aeitology of skin conditions

what is psoriasis?

a chronic inflammatorywhat skin disease

what are some characteristics of psoarisis?

hyperproliferation of epithelial cells leading to thickening and scaling of skin

what are the causes of psoaisis?

immune mediated response where cytokines and t cells are released causing an increase in cell proliferation and inflammation.

there is also a genetic response involved

what interleukins are increased in psoriasis?

IL17, IL23

what drugs can increase the risk of psoriaisis?

beta blockers, lithium, anti maliarials

what are some risk factors for developing psorisias?

smoking, obesity, alcohol, sunlight, streptococcal infection

what type of psoriaisis occurs after a streptococcal throat infection?

guttate psoriasis

what is the difference between eczema and dermitistis

eczema is caused endogenously e.g. immune mediated where as dermatitis is caused exogenously e.g. irritants immune-mediated

what can cause ezcema?

genetic defect in the filaggrin protein leading to an underproduction of lipids which causes excess water loss. there is also an environmental component- cold weather.

what are some characteritics of ezcema

dry, cracked itchy skin

what blood marker can be tested to help diagnose ezcema?

IgE

what patient cohort is mainly affected by ezcema?

paedeatrics

what causes allergic contact dermitis?

allergy to a harmless substances that has been in contact with the skin

what inflammatory markers are raised in allergic contact dermatitis?

cytokines, t cells and IgE

what is the definition of acne?

a skin eruption characterized by inflammation of the sebaceous glands

what is the difference between a blackhead and a whitehead?

in a black head there is a small opening where as a white head has a closed off cap

what is the cause of acne?

androgen increases the production of sebum in the sebaceous glands. if this is not released from the keratin plug it results in the formation of commodones.