Derma Notes
Derma Notes
-Unmyelinated C fibers
-Stimuli: light touch, temperature changes, emotional
stress
-Pruritoceptive itch: inflammation, dryness
-Neuropathic itch: post herpetic
-Psychogenic itch: parasitophobia
-Itch caused by systemic disease: Chronic kidney
disease
-Internal causes: liver disease, renal failure,
hypo/hyperthyroidism, IDA, PV, malignancy
(lymphoma), neuropsychiatric
Xerotic eczema
-background of xerosis
-pruritus occurs before lesions appear
Pruritus ani
-secondary to contact dermatitis, rule out CD. use of
wet wipes is a common CD cause
-hemorrhoids, anal tags, leakage of GI secretions
-candida,
-parasites- E. vermicularis
Pruritus scroti
-lichen simplex chronicus- circumscribed
neurodermatitis
-Pyschogenic pruritus is the most frequent type
-low potency steroids
Pruritus vulvae
-vulvovaginal candidiasis10%, Trichomonas vaginalis
-unspecified dermatitis(54%)
-lichen sclerosus, lichen planus, psoriasis(inverse
type)
Prurigo nodularis
-itchy nodules, usually at the extensors.
-anterior legs
-treated by stopping scratching. give moisturizers,
mild soap, emolients, johnsons baby soap, milf
unscented soap.
Nail
Distal subungual onychomycosis
-most common
-t. Rubrum
-distal nail bed & hyponychium
-secondary involvement of underside of nail plate of
fingernails and toenails
White superficial
-can be scraped of
-t.rubrum & t.metangrophytes, cephalosporium,
aspergillus, fusarium
-small chalky white spots on nail plate
Candidal onychomycosis
-candida albicans
-"wet workers" (water --> destroy cuticle --> fungi
enter)
-paronychia
-fingernails afected
Onychomycosis
-topical: clotrimazole, amorolfine
-systemic antifungals (terbinafine (DOC for
dermatophyte onychomycosis), itraconazole,
fluconazole, azoles if candidal)
-precaution: liver disease (LFTs)
Bacterial paronychia
-swelling with pus
-s. Aureus
-mani, pedi
Nail Psoriasis (psoriatic onychomycosis)
-nail pitting (can also be seen in alopecia areata)
-oil spots/salmon patches (pathognomonic)
-subungual hyperkeratosis (thickening)
-onycholysis
-onychodystrophy
-proximal matrix: pitting, beau's lines
-distal matrix: onycholysis
-nail bed: oil spots, subungual hyperkeratosis,
onycholysis, splinter hemorrhages
-proximal & lateral nail folds: cutaneous psoriasis
-methotrexate tx.
Hair
Infundibular area (hair outside to entrance into skin)
Middle portion (upto the attachment to arrector pili)
Lower portion
a. Anagen -synthesis phase 3 yrs
b. Catagen- transition phase 3 weeks
c. Telogen- resting phase 3 mos
Hair growth: half an inch per month
No hair on palms, soles, labia minora
Alopecia areata
-round/oval bald spot
-"broken exclamation mark hair" (distal end is thicker
and more pigmented)
-can involve scalp or facial hair
-good prognosis: postpubertal onset
-improve with corticosteroid injections
-poor prognosis: atopic dermatitis, childhood onset,
widespread involvement, duration longer than 5 yrs,
onychodystrophy, ophiasis (loss of hair along the
temporal and occipital scalp)
Telogen effluvium
-transient falling of hair due to premature entry into
telogen phase
-3 mos after stressful event: pregnancy, fever,
surgery, rapid wt loss, drugs
-hair regrowth after 3-6mos
Trichotillomania
-hair pulling disorder
-assoc with OCD
-hair at varying lengths
S. Barbae
-Autoinoculation
-Pustules are superficial
Furuncle
-Nodule with central suppuration, tenderness
-Nape, axilla, buttocks
-DM, atopic dermatitis, any form of
immunosuppression
-Tx: warm compress, penicillinase resistant penicillin, I
& D if fluctuant
Recurrent Furunculosis
-3 or more episodes per year
-Secondary to staphylococcal carrier state
prophylaxis -Intranasal mupirocin BID for one week
every month
-rifampicin 600mg/day dicloxacillin (MSSA) or TMP-
SMX (MRSA) 10 days
-clindamycin 150mg/day x 3 mos
-immunosupressed states- DM, HIV
Carbuncle
-2 or more furuncles together
Hansen's dx
*missed slide
Fite faraco stain
TT - Polar Tuberculoid
-Cell mediated immunity is strong
-Saucer shaped (annular, periphery is elevated),
rulenout fungal infection
-Can spontaneously cure
BT - Borderline Tuberculoid
-Immunity is strong enough to restrain infection but
insufficient for self-cure.
