Question

• Describe the pathophysiology, clinical manifestations, evaluation, and treatment of atopic dermatitis, impetigo contagiosum, tinea capitis, thrush, and molluscum contagiosum.

Answer 1

Answer is given below

ATOPIC DERMATITIS : is otherwise known as atopic eczema,is a type of inflammation of the skin.

Pathophysiology of atopic dermatitis is complex and multifactorial , involving elements of barrier dysfunction,alterated in cell mediated immune responses,igE mediated hypersensitivity and enviournmental factors.Enviournmental polutants can trigger responses from both the innate and immune pathways.

Main clinical features are ; a) pruritus.

b) eczematous lesions

c) xerosis (dryskin)

d) lichentifications (thickening of skin and increase in skin markings)

Evaluation and treatment 1. Topical corticosteroid creams and oinments are the most frequently used treatment.

Since may of these are quite potent it will be necessary to have frequent visits to assure that the treatment is sucessful.

2. Tacrolimus and pimecrolimus and are the nonsteroid topical ointments that  contain  molecules that inhibit a subtance called calcineurin which is important in inflammation.They rather expensive topical medicated creams that are used for   atopic  dermatitisl

3  Certains antihistamines that cause drowsiness can reduce nighttime scratching and   allow more restful sleep when taken at bedtime. 4  If viral or fungal infections are present,the doctor may also prescribe medications to those infections.

Phototherapy is treatment with light that uses ultraviolet A or B light waves or combination of both.This treatment can be effective for mild to moderate dermatitis in older childrens and adults.Possible long term side effect of this treatment include premature skin aging and skin cancer.

When other treatments are not effective the doctor may be used corticosteroids.