Eczema Flashcards Preview

Dermatology > Eczema > Flashcards

Flashcards in Eczema Deck (28)
Loading flashcards...
1
Q

Definition of eczema?

A

Type of inflammatory reaction pattern in the skin which may be provoked by a number of external or internal factors

2
Q

Symptoms of eczema? (6)

A
Pruritus
Erythema
Oedema (acutely)
Lichenification (chronic)
Papules/vesicles
Exudation
3
Q

What sign of chronic eczema can sometimes be seen in the nails?

A

Polished-looking fingernails due to persistent scratching

4
Q

Types of exogenous eczema (2)

A

Primary irritant contact dermatitis

Allergic contact dermatitis

5
Q

What causes primary irritant contact dermatitis?

A

Physical irritants e.g. soap powder, washing up liquid; nappy rash (urine)

6
Q

What increases the risk of suffering contact dermatitis?

A

If the patient also has atopic dermatitis

7
Q

Treatment of irritant contact dermatitis (2)

A

Avoidance/minimization of exposure to the substance responsible
Liberal use of emollients

8
Q

A type IV hypersensitivity reaction to an external allergen, occuring after sensitization to the allergen

A

Allergic contact dermatitis

9
Q

Common allergens in allergic contact dermatitis? (4)

A

Nickel
Cosmetics
Rubber additives e.g. latex
Textile dyes

10
Q

Investigation of allergic contact dermatitis

A

48h patch testing (when the acute eczema has settled)

11
Q

What is atopic eczema?

A

Commonest dermatosis, often associated with asthma and/or allergic rhinitis

12
Q

How does eczema manifest in a newborn?

A

Starts in early infancy; often displays an extensor surface pattern before becoming mainly flexural

13
Q

How does seborrhoeic eczema of the newborn manifest? (3)

A

Cradle cap/nappy rash
Often not itchy
May develop into atopic eczema

14
Q

What are the complications of persistent scratching? (4)

A

Lichenification
Scarring
“Habit scratching” e.g. when stressed, nervous
Infection

15
Q

Mutations in which gene predispose to atopic eczema?

A

Filaggrin

16
Q

What is the association between food allergy and atopic eczema?

A

Most cases there is no association; in 30% of infants, egg and milk allergy symptoms (GI upset) may coincide with eczema symptoms

17
Q

What tests can be used to detect specific allergies?

A

RAS test for specific IgE

18
Q

What factors can cause eczema flares? (5)

A
Allergens/irritants
Dryness/heat/cold
Inhaled allergens
Stress
Infection
19
Q

Management principles of eczema

A

Use antimicrobial soap substitutes
Use emollients even when eczema not flaring
Topical steroids, stepped up/down according to response

20
Q

Why should the use of strong steroids e.g. dermovate be avoided on the face?

A

Steroid acne, telangiectasia

21
Q

Commonly used steroids in order of potency (4)

A

Hydrocortisone
Eumovate
Betnovate
Dermovate

22
Q

Other treatment approaches for brittle/unstable atopic eczema (5)

A
Calcineurin inhibitors e.g. tacrolimus
Impregnated bandages (zinc oxide)
Antihistamines
Wet wrap therapy
Ultraviolet light therapy
23
Q

When might antihistamines be worthwhile in eczema?

A

Sedating antihistamines may help at night, especially school age

24
Q

Management of staph-infected eczema

A

Fusidic acid + steroid e.g. Fucibet

25
Q

Scaly erythema on the face (particularly nasolabial folds) and scalp- occurs particularly severely in AIDS patients

A

Seborrhoeic dermatitis

26
Q

What yeast is linked to the development of seborrhoeic dermatitis?

A

malassezia yeasts

27
Q

Management of seborrhoeic dermatitis (2)

A

Scalp- medicated anti-dandruff shampoos

Anti-fungal + steroid combination creams elsewhere in the body

28
Q

Episodic eczema of the palms/soles, in which bulla formation occurs

A

Acute pompholyx eczema