-No hope for cure
- multiple asymmetric lesions
-Satellite lesion or pseudopods (dd: candida or
intertrigo)
BL - Borderline Lepromatous
-Inverted saucer shaped
LL Lepromatous Leprosy
-No cell mediated immunity
-Unrestricted bacillary replication
-Difuse dermal infiltration
-Widespread nodules or plaques
-Madarosis, saddle nose, anhydrosis, Leonine
facies(dd lymphoma)
-stable
- (+) hyposthesia
Multibacillary: dapsone,
rifampicin, clofazimine.
Day 2 onwards:
dapsone, clofazimine
Paucibacillary: rifampicin,
clofazimine
Adverse effects of drugs:
Dapsone
-bacteriostatic
-hemolytic anemia
-methemoglobinemia
-psychiatric problems (psychosis) rarely
Clofazimine
-red brown Kasama niyo si santos? of the skin,
conjunctiva
-red urine, stools, sputum, sweat, tears
-drynes of skin
Rifampicin
-bactericidal
-red urine
-hepatitis
-thrombocytopenia
-psychosis
-decrease efectiveness of systemic steroids
Scrofuloderma
-nodules secondary to direct extension from cervical
lymph node, non tender
-characteristic cord like scars
-anti-kochs tx
Cellulitis
-subcutaenous
-ill defined plaque
-staph. aureus or Strep. pyogenes
Bullous cellulitis
-tinea pedis
Erysipelas
-well defined plaque
-grp A strep
Miliaria rubra
-Hot humid climates
-Back, intertriginous areas, popliteal areas
Miliaria crystallina
-Clear superficial vesicles with no inflammatory
reaction
-Tight clothing
-No tx, just cold compress
Miliaria pustulosa
-Non follicular pustules (vs folliculitis) bec eccrine
sweat glands do no exit thru the pores
Scabies
-Intensely pruritic papular lesion, can come with
excoriation, contain mites, eggs or feces
-Finger webs, axilla, popliteal, axilla, extremities,
inguinal
-Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis
Obligate human parasitic mite
Burrows in stratum corneum
Live in human for 3 days only
Close contacts
Humans are the only reservoir
Contaminated clothes and beddings
Sensitization: 2-4 wks after onset of infestation
If reinfection: days
-IMPT: nocturnal pruritus, close personal contact, circle
of hebra
-Tx: permethrin 5% lotion, sulfur (if pregnant, apply
everyday), lindane (with cytotoxicity)
Arthropod bites
-Central punctum
Bed bugs
-Bites in rows
Pediculosis capitis/corporis/pubis
Capitis
-Children
-Secondary inflammation,
-Most common: retroauricular
-Permethrin 1% shampoo, use a fine toothed comb for
grooming (use only once), do not shampoo 24hrs after
application, not ovicidal (so repeat after 1 wk)
-secondary impetigo is common.
Corporis
-Mite lays eggs in seams of clothing
-Homeless people with poor hygiene
Acne
-Propionibacterium acne
-Hallmark lesion: Comedone
-can have papules, pustules, nodules, cysts...
