Papulosquamous and Inflammatory Dermatoses Flashcards
KERATOSIS PILARIS
Etiology/Epidemiology
- disorder of keratinization of hair follicles of the skin
- exact etiology unclear, but some genetic link
- sex: F > M
- may appear at any age; affect 50-80% of all adolescents and 40% of adults
- associated with other dry skin conditions: ichthyosis vulgaris, xerosis, atopic dermatitis
KERATOSIS PILARIS
Clinical Features
- small (1-2mm) rough folliculocentric keratotic papules, sometimes pustules
- erythematous papules w/ light red halo
- distribution: posterolateral upper arms, anterior of thighs, buttocks, face, can affect any area, spares palms and soles
- asymptomatic (most) to mild pruritus
KERATOSIS PILARIS
- Diagnosis
- Differential diagnosis
- clinical appearance
2. miliaria rubra, acne/folliculitis, drug eruption
KERATOSIS PILARIS
Treatment
- mild cleansers
- emollients
- keratolytic: 12% ammonium lactate, urea cream, topical retinoids (RetinA, tazorac)
- topical steroids
- patient education: reassure b/c not contagious and won’t cause problems
XEROSIS
- dry skin
- important feature of the atopic state
- affects all ages
- decreased barrier function of skin
- aggravating factors: winter, low humidity, hot water, harsh products (soaps, fragranced lotions)
XEROSIS
Clinical appearance
- erythema, horizontal linear splits (cracks)
- most common on extensor surfaces but not limited to these areas
- increased sensitivity, easily irritated
- may itch or burn
XEROSIS
Diagnosis
-clinical appearance
XEROSIS
Treatment
- avoid triggers: 100% cotton, mild detergent, no bleach or fabric softener, use mild or no soap, clip nails to decrease abrasion, avoid frequent washing and drying
- topical therapies: wet dressings, short cool showers, emollients immediately after bathing, frequent soaking and greasing, oils > ointments > creams > lotions
ICHTHYOSIS VULGARIS
Etiology
- disorder of keratinization characterized by the development of dry, rectangular scales
- onset at birth or later in life??
- various forms: inherited (95% of cases) and acquired
- autosomal dominant
- sex M = F
- often seen in AD patients: keratosis pilaris, hyperlinear palmar creases, atopy
ICHTHYOSIS VULGARIS
Clinical features
- fine, white, adherent, polygonal scale with central tacking
- extensor extremities: lower > upper
- flexural folds and diaper = spared
- improves as adult
ICHTHYOSIS VULGARIS
- Diagnosis
- Treatment
- clinical appearance
- emollients; lactic acid, urea, or alpha-hydroxy acids for severe scaling; patient education about avoiding drying environments; humidification
PSORIASIS
- common, chronic, inflammatory, papulosquamous disease that affects the skin, nails and joints
- several distinct clinical forms
- severity and extent of disease varies widely
- once expressed, generally follows relentless, waxing and waning course
PSORIASIS
Pathophysiology
- proliferation of the outer layers of skin due to abnormal T lymphocyte and dendritic cell function/communication
- reactive increase in growth of epidermal and vascular cells
- 8 fold shortening of epidermal cell cycle (build up of cells)
PSORIASIS
Epidemiology
- 1-3% of the population
- inherited genetic factors and known environmental triggers
- age: onset any age; peaks in 20s and 50s
- heredity: 1/3 have positive family history
- sex: M = F
PSORIASIS
Triggers/Predisposing conditions
- trauma (Koebner phenomenon)
- infection (strep, HIV, candida, dental)
- stress/winter season
- smoking/alcohol
- drugs: beta blockers, lithium, systemic steroids, antimalarials, NSAIDs, ACE inhibitors
PSORIASIS
Clinical features
- chronic plaque psoriasis: most common form
- red, scaly, round to oval plaques
