Session 4: Dermatology Conditions Flashcards
Normal history of acne vulgaris.
Adolescents affected which can start as young as 8 years of age.
Usually gets to its worst at around 16-18. This is also the time when patients are most aware of it and most self-conscious about it.
Will get better with age.
Triggers/causes of acne.
Diet - oily, dairy (anything enjoyable)
Stress
Genetics
PCOS
Cushing’s / steroids
Environmental causes such as high humidity
Increased sebum production
Clinical features/appearance of acne.
Found mainly around face, chest and back.
Comedones both open and closed.
Erythema
Papules, pustules and nodules
Excorations when picked
Can leave scars.
Can be painful/bloody
Management of mild/moderate acne.
Topical retinoids
Topical antibiotics
Creams and lotion
Light and laser therapy
Management of moderate acne.
Continue as with mild and can also give oral antibiotics and retinoids.
If woman can also be started on COCP if that is an option (hormonally related)
Management of severe acne.
Continue as before + referral to dermatology clinic
What is dermatitis/eczema?
Refers to a group of inflammatory conditions that affect the epidermis.
Give types of eczema.
Atopic (most seen in children)
Irritant contact
Allergic contact
Dry skin
Give causes/triggers of eczema.
History of atopy
Dry weather
Cold weather
Any sort of change from baseline.
Irritants
Clothes
Creams
Infection
etc…
Treatment of eczema.
Bathing + soap free cleanser.
Soft and smooth clothes
Remove irritant
Apply emollients
Topical steroids
Antibiotics
Antihistamines
Phototherapy
Light therapy
UV therapy
Clinical features of eczema.
Usually flexural
Pruritic
Erythematous
Can have excoriations
Usually discrete
Can have papules
Macular
What is psoriasis?
A chronic inflammatory skin condition where there is increased turnover of keratin from 30 days to 24-72 hours.
It is immune-mediated.
Causes of psoriasis.
Thought to be genetic.
Clinical features of psoriasis.
Symmetrical
Erythematous
Scaly + silvery plaques
Well-defined edges
Commonly extensoral
Common sites such as scalp, elbows and knees.
Aggravating factors of psoriasis.
Streptococcal tonsillitis
Injuries
Sun exposure
Obesity
Smoking
Alcohol
Stress
Medication
Treatment of psoriasis.
Stop smoking, low amounts of alcohol, normal BMI.
Topical therapy such as emollients and topical corticosteroids
Phototherapy (UV)
Systemic therapy
Biologics
What is this?
Molluscum contagiosum
What is molluscum contagiosum?
A common viral skin infection
Who gets MC?
Infants
Young children <10 y/o
More common in warm climates
More common in children with atopy
Also in HIV patients
What causes MC?
Caused by a poxvirus.
Clinical features of MC.
Clusters of small round papules
Umbilicated
Vesicles
Found close to axillae, popliteal fossa, groin or around genitals.
Most commonly arise in warm/moist places.
What is this?
Tinea infection
Specifically tinea corpora
What is a tinea infection?
A skin infection with a dermatophyte (ringworm) fungus.
It is called tinea and then also its a body part e.g.
Tinea pedis
Tinea corpora
Tinea faciei
What is this?
Urticaria
What is urticaria?
Characterised by weals/hives or angioedema.
A pale skin swelling usually with erythema.
Who gets urticaria?
ONe in five children or adults has an episode of acute urticaria in the lifetime.
It is more common in atopics.
Clinical features of urticaria.
Weals white/red
Usually persist for some time (24 h or less most commonly) and then goes away.
Angioedema
Treatment of urticaria.
Antihistamines
If not enough try systemic treatment.
Avoid triggers
