What is acne vulgaris?
Chronic inflammatory dermatosis caused by the obstruction of the pilosebaceous follicles in the face and upper trunk > results in comedones, inflammation and pustules
What are the causes of acne vulgaris?
Infantile acne (<3m)
Transient and usually due to increase in maternal androgens
Adolescent acne
Increased sebum production / impaired flow of sebum / Propionibacterium acnes
Associations
Puberty, POS, Cushing’s (excess cortisol)
What are the different types of acne lesions?
Comedones
Dilated sebaceous follicle
Papules / pustules
Inflammatory lesions formed from follicles bursting and releasing irritants
Nodules / cysts
Excessive inflammatory response
What are the S/S of acne?
What are the investigations for acne?
Clinical diagnosis
If signs of androgen excess > free testosterone, FSH, LH, 24hr urinary cortisol
What is the management for acne?
Conservative:
Medical:
1. Single topical therapy:
2. Topical combination therapy:
3a. Oral abx (max 3m) + BPO/adapalene:
3b. COCP + BPO/adapalene
4. Dermatologist referral & oral isotretinoin
Support
What is atopic dermatitis (eczema)?
Chronic, relapsing, inflammatory skin condition characterised by an itchy, red rash, commonly on flexures
What is the presentation of eczema in different age groups?
Typically presents before 2yrs but clears in ~50% by 5yrs and 75% by 10yrs
Infant = face and trunk
Older child = extensors of limbs
Young adult = localises to flexures
What are triggers of eczema?
What are the S/S of eczema?
Mild
Moderate
Severe
What are the investigations for eczema?
What is the management of eczema?
Mild:
Moderate:
Severe:
Infected:
+ antihistamines if severe itching / urticaria
+ Information and support > itchywheezysneezy.co.uk , BAD , National Eczema Society
What is the management of eczema herpeticum?
Dermatological emergency
Rare but serious viral infection, normally causes by HSV
How are emollients used in eczema?
Describe the steroid ladder?
> SEs = infections, thin skin, stretch marks, systemic SEs
What is Naevus Flammeus?
Port-wine stain in distribution of trigeminal nerve
Vivid red/purple macule
> Mx = pulse dye laser
What is Naevus Simplex (salmon patches/stork bites/angel’s kiss)?
What are the investigations for vascular malformations?
Clinical diagnosis
+ Imaging
1st = USS
2nd = MRI (Sturge-Weber)
What is the management for vascular malformations?
Conservative
What is a haemangioma?
Benign tumour made up of blood vessels that typically appear during the first weeks of life as blue or pink macules or patches, then enter a proliferative phase and become elevated above the surrounding skin surfaces
What’s the difference between infantile and congenital haemangioma?
Infantile haemangioma = develops a few days/weeks after birth.
Congenital haemangioma = always present at birth. Much rarer.
What are the RFs for haemangioma?
What are the S/S of haemangioma?
Superficial (50-60%)
Deep (15%)
Mixed
Kasabach-Merritt
What is the difference between a haemangioma and a vascular malformation?
Hemangiomas are vascular tumours that are rarely apparent at birth, grow rapidly during the first 6 months of life, involute with time and do not necessarily infiltrate but can sometimes be destructive.
Vascular malformations are irregular vascular networks defined by their particular blood vessel type, grow slowly throughout life but do not shrink, and usually require treatment.