glucose, Ferritin, VDRL, DHEA-5, Testosterone
What is anagen effluvium associated with:
chemo
Telogen effluvium - description & causes
Hair prematurely enters the telogen (shedding) phase; high fever, childbirth, malnutrition, medications
Autoimmune endocrinopathies associated with alopecia areata:
Hashimotos, Addison’s , or pernicious anemia
Vitiligo description
disappearance of pigment producing melanocytes in the epidermis and hair follicle leading to depigmented areas.
Vitiligo and autoimmune diseases
May coexist with alopecia areata, autoimmune thyroid disease, Addison’s, atrophic gastritis, pernicious anemia and type 1 DM
Components of hx to dx pruritis
Diurnal rhythms, character, severity, distribution, exacerbating, and alleviating factors, previous tx, medications, alcohol use, med & psych hx, exposures, and review of systems.
Treatment for rhus pruritis (poison ivy or oak)
medium to high potency corticosteroids; ointments are often preferred.
