Skin Flashcards
What are the signs and symptoms of eczema (dermatitis)?
- Itching
- Vague an poorly defined borders
- Can be chronic inflammatory condition, but may be due to irritant… remove triggers!
What are the RED FLAGS for eczema (dermatitis)?
- Treatment failure
- Lesions on face (think difigurement)
- Widespread or severe
Signs of infection
* Bacterial- crusting skin? (oozing, yellow/green)
* Viral- blisters and bubbles (colourless weeping)
* Fungal- Flaking/circular lesions?
What is the treatment goal for eczema (deramtitis)?
Hydrate/ reduce imflammation where possible
What are the treatment options for eczema (dermatitis)?
In order of treatment steps
- Emollients, applied liberally e.g. hydromol
- Hydrocortisone 1%, applied sparingly BD for 7 days (aged >10)
- Clobetasone 0.05%, applied sparingly BD for 7 days (aged >12) e.g. EUMOVATE
Are the treatments available for eczema (dermatitis) safe for use in pregnancy?
Inadequate evidence of safety in human pregnancy. Topical corticosteroid use in animals is shown to cause abnormalities of foetal development, including cleft palate
Dermacort (hydrocortisone) should not be used in pregnancy
IF RTS, advise patient speak with GP
Important safety advice for treatment options for eczema (dermatitis)
- Do NOT apply to cracked or broken skin
- Do NOT supply if patient taking oral steroids e.g. prednisolone
- Ensure 45 minute gap between applying agents
What are the signs and symptoms of headlice?
and how would you definitively diagnose?
- Itching
- Sighting of shells and/or bodies
Only definitive diagnosis is through direct visual confirmation
What can
What are the treatment options for headlice?
Dimeticone lotion or spray e.g. Hedrin Once
- Treat whole head of hair and leave on overnight for 8 hours
- Wash off in morning
- Treat AGAIN in 2 WEEKS (imperitive as dimeticone only kills live lice)
Effectively suffocates (live louse) and lice can’t develp resistance to
What are the signs and symptoms of seborrheic dermatitis?
- Red, flaky and itchy rash on skin
- Affects greasier areas of skin e.g. face, scalp and chest
What is cradle cap?
Form of seborrheic dermatitis affecting babies scalps
What are the treatment options for cradle cap?
In order of treatment steps
- Topical emollient- to loosen scales, and brush off with shampoo
- Topical imidazole cream
* Clotrimazole 1% cream- apply BD-TDS for up to 4 weeks
* Miconazole 2% cream- apply BD up to 4 weeks
If symptoms persist longer than 4 weeks with treatment- seek specialist help
What are the treatment options for dandruff?
- Coal tar shampoo (Neutrogena Therapeutic shampoo)
- Zinc pyrithione
- Ketoconazole (Nizoral)
Leave in hair for a few minutes before washing off
What are the signs and symptoms of psoriasis?
- Areas of inflamed skin with scaly skin
- Commonly found on elbows, knees, forehead and less often on the back
Scales can help differentiate from dermatitis
What are the RED FLAGS for acne?
- Treatment failure
- Widespread or severe (e.g. cysts or nodules)
- Signs of infection
What are the treatment options for acne?
- Benzoyl peroxide (acnecide)- apply sparingly BD (avoid UV etc)
- Nicotinamide (Freederm 4% gel)- Apply sparingly BD
S/E can be drying of skin- reduce to OD if necessary