Terms and Steroids in Dermatology Flashcards
What should be examined in a dermatology exam?
Examination should include skin, hair, scalp nails and mucus membranes. Can examine lesions closer using a dermoscope
Papule
small lump (<5mm)
Nodule
larger lump 5-20mm
Vesicle
small water blister
Bulla(E)
large water blister
Pustule
pus filled vesicle
Excoriations
scratch marks
Striae
stretch marks
Pruritis
itching
Atrophy
Thinning
Macule
Discoloured non raised area of skin <5mm
Patch
macule >5mm
Plaque
palpable flat topped area >2cm
Erosion
loss of epidermis
Ulceration
loss of epidermis and dermis
Lichenification
thickening of the skin
Filiform
thread = long irregular projections
Seborrhoaeic
crusty
Telangiectasia
small thread blood vessels
Spider Naevus
a single telangiectasic arteriole in the skin
Petechia
microhaemorrhages 1-2mm
Purpura
purple rash caused by blood in the skin
Generalised
all over the body
Widespread
extensive
Localised
restricted to one area of skin
Flexural/Extensor
Flexural = body folds e.g. groin, neck, behind ears, popliteal and cubital fossa Extensor = knees, elbows and shins
Pressure areas
buttocks, sacrum, ankles and heels
Photosensative
affects sun exposed areas such as face, neck and back of hands
Describe the Fitzpatrick classification of skin types
One
White/pale skin (freckles, blond/red hair)
Always burns, never tans
Two
Pale skin (blond hair, blue eyes)
Burns easily, tans poorly
Three
Darker white skin (dark hair, brown eyes)
May burn, tans lightly
Four
Olive skin e.g. Mediterranean
Burns minimally, tans easily
Five
Asian, middle eastern and Latin America
Rarely burns, always tans
Six
Black African
Never burns, tans darkly
What questions should you always ask about in Dermatology?
Aggravating or relieving factors
Occupation
Sun exposure and sun beds
Family history of skin problems
What’s the difference between a cream and an ointment?
Creams – emulsions of oil and water and well absorbed
Ointments – greasy preparations with no added water – can become contaminated with bacteria so do not insert hands into pot
List the 4 common steroid creams in order of potency?
Hydrocortisone
Eumovate
Depnovate
Dermovate
What counsel would you give a patient asking about sunscreen use?
Need protection against UVA and B. UVA penetrates windows and enters the skin more deeply than B but UVB is what is mostly responsible for sunburn and malignant melanomas. Sunscreen with high SPF (sun protection factor) helps block UVB. This is the same as the Factor 50 or Factor 30 you see on brands. Factor 30 is a satisfactory form of sun protection in addition to clothing and shade. As well as the factor there is a 0-5-star system for UVA protection. 4-5 stars alongside factor 30 is recommended. Note to achieve the full potential of these sunscreen apply liberally and often according to the advice on the package.
