What is Acne Vulgaris?
A skin condition characterized by the blockage of the pilosebaceous unit (PSU) leading to comedones, inflammation, and pustules.
Acne Vulgaris is the most common form of acne.
What components make up the pilosebaceous unit (PSU)?
Hair follicle and sebaceous gland.
Sebaceous glands produce sebum, which lubricates hair and skin.
What causes the formation of comedones in acne?
Clogging of hair follicles with sebum and dead skin cells.
Comedones are a primary feature of acne.
What are the two types of comedones?
Blackheads appear black due to oxidation of debris inside.
What is a papule?
A small raised solid lesion less than 1 cm in size.
Papules can be a result of inflamed comedones.
What is a pustule?
A small pus-filled lesion less than 1 cm in size.
Pustules are typically superficial in nature.
What are the treatment options for mild to moderate acne?
Combination creams like DUAC (BPO and clindamycin) can also be used.
What is Isotretinoin used for?
Treatment for severe acne, including nodules, cysts, and scarring.
Isotretinoin requires monitoring due to potential side effects.
What is acne fulminans?
A severe form of acne characterized by sudden eruptions and systemic illness, treated with oral steroids and low-dose isotretinoin.
Acne fulminans is rare and requires immediate medical attention.
What are the side effects of Isotretinoin?
Women must avoid pregnancy while on Isotretinoin due to its teratogenic effects.
What is Acne Rosacea?
A skin condition characterized by facial flushing, redness, and visible blood vessels, primarily affecting women aged 30-60 with fair skin.
Triggers include sun exposure, stress, and certain foods.
What is vitiligo?
An autoimmune condition resulting in the loss of melanocytes, leading to white patches on the skin.
It often affects the peripheries and can be associated with other autoimmune diseases.
What characterizes psoriasis?
A chronic autoimmune inflammatory disorder with abnormal T-cell activity leading to scaly red patches.
Psoriasis is exacerbated by stress and certain infections.
What is the Koebner phenomenon?
The appearance of new skin lesions on previously healthy skin following injury.
It is associated with conditions like psoriasis and vitiligo.
What is dermatitis herpetiformis?
An autoimmune condition linked to gluten sensitivity, characterized by intense itching and blistering rash.
It typically resolves with a gluten-free diet.
What is the primary treatment for bullous pemphigoid?
Systemic oral steroids until no new lesions develop for a year.
Topical steroids may be used at onset.
What is the difference between bullous pemphigoid and bullous pemphigus vulgaris?
Bullous pemphigoid has tense blisters and spares mucous membranes, while bullous pemphigus vulgaris has flaccid, fragile blisters and may involve mucous membranes.
Nikolsky’s sign is positive in pemphigus vulgaris.
What is erythema nodosum?
A hypersensitivity reaction causing tender, erythematous nodules on the shins.
It is often idiopathic or associated with conditions like sarcoidosis and IBD.
What is atopic dermatitis?
A chronic inflammatory skin disorder characterized by itching, erythema, and dryness.
It often presents in childhood and is associated with asthma and allergic conditions.
What is the first line treatment for mild eczema?
Liberal emollient usage and mild corticosteroids (e.g., hydrocortisone).
Emollients should always accompany corticosteroids.
What is contact dermatitis?
Inflammation of the skin due to contact with irritants or allergens.
It can be classified as allergic or irritant contact dermatitis.
What triggers urticaria?
IgE response to allergens such as food, medication, or insect stings.
Urticaria presents as raised itchy welts that can appear and disappear quickly.
What is Steven Johnson syndrome?
A rare, life-threatening hypersensitivity reaction characterized by severe skin and mucous membrane blistering.
It is often triggered by medications and can present with flu-like symptoms initially.
What medication is often used for trigeminal neuralgia?
Carbamazepine