Urticaria/Itch Flashcards
What is lichen planus?
A chronic inflammatory skin condition that affects the skin and mucosal surfaces. There are several types such as cutaneous, mucosal and drug eruption.
It is a T cell mediated autoimmune disease in whihc inflammatory cells attack and unknown protein within skin and mucosal keratinocytes
What are the potential complications of lichen planus?
Longstanding erosive lichen planus can result in squamous cell carcinoma
What does a biopsy of lichen planus look like?
Irregulalry thickened epidermis
Band of imflammatory cells just below the dermis
What does immunofluoresence of lichen planus show?
Immunoglobulin deposits at the base of the epidermis
What is the treatment of lichen planus?
Potent topical steroids
Topical retinoids
Topical tacrolimus
Systemic treatment
- 1 - 3 months oral predisolone + methotrexate.hydroxychloroquine/azathioprine
What is tacrolimus?
An immunosupressive drug that inhibits interleukin 2 which promotes proliferation of T cells.
What is seborrhoeic dermatitis?
A chronic dermatitis caused by an inflammatory reaction related to a proliferation of a fungus called malassezia furfur. It presents as eczema of the scalp, periorbital, auricular and nasolabial folds
How is sebborhoeic dermatitis managed?
Over the counter preparations containing zince and tar (head and shoulders/T gel
Ketoconazole
What is lichen sclerosus?
An inflammatory condition that affects the vulva, usually in elderly females. It leads to atrophy of the epidermis and the formation of white plaques
How do you manage lichen sclerosis?
Topical steroids and emolliants