-4 features: hyperkeratosis of follicular infundibulum,
sebum, propionobacterium acnes, androgen
A. Microcomedone
B. Comedone
C. Inflammatory papule/ pustule
D. Nodule
Acneiform
-monomorphic follicular papules/acne
-cause: steroids (oral and topical)
Vascular disorders
Diascopy
-test for blanchability
-blanching (dilatation of BV) vs non blanching
(extravasation of RBC)
-blanching: erythema, sunburn, photosensitivity,
urticaria, angioedema, dermographism, morbilliform
drug eruption, EM, exfoliative dermatitis
-Nonblanching: purpura, vasculitis
Sunburn
-erythema, tenderness, blistering
-UVA: aging; UVB causes sunburn; UVC: ozone
-water resistant: 40mins; water proof: 80mins
-spares suncovered areas
Urticaria
-wheals (evanescent: doesn't last >24hrs)
-acute (<6 weeks: food, drugs, infection); chronic (>6
weeks: parasitism, dental caries, thyroid dx,
autoimmune diseases)
-mast cell degradation--> release of histamine
Angioedema
-swelling of subcutaneous layer
-common cause: ACE inhibitors and ARBS
-ask if there is dyspnea (might have swelling in
respiratory passages)
- treatment: epinephrine
Dermatographism
-drawing hehe
Morbilliform reaction
-also called maculopapular rash/exanthem
-most common causes: adverse drug eruption and
viral infection
Erythema multiforme
-Dusky center, pale ring, erythematous surrounding
-adult:HSV (1>2)
-child: mycoplasma pneumonia
-minor: 1 mucosal surface
-major: involvement of more than 2 mucosal surfaces
Exfoliative dermatitis
-Generalized erythema and scaling
-psoriasis, atopic dermatitis, eczema, allergic contact,
irritant contact dermatitis
- more than 90% of skin is invovled
Non blanchables
Purpura
-flat macule/patch
-petechiae --> purpura --> ecchymoses
-vascular dysfunction, trauma, coagulation disorders,
thrombocytopenia
Vasculitis
-hallmark: Palpable Purpura (inflammation of blood
vessels)
-secondary to extravasation of RBC from blood vessels
-type 3 hypersensitivity
-confirm dx with biopsy
-advise: exercise, leg elevation
-first line: antihistamine
-colchicine, dapsone
-in children: Henoch Schonlein Purpura (usually
preceded by URTI Gr. A Strep)
Seborrheic dermatitis
-scalp: cradle cap
-can involve glabella, nasolabial folds
-yellowish greasy appearance of scales
-recalcitrant seborrheic dermatitis: HIV
-malassezia ovalis
-treatment: mild shampoo for babies, mineral oil
15mins before shampooing, antifungals, and if with
erythema give steroids
Psoriasis
-silvery scales
-goes beyond the hairline
Nummular eczema
-coin shaped, papules and vesicles that coalesce
-NSS compress, antibiotic + steroids
Dyshydrotic eczema
-Tapioca like deep seated vesicles on the lateral
hands/feet
-NSS compress, steroids
Intertrigo
-circular patch in flexural areas
-inguinal, inframammary
-candidal intertrigo: satellite pustules(tx: azole)
Inverse psoriasis
-bright red with silvery white scales
-inguinal area + umbilicus
Breast eczema
-areola
Stasis eczema
-medial lower leg
-varicosities, edema
-sign of venous insufficiency
Xerotic eczema
-elderly, pretibial
Tinea manuum
-"1 hand, 2 feet", check inguinal area also
-annular
Tinea capitis
-non inflammatory type: areas of alopecia with broken
of hairs (manifest as black dots)
-kerion: boggy inflammatory mass
Tinea cruris
-tx: terbinafine (oral if extensive, OD for 2 weeks)
Tinea facialis
-long septated hyphae with spores
Psoriasis
-sharply marginated, raised, red, plaque with scaly
surface
-silvery white scale
-symmetry of lesions
-extensor distribution
-koebner phenomenon: lesions on areas of trauma
occurs 7-14 days on trauma or sun exposed areas
