1. Dermatitis

   ***1.1 Seborrheic Dermatitis*** 

• inflammatory condition of the sebaceous glands
• signs & symptoms:
  • gradual increase in the amount of, and a change in the quality of, the sebum produced by the sebaceous glands
  • scalp, eyebrows, eyelids, sides of the nose, the area behind the ears, and the middle of the chest
  • skin is red, covered by yellowish, greasy-appearing scales
  • itching, usually mild
  • common in infancy: cradle cap
    • 8~12mth
  • adults with CNS disorders (Parkinson Disease)
    • both involve neuroinflammation and immune system dysfucntion
  • patients under stressful condition: myocardial infarction, long stays in hospital, immune disorder (AIDs)
• etiology:
  • idiopathic
  • intensified by the yeast like organism Pityrosporum (fungi)
• diagnosis:
  • In most patients, blood, urine, or allergy tests are not necessary.
  • chronic: skin biopsy
• treatment:
  • low-strength cortisone or hydrocortisone
  • when causing dandruff: nonprescription shampoos containing tar, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, sulfur, and salicylic acid
  • cradle cap: gentle massage of the scalp

1.2 Contact Dermatitis

• exogenous chemical or substance
• signs & symptoms:
  • irritants on the skin’s surface cause allergic response
  • erythema, edema, small vesicles that ooze, itch, burn, sting
• etiology:
  • plants: poison ivy, oak, sumac
  • poin ivy: airborne
  • solar radiation
• diagnosis:
  • appearance
  • identification of the specific irritant or allergen with a patch test
• treatment:
  • cleaning the skin
  • corticosteroid cream
  • oral steroid

1.3 Atopic Dermatitis (Eczema)

• chronic inflammation, family history of allergic conditions
• signs & symptoms:
  • A rash, with vesicular and exudative eruptions in children and dry, leathery vesicles in adults
  • face, neck, elbows, knees, upper trunk: rash+pruritis
• etiology:
  • idiopathic
  • inherited
  • triggered by stress, anxiety, conflict
  • climate
• diagnosis:
  • family history
  • physical exam
  • skin testing for specific allergies
• treatment:
  • skin moisturizers, sunlight therapy, vitamin D, or calcipotriene
  • nonsteroidal antiinflammatory agents

1. Urticaria

   • hives, severe itching followed by redness, area of swelling (wheal) in a localized area of skin
   • signs & symptoms:
     • in severe cases: angioedema
   • etiology:
     • acute hypersensitivity, release of histamine
     • allergic reaction to food, drugs, insect sting
   • treatment:
     • Antihistamines
     • epinephrine
     • prednisone or methlyprednisolone
     • corticosteroid creams or ointment

2. Psoriasis

• chronic skin condition
• thick, flasky, red patches of various sized
• covered with white, silvery scales
• signs & symptoms:
  • scales develop into dry plaques
  • pustules
  • dry, cracked, encrusted
  • common areas: scalp; the outer sides of the arms and legs, especially the elbows and knees; and the trunk of the body
  • common between 10~30yr
• etiology:
  • autoimmune disorder
  • common in white race
  • hormonal changes: pregnancy, climate changes, emotional stress, and a period of generally poor health
  • drugs: lithium, β-blockers, and nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• treatment: no cure

1. Rosacea

• chronic inflammatory disorder of the facial skin, causes redness, primarily in the areas where individuals blush or flush
• signs & symptoms:
• etiology:
• diagnosis:
• treatment: no cure