Skin Disorders and Medications

Skin Disorders and Their Treatments

Learning Objectives

  • Understand different infections and differentiate between them.

  • Discuss inflammatory conditions related to each infection.

  • Understand different parasitic disorders and associated medications.

  • Brief overview of tumors related to skin disorders.

Types of Skin Infections

1. Viral Infections

  • Herpes Simplex:

    • Most common in adults.

    • Two types:

      • Type 1 - Cold sores.

      • Type 2 - Genital herpes.

    • Dormant in neural ganglia, reactivated by stress or trauma.

    • Contagious; outbreaks last 3-10 days with tingling sensation before lesions.

    • Treatment: Antiviral medications for symptom relief.

  • Herpes Zoster (Shingles):

    • Reactivation of chickenpox virus.

    • Causes multiple lesions along a nerve pathway.

    • Symptoms: discomfort, itching, severe pain, fever, malaise.

    • Postherpetic neuralgia - severe pain after lesions resolve.

    • Treatment: Acyclovir to decrease symptoms.

2. Bacterial Infections

  • Common pathogens: Streptococcus and Staphylococcus.

  • Cellulitis:

    • Localized infection of dermis/subcutaneous tissue.

    • Treat with antibiotics (penicillin, cephalexin, erythromycin).

  • Impetigo:

    • Highly contagious, affects children.

    • Lesions progress from macules to vesicles filled with pus.

    • Treatment: Antibiotics (topical/systemic).

  • Folliculitis:

    • Superficial hair follicle infection by Staphylococcus.

    • Result in pustules surrounded by redness.

  • Furnicles (Boils):

    • Deep hair follicle inflammation, painful pustule.

  • Carbuncles:

    • Group of infected hair follicles, multiple openings.

    • Warm soaks can aid suppuration.

  • MRSA:

    • Resistant skin infection; hard to treat.

    • Can lead to severe complications like sepsis.

3. Fungal Infections

  • Dermatophytosis (Tinea):

    • Superficial infection from various sources.

    • Types defined by location (e.g., tinea pedis - athlete's foot).

    • Treatment: Topical/oral antifungals (e.g., griseofulvin).

  • Candida Albicans (Yeast Infection):

    • Risk factors: Immunosuppression, long-term antibiotics, diabetes.

    • Presents as moist, red, irritated skin.

    • Prevention: Maintain clean, dry skin. Treatment includes antifungal agents.

Inflammatory Conditions

1. Contact Dermatitis

  • Acute or chronic rash due to irritants/allergens.

  • Management: Avoid irritants, corticosteroids for inflammation.

2. Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

  • Chronic rash worsened by various triggers.

  • Treatment: Steroid therapy and antihistamines.

3. Urticaria (Hives)

  • Caused by histamine release, leads to wheals on the skin.

  • Trigger management and antihistamine treatment recommended.

4. Psoriasis

  • Autoimmune disorder causing raised, scaly patches.

  • Non-curable; treatment aims at symptom control (topicals, phototherapy, systemic therapy).

Parasitic Infections

  • Pediculosis (Lice):

    • Types: body (corporis), pubic (pubis), head (capitis).

    • Treatment: Antifungal agents (permethrin, pyrethrin).

  • Scabies:

    • Infestation by mites, spread through close contact.

    • Treatment: Topical medications and linens washing.

  • Bed Bugs:

    • Bites may cause itching, not permanent residents.

    • Treatment: Antihistamines for symptoms; environmental cleaning needed to eliminate.

Tumors Related to Skin Disorders

  • Skin Cancer:

    • Most common cancer; causes include sunlight, genetic predisposition.

    • Most prevalent in older individuals and fair-skinned races.

Premalignant Lesions & Skin Cancers

  • Solar Keratosis:

    • Pre-cancerous, rough, dry lesions.

  • Squamous Cell Carcinoma:

    • Second most common; can metastasize, arises from chronic irritation.

  • Basal Cell Carcinoma:

    • Slow-growing, rarely metastasizes, appears as pearly papule.

  • Melanoma:

    • Highly metastatic; survival rates depend on early detection.

    • Characterized by irregular moles or nevi with atypical features.

Conclusion

  • Understanding skin disorders requires knowledge of infections, inflammatory conditions, parasitic disorders, and tumor biology.