-auspitz sign: pinpoint bleeding upon removal of
scales due to dilated capillaries
-pathognomonic: oil spots (nail pitting also seen in
alopecia areata)
Pityriasis rosea
-Collarette scales, herald patch
-distribution: langer lines,xmas tree
-HHV 6&7
-heals in 4-12 weeks
Tinea versicolor
-hypo/hyper/slightly erythematous
-malassezia furfur - short non septated hyphae with
spores
-furfuraceous scales
Syphilis
-primary: chancre
-secondary: maculopapular rash, condyloma lata
-tertiary: gumma
-involvement of palms and soles: syphilis & EM
-great mimicker
Verruca filiformis
-Long slender upward projections
-Papillomatous
Verruca plantaris
-usually found on pressure areas
-most commonly on mid metatarsal areas
-coalesce to form mosaic warts
-diferential dx: callus, corn (with exaggerated skin
lines, but no black dots)
Verruca plana
-flat topped
-risk factor: sun exposure, autoinoculation by shaving
-Highest rate of spontaneous remission
-koebnerization
Tx for warts
-duofilm
-electrocautery
-cryotherapy
-laser therapy
Molluscum contagiosum
-dome shaped papules with central umbilication
-usually appears in children; can be sexually
transmitted
-poxvirus, MCV1
-contact, immunocompromised
-can spontaneously resolve
-inclusion bodies: molluscum bodies or henderson
paterson bodies
Treatment: nick curettage, caltarithin
Milia
-white keratinous cysts
-asymptomatic
-in newborns: can resolve spontaneously in weeks
-in elderly: can be due to trauma, blistering diseases,
topical occlusive meds
-incise and express the contents
Syringoma
-sweat duct diferentiation; skin-colored
-found on cheeks & eyelids
-familial
-recurrence after removal by cauterization or laser
therapy
-coalesce to form plaques
Acrochordon/skin tags
-neck, axilla, groin
-can become tender, inflamed or gangrenous when
twisted
-common in obese; risk of developing DM: skin tags on
top of acanthosis nigricans velvety plaque
-tx: snip excision
Pustular diseases
Primary lesion: pustule
Pus = INFECTION
Acne vulgaris
-chronic inflammatory disease
-polymorphic: closed comedone (white head), open
comedone (black head), pustules, papules, nodules
-atrophic scars
-face, upper trunk, upper back
-pathophysiology: keratin plug, sebum accumulation,
propionobacterium acnes, hormonal imbalance
Acne congoblata
-Pustules and papules coalesce that form plaques that
release serosanguinous material
-tx: oral isotretinoin
Miliaria pustulosa
-non follicular pustules on bedridden patients
-blockage of sweat duct
-areas of predilection: intertriginous areas, back
Folliculitis
-superficial inflammation of hair follicle
-found on hair bearing areas
-multiple lesions: oral antibiotics
Furuncle
-chronic relapsing
-Deeper inflammation nodule hair follicle --> rupture
--> nodule with or w/o central suppuration
Pyogenic Paronychia
-separation of nail fold from nail plate secondary to
frequent exposure to water; mani/pedi; nail biting
Ecthyma
-characteristic sausage shaped ulcers
-staph or strep pyoderma
-shins/dorsal feet
-vesicle/vesiculopustules --> rupture --> ulcer -->
heals with scar
-nss compress; antibiotics
Candidal intertrigo
-secondary to maceration of epidermal folds of the
neck or intertriginous areas
-satellite pustules
-pruritic
-tx: topical azoles plus mid strength corticosteroids
(mometasone) for rapid relief
-recommend: keep area dry, loose clothing, lose
weight
Vesicular diseases
Herpes simplex viruses
A. Primary infection: painful ulcers, vesicles
B. Latent phase
C. Recurrence
Herpes zoster
-Grouped vesicles, dermatomal or unilateral; Painful,
can be pruritic
-if immunocompromised: disseminated
