immunomodulating medications (particularly TNF-α inhibitors) may ↑ the
risk for developing ? cancer
Lymphoma
What can be used to help
distinguish chronic eczema from tinea.
Potassium hydroxide (KOH) prep
Dx of atopic dermatitis
Characteristic exam findings and history are sufficient
What is erythema toxicum neonatorum? How to Mx
1st line for atopic derm flare
Topical corticosteroids
Best Tx for pruritus (night and day)
H1 blockers. A first-generation H1
-blocker (eg,hydroxyzine) would be appropriate for nighttime use.
Topical calcineurin inhibitors are used in what incidence inn atopic derm
useful as steroid-sparing agents for moderate to severe eczema for patients >2 years of age. A second line
Neomycin has a history of causing what kind of skin reaction?
contact dermatitis
Dx of contact dermatitis
exam and history are sufficient. Patch testing can be used to establish the causative allergen after the acute-phase
eruption has been treated.
Tx of contact dermatitis
topical corticosteroids and allergen avoidance. In severe cases = systemic corticosteroid
are patch test affected by steroid or by antihistamines
steroids only!
Tx of Seborrheic Dermatitis
adults = ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, or zinc pyrithione shampoos for the scalp
and topical antifungals (ketoconazole cream) and/or topical corticosteroids for other areas.
Cradle cap often resolves with routine bathing and application of emollients in infants.
meds that can worsen psoriasis
β-blockers,
lithium, and ACEi’s
dx of psoriasis?
exam findings and history are sufficient. Biopsy if uncertain
Local psoriasis Mx
topical steroids, calcipotriene (vitamin D derivative), and retinoids such as tazarotene or acitretin (vitamin A derivative).
Severe psoriasis/psoriatic arthritis Mx
Methotrexate or anti–tumor necrosis
factor (TNF) biologics (etanercept, infliximab, adalimumab). Other agents such as ustekinumab (anti-interleukin [IL]-12/23), secukinumab (anti-IL17), and ultraviolet (UV)
light therapy can be used for extensive skin involvement, except in immunosuppressed
patients who can develop skin cancer from UV light.
Dx for urticaria
Exam and history are sufficient. Positive dermographism may help. If in doubt, drawing a serum tryptase can help clinch the diagnosis.
Urticaria Tx
Treat urticaria with systemic antihistamines. Anaphylaxis (rare) requires intramuscular
epinephrine, antihistamines, IV fluids, and airway support
If a patient reacts within 1 to 2 days of starting a new drug, is it likely the drug causing it?
it is probably not the causative agent.
Mx of drug induced rash (generally)
Discontinue the offending agent; treat symptoms with antihistamines and topical steroids to relieve pruritus. In severe cases, systemic steroids and/or IV immunoglobulin (IVIG) may be used.
most common cause of erythema multiforme
HSV
erythema multiforme major vs minor
vs SJS
EM major = minor + mucous membrane involvement. SJS is unique to this and can become TEN, is nikolsky +ve (and is usually from drugs not microbes)
Tx of erythema multiforme
systemic corticosteroids are of no benefit. EM minor can be managed supportively; EM major should be treated as burns.
TEN vs SJS
The epidermal separation of SJS involves <10% of body surface area (BSA), whereas TEN involves >30% of BSA