Paediatric Dermatology Flashcards
what is eczema?
this is an itchy, dry inflammatory skin disease
classification of eczema
endogenous
exogenous
endogenous types of eczema
- Atopic – genetic barrier dysfunction
- Seborrheoic – face/scalp – scale associated
- Discoid – annular/circular patches
- Pomphylx – vesicles affecting palms/soles
- Varicose – oedema/venous insufficiency
exogenous types of eczema
- Allergic contact dermatitis –sensitised to allergen
- Irritant contact dermatitis – friction, cold, chemicals e.g. acid, alkalis, detergents, solvents
- Photosensitive/photoaggravated eczema
childhood eczema flares can be associated with
- Infections/viral illness
- Environment: central heating, cold air
- Pets: if sensitised/allergic
- Teething
- Stress
- Sometimes no cause for flare found
what is atopy?
This is the commonest type of eczema, particularly in children. Atopy is an overactive immune
response to environmental stimuli. Immune mediated defects in the skin barrier function – dry
inflamed skin. Atopic tendency is a tendency to 3 commonly linked conditions – asthma, eczema and
hayfever. Usually 1 or more family members are affected. Can have only 1, 2 or all 3. In infancy atopic
eczema typically starts on the face/neck (cheeks common), and can spread more generally. In older
children flexural pattern predominates (antecubital fossae, popliteal fossae, wrists, hands, ankles).
Facial eczema also possible and can recur.
what is the defect in atopic eczema? what does this result in?
Inherited abnormalities in the skin – the skin “barrier defect”. Abnormality in filaggrin expression.
Filaggrin proteins bind the keratin filaments together. They also play a role in producing a natural
moisturising factor.
Loss of skin barrier functions:
1. Loss of water
2. Irritants may penetrate (soap, detergent, solvents, dirt)
3. Allergens may penetrate (pollens, dust-mite, antigens, microbes)
seborrheoic dermatitis: where
scalp
face
seborrheoic dermatitis: who
babies under 3 months, usually resolve within 12 months
seborrheoic dermatitis: associated with
proliferation of various species of the skin commensal malassezia in its yeast form
cradle cap
seborrheoic dermatitis: treatment
emollients
antifungal creams
antifungal shampoos
mild topical steroids
discoid eczema
form of scattered annular/circular patches of itchy eczema
where does pomphylx eczema affect?
hand and foot
varicose eczema: associated with
oedema
varicose veins
chronic leg swelling
varicose eczema: symptoms
dry
inflammed
ulceration
varicose eczema: treatment
emollients
topical steroids
compression stockings