Passmedicine Questions Flashcards
What is the nomenclature of dermatology?
What is actinic keratosis?
A pre-malignant skin condition that develops due to chronic sun exposure
What is the management of actinic keratosis?
Sun avoidance + Sun cream
Treatment:
Fluorouracil cream for 2-3 weeks (+topical hydrocortisone for inflammation)
OR
Topical diclofenac (for milder AK, less side effects)
Where are you most likely to find lichen planus?
Palms
soles
genitalia
flexor surfaces of arms
Mucous membrane
What are the most common causes of acanthuses nigricans?
Type 2 diabetes Mellitus
Gastrointestinal adenocarcinoma
Obesity
Polycystic ovarian syndrome
What is the most common trigger of gutter psoriasis?
Usually occurs 2-4 weeks after a streptococcal infection (tonsilitis)
How would you describe the look and distribution of gutter psoriasis?
Tear drop papule on the trunk and limbs
What are the differences between actinic keratosis and Bowens disease?
Both forms of sun damage where abnormal cells have developed in the top layer of skin (epidermis). Both usually range from 0.5-2cm.
Actinic Keratosis: Called solar keratoses, they vary in colour.
Bowens disease: Called squamous cell carcinoma in situ, more red and scaly.
What are the risks associated with actinic keratosis and Bowens disease?
Development of squamous cell carcinoma.
What is the treatment for Bowens disease?
- Topical 5-fluorouracil (2x daily for 4 weeks) - topical steroids also given to reduce inflammation.
- cryotherapy
- excision
How is molluscum contagiosum described and where is it found?
pink or pearl-coloured raised papule with central umbilication, usually 1-2mm.
It can be found in clusters anywhere APART from the palms and soles.
Clusters of lesions often appear at areas of injury (Koebners phenomenon).
How is molluscum contagiosum managed?
Usually self limiting - will resolves on its own within 18 months.
Lesions are contagious Don’t share towels, clothing and baths. CAN STILL GO TO SCHOOL.
If lesions are troublesome - can attempt trauma or cryotherapy.
What causes seborrhoea dermatitis?
Caused by an inflammatory reaction to the skin fungus malassezia furfural.
How is seborrhoea dermatitis described and where is it found?
Eczematous lesions in sebum rich areas (scalp, periorbital, auricular or nasolabial folds).
how is seborrhoea dermatitis of the scalp managed?
Using zinc pyrithione (head and shoulders or tar neutropenia gel).
Second like - ketoconazole
Other - selenium sulphide and topical corticosteroids
How is seborrhoeic dermatitis of the body managed?
Topical antifungals - ketoconazole
Topical steroids - Only used for short periods
What are the 4 subtypes of melanoma?
Superficial spreading (most common)
Nodular (second most common - MOST AGGRESSIVE)
Lentigo Maligna
Acral lentiginous
What does a nodular melanoma look like?
A red or black lump which bleeds or oozes
What is vitiligo?
An autoimmune condition which results in the loss of melanocytes and causes depigmentation of the skin.
What is vitiligo associated with?
Type 1 diabetes
Addisons disease
Alopecia
Autoimmune thyroid disorders
Pernicious anaemia
What are common features of Vitiligo
Well-demarcated patches of depigmented skin
The peripheries tend to be most affected
Trauma may precipitate new lesions (Koebner phenomenon)
Often affects the hands and feet symmetrically
What is the management of vitiligo?
Sunblock for affected areas of skin
Camouflage make-up
Topical steroids - may reverse the changes if applied early enough
Where are the most common sites of keloid scars?
- Sternum
- Shoulder
- Neck
- Face
- Extensor surface of limbs
- Trunk
Which part of the body is often spared in polymorphic eruption of pregnancy?
The peri umbilical area
Which part of the body is often spared in polymorphic eruption of pregnancy?
The peri umbilical area
What is acne rosacea?
A chronic skin disease of unknown aetiology
What are the features of acne rosacea?
Affects nose, cheeks and forehead
Flushing is often the first symptom
Talengectasia is common
Later develops into a persistent erythema with papule and pustules
Rhynophyma
Occular involvement
Sunlight may exacerbate symptoms
What is the management of acne rosacea?
Predominant erythema/flushing:
- Topical brimonidine gel
Mild to moderate papules and/or pustules:
- Topical ivermectin (or topical metronidazole or topical azelaic acid)
Moderate to severe papules and/or pustules:
- Combination of topical ivermectin + oral doxycycline
When should patients be referred with acne rosacea?
If symptoms haven’t improved with optimal primary care management
Patients with rhinopehyma
What is a dermatofibroma?
A common benign fibrous skin lesion caused by abnormal growth of dermal dendritic histiocyte cells.
What are common features of dermatofibromas?
They are solitary firm papules or nodules
Typical around 5-10mm in size
Overlying skin dimples on pinching the lesion
What causes a dermatofibroma?
Usually nothing but often precipitated by an injury like an insect bite or a thorn prick.
When are skin PRICK or PATCH tests indicated?
Prick:
- Type I hypersensitivity reaction, IgE mediated (true allergy)
- Systemic reactions
Patch:
- Type IV hypersensitivity reaction, non IgE mediated
- for skin reactions - like nickel
What is the management for chronic plaque psoriasis?
First line:
- Potent corticosteroid + Vitamin D analogue (One taken at night and one in the morning) - for up to 4 weeks
Second line:
- if no improvement after 8 weeks
- take the vitamin D twice daily
Third line:
- If no improvement after 8-12 weeks
- Potent corticosteroid, 2x daily for 4 weeks OR
- coal tar preparation applied 1-2x daily
What is the treatment for flexure psoriasis?
First line:
- Mild or moderately potent corticosteroid 1-2x daily for up to 2 weeks
Vitamin D preparations are not beneficial in flexural psoriasis
In psoriasis, how long can corticosteroids be prescribed for?
No longer than 8 weeks, this must be followed by at leas a 4-week break.
hat is eczema herpeticum?
A severe primary infection of the skin caused by herpes simplex virus 1 or 2
In patients with atopic eczema
How does eczema herpeticum present?
A rapidly progressing painful rash.
An area of rapidly worsening painful eczema is an early sign.
Monomorphic punched out erosions (circular, depressed, ulcerated lesions).
1-3mm diameter.
Often have a temperature
What is the treatment for eczema herpeticum in children?
Admitted for IV Aciclovir
What is the Koebner phenomenon?
When a skin lesion appears a the site of an injury
What conditions are associated with the koebner phenomenon?
Psoriasis
Vitiligo
Warts
Lichen planus
Lichen sclerosus
Molluscum contagiosum
What is Wallaces Rule of nines regarding the extent of burns?
head + neck = 9%,
each arm = 9%,
each anterior part of leg = 9%,
each posterior part of leg = 9%,
anterior chest = 9%,
posterior chest = 9%,
anterior abdomen = 9%,
posterior abdomen = 9%
When are IV fluids required in burn management?
In children with burns >10% of total body surface area
In adults with burns >15% of total body surface area
What is the parkland formula for calculating fluid prescribing in burns?
Volume of fluid = Total body surface area of the burn % X Weight (Kg) X4.
- Half of the fluid is administered in the first 8 hours.
- The second half is administer within the next 16 hours.
What is the most important factor regarding prognosis in melanoma?
The depth of a tumour (Breslow depth).
- < 0.75 mm = 95-100%
- 0.76 - 1.50 mm = 80-96%
- 1.51 - 4 mm = 60-75%
- > 4 mm = 50%
What are the causes of fungal nail infections?
- Trichophyton rubrum (dermatophytes) - 90%
Candida (yeast) - 5-10%