What are the characteristics of acute atopic dermatitis (AD)?
What are the characteristics of chronic AD?
Where does AD effect infants and younger children, older children and adults?
Infants/younger children –> face and extensor areas
Older children –> flexural areas
Adults –> face and hands
What are the characteristics of acute stasis dermatitis (SD) and where is it found?
Typically found on any part of the lower leg but in most cases is proximal to the medial malleolus
What are the characteristics of chronic SD?
What are the characteristics of acute contact dermatitis (CD)?
List for both allergic and irritant
Allergic
Irritant:
What are the characteristics of chronic CD?
What areas are typically effected by CD?
Areas in contact with the allergen or irritant; in some cases allergic CD may be generalized
What are the red flags that warrant further assessment of both AD and CD?
What are the goals of therapy for treating AD or CD?
What are the non-pharmacologic options for the treatment of dermatitis?
What are the 3 types of wet dressings that can be used to treat dermatitis and when are they indicated?
What are the mechanisms and instructions for use for a compress?
Mechanism: cool and dry skin through evaporation
Instructions:
1) soak gauze or a thin cloth with solution
2) wring gently so it remains wet but not dripping
3) Apply to the skin, remove, remoisten, and reapply every few minutes for 20-30 minutes, 4-6x day
4) lotion may be applied after but avoid occluding with ointment
What are the mechanisms and instructions for use for a soak?
Mechanism: softens hardened crusts and hydrates skin
Instructions:
1) saturate gauze or cloth with solution
2) apply to area for 15-20 minutes without removal
What are the mechanisms and instructions for use for a wrap?
Mechanism: increase penetration of topical agent, decrease water loss and provide physical barrier against scratching
Instructions:
1) topical agent is covered by a wetted layer of tubular bandages or gauze
2) second layer is applied
3) can be worn for several hours depending on patient tolerance
What is the solution that can be used for the different wet dressings?
Tap water, saline or pharmacologic solution containing astringents and/or antiseptics
Cold solution can be used for itch relief
What are the non-pharmacological options in the treatment of SD?
MOST IMPORTANT: treating the underlying CVI
What is the general approach to treatment for AD?
Moisturizer therapy and non-pharmacologic strategies are used in conjunction with topical corticosteroid.
To step up therapy:
topical corticosteroid –> topical calcineurin inhibitors OR topical phosphodiesterase 4 inhibitors –> phototherapy or systemic therapy
What are the non-Rx bath products available for the treatment of dermatitis and what are their mechanisms? (2)
Bath oils –> slow water loss from the skin, improve xerosis and soothe irritated skin (more effective than oatmeal in trapping water)
Colloidal oatmeal –> decreases pruritus (useful when large BSA is affected but does not significantly improve xerosis)
What are the different non-Rx moisturizers available for the treatment of dermatitis and what are their mechanisms? (4)
Emollients –> slow water loss and lubricate the skin; o/w products also decrease pruritus
Hydrating products –> decrease water loss from skin
Occlusive agents –> delay water evaporation from skin and protect against irritants (generally causes less stinging than emollients/hydrating products but is not appropriate on inflamed or oozing lesions)
Barrier repair products –> restore ceramide balance in the skin (tingling may occur for 10-15 minutes after application)
What are the non-Rx topical corticosteroids used for the treatment of dermatitis, what schedule are they and what are some important counselling points to communicate to patients? (2 products)
Hydrocortisone 0.5% or 1% –> lowest potency TCS (NHP)
Clobetasone butyrate 0.05% –> medium potency TCS (schedule 2)
Counselling points:
What is the lowest potency Rx TCS and what is it indicated for?
Hydrocortisone 2.5% –> mild dermatitis, safe for application to face
What is the low potency Rx TCS and what is it indicated for?
Desonide 0.05% cream –> mild dermatitis
What is the lower-medium potency Rx TCS and what is it indicated for?
Hydrocortisone Balerate 0.2% –> mild to moderate dermatitis