Paeds: Dermatology Flashcards
Eczema
what is it
a chronic atopic condition caused by defects in the normal continuity of the skin barrier, leading to inflammation in the skin
Eczema
how does it present in infancy
dry, red, itchy and sore patches of skin over the FLEXOR surfaces and on the face and neck
Eczema
pathophysiology
defective skin barrier: tiny gaps in the skin barrier provide an entrance for irritants, microbes and allergens that create an immune response
resulting in inflammation and the associated symptoms
Eczema
maintenance mnx aim
create an artificial barrier over the skin to compensate for the defective skin barrier
Eczema
maintenance mnx
- emollients as often as possible
- avoid bathing in hot water, scratching or scrubbing as they break down the skin barrier
- soap substitutes
Eczema
name some environmental factors which could cause a flare
- changes in temp
- certain dietary products
- washing powders
- cleaning products
- emotional events or stresses
Eczema
what can flares be treated with
- thicker emollients
- topical steroids
- ‘wet wraps’: thick emollient and applying wrap to keep moisture locked in overnight
- treat complications eg bacterial or viral infections
Eczema
what can be used to treat very severe flares
IV abx or oral steroids
Eczema
other specialist trx in severe eczema
- zinc impregnated bandages
- topical tacrolimus
- phototherapy
- systemic immunosuppressants eg: corticosteroids, methotrexate + azathioprine
Eczema
thin creams
- E45
- Diprobase
- Oilatum cream
- Aveeno cream
- Cetraben cream
- Epaderm cream
Eczema
thick greasy emollients
- 50:50 ointment (50% liq paraffin)
- hydromol ointment
- diprobase ointment
- cetraben ointment
- epaderm ointment
Eczema
what is the general rule for topical steroids
use the weakest steroid for the shortest period required to get the skin under control
Eczema
SEs of topical steroids
- thinning of the skin
which can make the skin more prone to flares, bruising, tearing, stretch marks and telangiectasia
- systemic absorption
Eczema
which areas to avoid topical steroids in children
face, around eyes and in the genital region
Eczema
what is the steroid ladder from the weakest to most potent
HEBDO
mild: Hydrocortisone 0.5, 1 and 2.5%
moderate: Emuvate (clobetasone butyrate 0.05%)
potent: Betnovate (betamethasone 0.1%)
very potent: Dermovate (clobetasol propionate 0.05%)
oral
Eczema
why are opportunistic bacterial infections of the skin common in eczema
the breakdown in the skin’s protective barrier allow an entry point for infective organisms
Eczema
what is the most common organism in opportunist bacterial infections
staphylococcus aureus
Eczema
trx for bacterial infection
oral abx (flucloxacillin)
more severe cases may require admission + IV abx
Eczema Herpeticum
what is it
a viral skin infection caused by herpes simplex virus (HSV) or varicella zoster virus (VZV)
Eczema Herpeticum
what is the most causative organism
HSV-1
Eczema Herpeticum
what may infection of HSV-1 be associated with
a coldsore in the patient or a close contact
Eczema Herpeticum
RFs
pts with a pre-existing skin condition eg atopic eczema or dermatitis
where the virus is able to enter the skin and cause an infection
Eczema Herpeticum
presentation
a pt who suffers with eczema that has developed:
- widespread, painful, vesicular rash
- systemic sx: fever, lethargy, irritability + reduced oral intake
- lymphadenopathy
Eczema Herpeticum
describe the rash
widespread and affect any area
erythematous, painful and sometimes itchy
vesicles containing pus which later burst leaving small punched-out ulcers with a red base
Eczema Herpeticum
confirm dx
viral swabs of the vesicles although trx is usually started based on the clincial appearance
Eczema Herpeticum
trx
mild/mod: PO aciclovir
severe: IV aciclovir
Eczema Herpeticum
complications
can be life threatening esp in immunocompromised children
bacterial superinfection leads to more severe illness. Needs abx trx
Viral Exanthemas
what is exanthem
an eruptive widespread rash
Viral Exanthemas
what are the 6 viral exanthemas
first disease: measles second disease: scarlet fever third disease: rubella fourth disease: Dukes' disease fifth disease: parvovirus B19 sixth disease: roseola infantum
Measles
what is it caused by
the measles virus
Measles