-chicken pox --> latent(dorsal ganglion) --> herpes
zoster
-if no hx of chicken pox, may be due to vaccine or
varicella in utero
-herpes zoster ophthalmicus: can cause
blindness; Hutchinson's sign (tip of the nose;
involvement of the nasociliary branch of the V1)
-crusting of ALL lesions = non infectious
-Ramsey Hunt (deafness, ipsilateral facial palsy;
afects facial and auditory nerves)
-postherpetic neuralgia (sensitization of dorsal
neurons, spontaneous activity of aferent neurons,
pain in the absence of damage, more common in
elderly)
-antiviral therapy: limit extent, dissemination
Tx: acyclovir 800mg/tab 1a tab q4 for 7 days;
valacyclovir 500mg/tab 1 tab BID for 7days
Intraepidermal
-flaccid
-positive nikolsky sign and asboe-hansen's sign
-pemphigus, SJS, SSSS, erythema multiforme
Subepidermal
-tense
-negative nikolsky and asboe-hansen
-bullous pemphigoid, insect bites, SLE
Bullous pemphigoid
-ELDERLY tense blisters; chronic; very PRURITIC
-flexural, nuchal
-autoimmune: IgG Ab (BPAG 1&2)
-histo: eosinophil rich subepidermal blister
-Direct immunofluorescence: detect Ab on BM
-mgt: systemic steroids, azathioprine, dapsone
Pemphigus vulgaris
-Generalized flaccid blisters with ulcers in the oral
mucosa; PAINFUL; chronic
-rupture easily so all you see are erosions
-trigger factors: sun-exposure, infections
-intraepidermal area is highlighted on direct
immunofluorescence
-Tx: immunosuppressive agents (dapsone,
azathioprine), oral corticosteroids
Dermatitis herpetiformis
-Extremely pruritic erythematous papules > vesicles >
bullae > crust
-Nape, scapula, extensors, buttocks
-exacerbated by wheat-rich foods
-neutrophils on the dermal papilla
-igA deposition on the dermoepidermal junction
-tx: dapsone & sulfapyridine
-avoid alcohol,beer, cookie crumbs, cookie dough
Bullous impetigo
-Erythematous macules > clear filled bullae on the
nostrils > seropurulent discharge > golden yellow
crust
-infectious/contagious
-commonly on nose; disseminated
-staph(most common)/strep
-Tx: 1st gen cephalosporin: cephalexin, MRSA:
vancomycin, linezolid; NSS compress
-complications: AGN (grp A strep), SSSS (staph
scalded skin syndrome)
SJS
-Hx of drug intake (allopurinol, antipsychotics)
-start as morbiliform eruption
-flaccid vesicle that rupture easily to form erosion,
crusting as they heal
-less than 10% of BSA (count areas of detached
epidermis like bullae, vesicles, erosions; not just
erythematous areas)
-involvement of mucous membranes: usually oral and
conjunctiva (check also GI tract)
-accompanying symptoms: conjunctivitis, oral ulcers,
dysuria, dysphagia
-SJS/TEN overlap: 10-30%
-TEN (toxic epidermal necrolysis): > 30%
Vitiligo
-Multiple, Well defined, Depigmented macules and
patch
-distribution: focal (often trigeminal), unilateral,
vulgaris, universal
-hands and around the mouth ("lip and any tip") are
difficult to treat
-white hairs if around eyebrow(
-autoimmune (associated with type1 DM, pernicious
anemia, Hashinotos thyroid it's, Graves' disease,
addisons disease, alopecia areata)
-tx: topical steroids
Post inflammatory
hypopigmentation/leukoderma
-Eythematous plaques --> white macules
-destruction of melanocytes during the trauma
- previous lesions/ hx of SLE
-size and shape of previous lesions
Melasma (chloasma)
- asian
- hyperpigmentation on
cheeks, sunexposed
area
-females > males, older
-OCPs, topical application of strong chemicals
(maxipeel), sun-exposure
-tx: bleaching, lasers
Freckles (Ephelis)
-fair skinned individuals
(*if darker skinned individuals = solar lentigo - do not
fade; usually in asians)
-hyperpigmentation
Xanthelasma