- symmetrical, sharply marginated
- loosely adherent silvery white scale
- extensor surfaces: predominantly elbows, knees, scalp; also gluteal cleft, umbilicus, penis; spares the palms, soles and face
- degree of pruritus varies by individual and type
- Auspitz sign: pinpoint bleeding when scale removed
- Koebner phenomenon: psoriasis develops at site of trauma
Types of Psoriasis
- chronic plaque
- guttate (acute eruptive)
- pustular
- erythrodermic
- inverse psoriasis (intertriginous)
- light sensitive
GUTTATE PSORIASIS
- gutta = “drop” in Latin
- > 30% of first episodes are before 20 y.o
- usually preceded 1-2 weeks by strep pharyngitis or viral infection
- resolves spontaneously in weeks to months
GUTTATE PSORIASIS
Clinical features
- small, scaly papules SUDDENLY appear
- trunk and extremities
- uniform lesions
- spares palms and soles
- may or may not have pruritus
PUSTULAR PSORIASIS
- localized: small sterile pustules on a red base on palms and soles
- generalized (von Zumbusch’s syndrome): widespread sterile pustules can coalesce into large areas of pus; life threatening
INVERSE PSORIASIS
- uncommon
- smooth, red and sharply defined plaques
- found in flexural or intertriginous areas (groin, axilla, under breasts)
ERYTHRODERMIC PSORIASIS
- entire skin surface is involved
- generalized erythema and scaling
- can be very severe
Conditions Associated with Psoriasis
- arthritis: affects 5-8% of psoriasis patients; with or w/o cutaneous psoriasis; rheumatoid factor negative; most common is asymmetric, oligoarticular form (70% of psoriatic arthritis)
- IBS, cardiovascular disease, depression
- nail disease: 1/3 of patients; pitting subungual debris; oil drop sign; nail dystrophy and onycholysis
- scalp: dense scale covering part or all of scalp; can be difficult to determine seborrheic dermatitis
PSORIASIS
Diagnosis
- clinical appearance
- biopsy (punch)
- labs: positive anti streptolysin O titer/throat culture (guttate); KOH to rule out candida; HIV titer; autoimmune screens (ANA, ESR, RF)
GUTTATE PSORIASIS
Differential diagnosis
- chronic plaque: seborrheic dermatitis, nummular eczema, tinea corporis, drug eruption
- guttate: pityriasis rosea, secondary syphilis, drug eruption
- inverse: candida, contact dermatitis, bacterial infection
PSORIASIS
Treatment
- topical steroids/intralesional
- tar preparations
- salicylic acid (scalp)
- vitamin D analogues
- retinoid creams
- anthralin
- phototherapy UVB
- systemic: methotrexate, cyclosporine, acitretin, PUVA, biologics
- patient education
PITYRIASIS ROSEA
- acute, self-limiting skin eruption
- etiology unclear, but thought to be viral in origin
- sex: M = F
PITYRIASIS ROSEA
Predisposing factors
- age: >75% between 10-35 y.o.; rare in young and old
- seasonal: more common in cooler months (spring/fall)
- clustered in families/close contacts
- higher incidence in immunocompromised
PITYRIASIS ROSEA
Clinical features
- mild URI prodrome
- primary lesion: Herald patch - a solitary lesion, usually annular, 2-6 cm, round to oval, most common on trunk and neck but can occur anywhere
- secondary lesions: 1-2 wks after 1ary; generalized eruption on trunk and proximal limbs; salmon pink; 0.5-1.5 cm macules or patches; Christmas tree distribution; collarette scale (inward facing cigarette paper-like appearance)
- symmetrical eruption, but spares palms/soles
- atypical presentations: small papules common in young and pregnancy
PITYRIASIS ROSEA
- Diagnosis
- Differential dx
- clinical appearance; biopsy not typically required
- guttate psoriasis, viral exanthems (kids), tinea corporis (ring worm), nummular eczema, lichen planus, drug eruptions, seborrheic dermatitis, secondary syphilis