What is eczema and the pathophysiology of this?
Chronic relapsing and remitting atopic condition caused by defects in the skin barrier allow entrance for allergens that create an immune response and inflammation
Eczema usually presents in under 5’s with dry, red, itchy and sore patches of skin over the flexor surfaces, and on the face and neck
What is the step ladder management for eczema?
Maintenance and Treatment of Flares
What are some examples of emollients used in eczema and how do you instruct a parent to apply these?
Thin creams:
Thick, greasy emollients:
What is the steroid cream potency ladder and how do you instruct a parent to apply this?
Use finger tip units, 1 unit
What are signs of infected eczema?
Take swab if going to prescribe antibiotics, usually infected with S.Aureus
What antibiotics are used for infected eczema?
Topical Fusidic Acid or PO Flucloxacillin
How does eczema herpeticum present?
DUE TO HSV-1
How is eczema herpeticum managed?
What is contact dermatitis and the types of this?
Type 4 hypersensitivity reaction following exposure to a causative agent. Presents with a dry, painful and pruritic skin rash.
Management
Management of Contact Dermatitis principally involves emollient creams and topical corticosteroids. Identification and avoidance of the irritant or allergen is required long term to prevent reoccurrence.
How can you investigate the cause of contact dermatitis?
Patch testing
A range of allergens are fixed on separate patches and placed on the skin. Two days later the patient returns and the patches are removed. After a further two days, the area is checked again and the reaction to each allergen is recorded
How is contact dermatitis managed?
What is the atopic triad?
Approximately one third of children with eczema will develop asthma and/or hay fever in the future
What is psoriasis and some risk factors for this?
Chronic autoimmune condition that leads to patches of dry, flaky, scaly plaques over the extensor surfaces of elbows/knees and on the scalp
Due to rapid generation of new skin cells, resulting in an abnormal buildup and thickening of the skin in those areas
What are the different types of psoriasis?
What is the most common type of psoriasis in children and how does it present?
Guttate
What are 3 signs suggestive of psoriasis?
What are some differentials for psoriasis in children?
How is psoriasis managed?
First-line
Second Line
Systemic therapy
How old do you have to be for PUVA therapy for psoriasis?
Over 10
What are some co-morbidities with psoriasis?
Nail psoriasis: pitting, thickening, discolouration, ridging and onycholysis
Psoriatic arthritis occurs in 10 – 20% of patients with psoriasis and usually occurs within 10 years of developing the skin changes. It typically affects people in middle age but can occur at any age.
Depression and anxiety
Cardiovascular Disease: obesity, hyperlipidaemia, hypertension and type 2 diabetes.
What is the pathophysiology of acne?
Chronic inflammation, with or without localised infection of the pilosebaceous unit.
Increased production of sebum, trapping of keratin and blockage of the pilosebaceous unit
Androgenic hormones increase the production of sebum, which is why acne is exacerbated by puberty
Propionibacterium acnes bacteria
How is the severity of acne classified?
How is acne managed in children?
Always consider psychosocial impact and screen for anxiety and depression
How does oral isotretinoin (Roaccutane) work and what are some of the side effects?
It is a retinoid, (Vitamin A analogue) and works by reducing production of sebum, reducing inflammation and reducing bacterial growth. It can only be prescribed under expert supervision by a dermatologist. It is strongly teratogenic (harmful to the fetus during pregnancy). Patients need to have effective and reliable contraception and must stop isotretinoin for at least a month before becoming pregnant.
Side effects