Dermatitis

Definition

Dermatitis is an umbrella term for various skin conditions characterized by inflammation.

It manifests with symptoms like redness, itching, dryness, and skin eruptions.

Diagnostic Criteria

Diagnosis is primarily clinical, based on the patient’s history and physical examination. Specific tests might include:

• Patch testing: To identify allergens in contact dermatitis
• Blood tests: To rule out underlying systemic conditions
• Skin biopsy: In rare cases, to confirm the diagnosis

Treatment Modalities

Treatment varies based on the type of dermatitis:

• Topical corticosteroids: For inflammatory conditions like atopic dermatitis and contact dermatitis.

• Moisturizers: Essential for maintaining skin hydration.
• Topical calcineurin inhibitors: For severe atopic dermatitis.
• Oral corticosteroids: In severe cases, for short-term use.
• Immunomodulators: For chronic or severe dermatitis.
• Avoidance of irritants or allergens: Crucial for contact dermatitis.

Conjunctivitis and Otitis Media: Drug Therapy

Conjunctivitis

• Bacterial conjunctivitis: Topical antibiotic eye drops (e.g., fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides)

• Viral conjunctivitis: Often self-limiting, but artificial tears can provide relief.

• Allergic conjunctivitis: Topical antihistamines and mast cell stabilizers.

Otitis Media

• Acute otitis media (AOM): Oral antibiotics (e.g., amoxicillin) are first-line treatment.

• Chronic otitis media with effusion (OME): Often managed expectantly, but antibiotics may be considered in specific cases.

Herpes Virus Infections

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV) are common herpesviruses.

Patient Presentation

• HSV-1: Cold sores, genital herpes, herpetic whitlow, and neonatal herpes.
• HSV-2: Primarily genital herpes.

• VZV: Chickenpox and shingles.

Treatment

• Antiviral medications: Acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir are used to shorten the duration and severity of outbreaks.

Primary Bacterial Skin Infections

Common primary bacterial skin infections include:

• Impetigo: Caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. Treatment includes topical or oral antibiotics.
• Folliculitis: Inflammation of hair follicles. Treatment involves topical antibiotics, oral antibiotics for severe cases, and good hygiene.

• Cellulitis: Diffuse skin infection. Requires oral or intravenous antibiotics depending on severity.

• Abscess: Localized collection of pus. Often requires incision and drainage, along with antibiotics.

The choice of antibiotic depends on the specific bacteria involved and the severity of the infection.