how is it spread
resp droplets
Measles
when do sx start after exposure and with what
10-12d
fever
coryzal sx
conjunctivitis
Measles
what is the pathognomonic feature
Koplik spots: greyish white spots on the buccal mucosa that appear 2d after the fever
Measles
describe the rash
erythematous, macular rash with flat lesions
Measles
where and when does the rash start
starts classically behind the ears
3-5d after the fever
Measles
mnx
- notifiable disease- report to PHE
- self resolving after 7-10d
- children should isolate until 4d after their sx resolve
Measles
complications
Pneumonia Diarrhoea Dehydration Encephalitis Meningitis Hearing loss Vision loss Death
Scarlet Fever
what is it associated with
group A strep infection, usually tonsillitis
Scarlet Fever
what is it caused by
an exotoxin produced by the streptococcus pyogenes (group A strep)
Scarlet Fever
describe the rash
red-pink, blotchy, macular rash
with rough sandpaper skin
that starts on the trunk and spreads outwards
pts can have red, flushed cheeks
Scarlet Fever
other features apart from the rash
- strawberry tongue
- sore throat
- cervical lymphadenopathy
- flushed face
- lethargy
- fever
Scarlet Fever
mnx
- notifiable disease
- phenoxymethylpenicillin (penicillin V) for 10d
- keep child off school until 24h after starting abx
Scarlet Fever
what other conditions can pts have associated with group A strep infection
- post-strep glomerulonephritis
- acute rheumatic fever
Rubella
what is it caused by
the rubella virus
Rubella
how is it spread
resp droplets
highly contagious
Rubella
when do sx start after exposure
2w
Rubella
describe the rash
milder erythematous macular rash
starts on face and spreads to rest of body
lasts 3d
Rubella
what other sx apart from rash may they have
- mild fever, joint pain, sore throat
- lymphadenopathy behind ears and back of neck
Rubella
mnx
- notifiable disease
- self limiting
- child stay off school for at least 5d after the rash disappears
- avoid pregnant women
Rubella
complications
- thrombocytopenia
- encephalitis
Rubella
why is it dangerous in pregnancy
can lead to congenital rubella syndrome:
- deafness
- blindness
- congenital heart disease
what is Duke’s disease
aka fourth disease with no organism found and non-specific ‘viral rashes’
disagreement whether this actually exists
what is fifth disease also known as
- Parvovirus B19
- slapped cheek syndrome
- erythema infectiosum
Parvovirus B19
what is it caused by
Parvovirus B19 lol
Parvovirus B19
what do symptoms start as
- mild fever
- coryza
- non-specific viral sx: muscle aches, lethargy
Parvovirus B19
when does the rash appear
after 2-5d after initial sx
Parvovirus B19
describe the rash
diffuse bright red rash on both cheeks
a few days later: reticular (net like) mildly erythematous rash affecting the trunk and limbs
can be raised and itchy
Parvovirus B19
mnx
- self limiting within 1-2w
- supportive with plenty of fluids and analgesia
- don’t need to stay off school once rash has formed as no longer infectious
Parvovirus B19
who is at risk of complications
- immunocompromised
- pregnant women
- haem conditions
Parvovirus B19
why do those at risk of complications need serology testing for parvovirus
to confirm dx and check FBC + reticulocyte count for aplastic anaemia
Parvovirus B19
complications
- APLASTIC ANAEMIA
- encephalitis or meningitis
- pregnancy complications: fetal death
- rarely hepatitis, myocarditis or nephritis
Roseola Infantum
aka
roseola
sixth disease
Roseola Infantum
what is it caused by
HHV-6 (common)
HHV-7
Roseola Infantum
what is the typical pattern of illness
1-2w after infection: sudden high fever for 3-5d then stops suddenly
then rash appears for 1-2d
may be coryzal symptoms, sore throat and swollen lymph nodes
Roseola Infantum
describe the rash
mild erythematous macular rash
across the arms, legs, trunk and face
not itchy
Roseola Infantum
mnx
- full recovery within a week
- do not need to be kept off nursery if they are well enough to attend
Roseola Infantum
main complication
febrile convulsions due to high temp
Roseola Infantum
what may immunocompromised pts be at risk of
- myocarditis
- thrombocytopenia
- Guillain-Barre syndrome
rose-pink macular rash with surrounding pale halos and febrile seizures. What does child have
Roseola Infantum caused by HHV6