What: pigmented
lesions suspicious
for melanoma are
an irregular
notched border
where the pigment
appears to be
leaking into the
normal surrounding
skin; See note
Anotações:
a topography that may be irregular, ie, partly raised and partly flata topography that may be irregular, ie, partly raised and partly flatColor variegation is present, and colors such as pink, blue, gray, white, and black are indications for referral. A useful mnemonic is the ABCD rule: “ABCD = Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variegation, and Diameter > 6 mm.” “E” for Evolution can be added. The history of a changing mole (evolution) is the single most important historical reason for close evaluation and possible referral. Bleeding and ulcer-ation are ominous signs. A mole that stands out from the patient’s other moles deserves special scrutiny—the “ugly duckling sign.” A patient with a large number of moles is statistically at increased risk for melanoma and deserves careful and periodic examination, particularly if the lesions are atypical. Referral of suspicious pigmented lesions is always appropriate.
How: Treatment of
melanoma consists of
excision. After
histologic diagnosis,
the area is excised
with margins dictated
by the thickness of the
tumor. See Note
Anotações:
Sentinel lymph node
biopsy using preoperative lymph
scintigraphy and intra-operative
lymphatic mapping for staging
melanoma patients with
intermediate risk without clinical
adenopathy. Patients with lesions over 1
mm in thickness or with high-risk
histologic features. Referral of
intermediate-risk and high-risk
patients to centers with expertise
The long-term use of beta-blockers
may reduce the risk of prog
Atopic Dermatitis
WHO: family HX allergic
manifestations (eg,
asthma, allergic rhinitis,
atopic dermatitis). `
Onset in childhood
Anotações:
in most patients. Onset after age 30 is
very uncommon.
WHAT: Chronic
itching may be
severe and
prolonged. Rough,
red plaques thin
scale and poor
demarcation
Anotações:
dermatitis must include pruritus, typical morphology and distribution (flexural lichenification, hand eczema, nipple eczema, and eyelid eczema in adults), onset in childhood, and chronicity. Also helpful are: (1) a personal or family history of atopic disease (asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis), (2) xerosis-ichthyosis, (3) facial pallor with infraorbital darkening, (4) elevated serum IgE, and (5) repeated skin infections.
WHERE: The flexural
surfaces of elbows and
knees are often
involved. Face, neck,
upper trunk, wrists,
and hands and in the
antecubital and
popliteal folds. `
Anotações:
In black patients with severe disease, pigmentation may be lost in lichenified areas. During
In chronic
cases, the skin
is dry, leathery,
and lichenified.
a
Acute flares,
widespread
redness with
weeping, either
diffusely or in
discrete
plaques, is
common.
HOW: hyperirritable
skin. avoid anything that
dries or irritates the skin,
low humidity (worse in
the winter). bathe once
daily and
immediatelyovered with
a thin film of an
emollient
Anotações:
Soap should be
confined to the armpits, groin, scalp,
and feet. Washcloths and brushes
should not be used. After rinsing, the
skin should be patted dry (not rubbed)
and thenemollient such as Aquaphor, Eucerin,
petrolatum, Vanicream, or a
corticoste-roid as needed. Vanicream
can be used if contact dermati-tis
resulting from additives in medication
is suspected.p.99
WHY:
hyperirratible;
autoImmune
DDX-
Psoriasis:
Rough, red
plaques
usually
without the
thick scale
and discrete
demarcation
of psoriasis
Anotações:
Atopic dermatitis must be distinguished from seborrheic dermatitis (less pruritic, frequent scalp and face involve-ment, greasy and scaly lesions, and quick response to therapy). Secondary staphylococcal infections may exacer-bate atopic dermatitis, and should be considered during hyperacute, weepy flares of atopic dermatitis. Fissuring where the earlobe connects to the neck is a cardinal sign of secondary infection. Since virtually all patients with atopic dermatitis have skin disease before age 5, a new diagnosis of atopic dermatitis in an adult over age 30 should be made cautiously and only after consultation.p.99