Page 92 - Community pharmcy practice E-book 2025

02/11/2025, 00:10 Otic & Ophthalmic Disorders | Dermatological Disorders

✓ Rash distribution

✓ Personal or family history of asthma and/or allergic rhinitis

Signs and symptoms of Eczema (Atopic dermatitis)

Pruritis, may be severe especially at night (Hallmark symptom)

Red to brownish-gray colored patches.

Scratching can cause thickened, cracked or scaly skin and also skin darkening and lead to further
complications, including bacterial infection (itch-scratch cycle)
Extremely dry skin can break down and ooze or weep.

Contact Dermatitis (CD)

Etiology and types

1. Irritant contact Dermatitis (ICD)
Inflammatory (Nonimmune modulated) skin reaction.
Results from direct damage to the skin on first exposure to a strong irritant, or repeated exposure to a
milder one.
Chronic exposure to an irritant, may develop fissures and scales, hyper- or hypopigmentation.
Examples of irritants: detergents, solvents, acids, alkalis

2. Allergic contact dermatitis (ACD)
Immunologic skin Reaction.
Results from hypersensitivity to sensitizing agent.
It can occur after a couple of exposures or may take several years of repeated exposure to develop.
Examples of allergens: nickel, fragrances, preservatives, rubber chemicals

Dry Skin (Xerosis)

Dry skin is related to a barrier dysfunction, leading to a decreased water holding capacity.
Characterized by roughness, scaling, fissures, inflammation and pruritus.
Dry skin is more prone to itching, inflammation, and development of secondary infections.

What are the possible triggering factors?

✓ Prolonged use of detergent & soaps
✓ Cold environment

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