-not all have elevated TG, can occur with normal lipids
-most common xanthoma
-over the eyelids- xanthelasma palbebra
Xanthoma
-Firm yellow nodules arounds elbows, knees
-Multilobulated masses
-Associated with increased cholesterol
-tuberous xanthoma: super big, appear inflamed and
tend to coalesce
-Eruptive xanthoma:
-plane xanthoma: flat macules/slightly elevated
plaques with yellowish tan coloration
-advised diet, statins, fibrins, excise if big and afect
ADLs but they will recur
Basal cell CA
-most common skin CA; translucent pearly
papule/nodule with telangiectasia androlled
border; friability
-malignant neoplasms from non keratinizing cells that
originate in the basal layer of the epidermis
-elderly > 60 y/o
-males, whites > asians
-sun exposed areas: head (nasal ala) & neck (80%),
back, chest, shoulders
-intermittent sun exposure (UV-A&B) usually in
childhood, ionizing radiation, environmental
carcinogens, immunosuppression, scars, burns,
chronic scarring or inflammatory dermatoses
-larger lesion with central ulcer and crust = rodent
ulcer
-no premalignant skin lesion, appear de novo
-rarely metastasizes, but with prominent tissue
destruction, greatest danger is local invasion
-pathogenesis: mutation of mammalian PTCH
gene upregulation of SMO gene
-biopsy at the most indurated border
-histopathologic findings: basaloid cells, peripheral
palisading pattern, fibromyxoid stroma, retraction
space
-best tx: surgery (excision - choice), mohs
micrographic surgery
-pigmented BCC: most common type in asians
-superficial BCC: trunk, erythematous patch, does
not respond well to tx, seen in HIV patients
-morpheaform BCC: aggressive, ivory white
-infiltrative BCC: aggressive
-tx: 4mm margin for nonmorpheaform BCC smaller
than 2cm in diameter; 5mm margin if >2cm diameter;
mohs micrographic surgery; curettage for <1cm but
can recur on other areas; cryotherapy; imiquimod
(TLR antagonist to boost T helper 1 immunity); 5-FU;
vismodegib (hedgehog pathway antagonist);
photodynamic therapy (MAL-PDT); Radiation therapy
Squamous cell CA
-second most common form of skin CA
-solitary, firm, flash colored keratotic
papule tenderness, induration, erosion, scale, or
enlarging diameter
-intense sun exposure, burns, wounds, ulcers, HPV
-sun exposed areas: face, back, legs
-high chance of metastasis
-chemo and radiation is there is lesion left
ABCDs of Melanoma
Asymmetry
Borders are irregular
Color variation (brown, black, pink, red...)
Diameter increased (>6mm) or ugly Duckling sign
(atypical lesion)
Elevation/surface change
Acral-lentiginous melanoma
-Most common type of melanoma in asians
-hutchinson's sign: involvement of nail plate +
periungual skin
-seen also on plantar surfaces
Amelanocytic melanoma
-mistaken for BCC
-pink/skin colored
-biopsy
Seborrheic keratosis
-Most common benign tumor of the skin
-Oval slightly raised
-Stuck on greasy appearance
-Occur on sunexposed areas or trunk
Scar
Injury > hemostasis > inflammation > remodeling >
scar
Keloid
-extension beyond borders of initial injury
-pain, pruritus
-claw-like
-previous trauma, sites of acne, or spontaneous
-areas of high skin tension: chest, upper back
-does not regress, can even become bigger
-intralesional triamcinolone: to soften lesion to reduce
pain/pruritus, can flatten but not always
-emollients, silicone dressings
Skin types
1 - fairest - always burns, never tans
2 - fair - usually burns, rarely tans
3 - dark white - sometimes burns, tans slowly
4 - olive - rarely burns, tans easily
5 - dark - rarely burns, tans profusely
6 - dark brown - never burns, tans darkly black