Family Medicine Core Rotation - Acute Complaints_3 Flashcards
what is a spermatocele?
asymptomatic nodule generally found attached to the spermatic cord
for what is a scrotal ultrasound useful?
to evaluate enlarging masses or to determine if a mass is solid (neoplastic) or not (varicocele, hydrocele)
what is the use of CT scan in the work up of scrotal complaint?
to evaluate hernia
what is the use of urinalyses or urethral smears in the workup of scrotal complaints?
infectious causes like epididymitis or UTI
the true causes of acne are what?
multifactorial, but familal factors are involved
what are the key factors contributing to acne?
follicular keratinization • androgens • propionibacterium acnes
what is the change in the keratinization pattern of the pilosebaceous unit seen in acne?
keratin becomes more dense, blocking the secretion of sebum
the keratin plugs in acne are called what?
comedones
contributory factors to acne include what?
certain medications • emotional stress • occlusion and pressure on skin
what is an example of occlusion and pressure on skin causing acne?
leaning the hands on the face –> ance mechanica
acne is not caused by what commonly blamed things?
dirt • chocolate • greasy foods • presence or absence of any foods in the diet
when are laboratory examinations warranted in the diagnosis of acne?
when history and physical indicates the need to exclude hyperandrogenism and/or polycystic ovarian syndrome
in the vast majority of patients with acne, the hormone levels are what?
normal
what works best for mild acne?
combination therapy with topical anitbiotics, benzoyl peroxide gels, and topical retinoids
how long does acne treatment take to work?
2-5months
when should topical acne medications be applied?
topical retinoids should be applied in the evening and benzoyl peroxide and topical antibiotics should be applied during the day
the indications for oral isoretinoin include what?
nodular acne • severe acne • moderate recalcitrant acne • -patient must be resistant to other acne therapies including oral abx
what is the major contraindication for isoretinoin?
is teratogenic so pregnancy must be prevented during its use
what is the major drug interaction to watch out for when prescribing isoretinoin?
since both tetracycline and isoretinoin cause pseudotumor cerebri, they should never be taken together
can you use tylenol while on isoretinoin?
yes, despite rare cases of hepatotoxicity
how does isoretinoin affect the eye?
dry eyes is a side effect, so contacts may be difficult but they can still be worn
what are the psychiatric considerations for prescription of isoretinoin?
some reported cases of depression, but no screening protocol because rarely occurs
what is the relationship between topical glucocorticoids and isoretinoin?
topical glucocorticoids are safe for use during isoretinoin therapy and are sometimes used if eczematous rashes occur during treatment
what is the difference between acne and rosacea?
comedo formation, the hallmark of acne, is absent in rosacea
what is stage I rosacea?
there is persistent erythema, generally with telangiectasia formation
what is stage II rosacea?
stage I plus the addition of papules and tiny pustules
what is stage III rosacea?
the erythema is deep and persistent, the telangiectases are dense, and there may be a solid appearing edema of the central part of the face due to sebaceous hyperplasia and lymphedema (rhinophyma and metophyma)
what are some very effective first line therapies for rosacea?
minocycline or doxycycline
are topical steroids effective for rosacea?
no
what are some alternative treatments for rosacea?
topical metronidazole, and sodium sulfacetamide can work
keratoacanthoma is difficult to distinguish visually from which conditions?
basal cell cancers • nodular squamous cell cancers • molluscum
how can you tell keratoacanthoma from similar conditions?
history
keratoacanthoma are characterized by what history feature?
rapid growth, achieving a size of 2.5cm within a few weeks
how do you differentiate verruca from keratoacanthoma?
verruca do not generally have the depressed center or the pearly borders
how do you differentiate molluscum from keratoacanthoma?
molluscum do have a central dimple, but don’t have such a significant keratotic plug present
skin lesions of psoriasis can be confused with what?
eczema, fungal dermatitis, other lesions
what is the appropriate therapeutic management for localized psoriasis skin rashes?
topical corticosteroids
when do you give topical pimecrolimus for psoriasis?
inverse psoriasis (located on the perianal and genital regions) or on the face and ear canals, but is generally not used for lesions on the trunk or extremities
when do you give antibiotics for psoriasis?
there is no place for antibiotics in treatment, except in the case of guttate psoriasis, a form that follows streptococcal infection and appears as multiple teardrops that erupt abruptly
when are oral retinoids and methotrexate used for psoriasis?
to treat generalized psoriasis and help with nail involvement
what is pityriasis rosea?
a self limited papulosquamous eruption
what is the classic history for pityriasis rosea?
a single herald patch (an oval, slightly raised plaque with scale) followed in the next 1-2 weeks with a more generalized eruption
what is the course of pityriasis rosea?
spontaneous resolution in 6-12 weeks, recurrence is uncommon
what is the treatment for pityriasis rosea?
symptomatic- antihistamines or corticosteroids to relieve itch
when should the diagnosis of impetigo be considered?
in the face of well demarcated erythematous lesions that when disrupted, develop a secondary golden crust
most cases of impetigo are caused by what?
S aureus
impetigo responds well to what?
topical antibiotics like mupirocin
hot tub folliculitis is generally caused by what?
P aeruginosa or P cepacia
course of hot tub folliculitis?
self limited, reassurance is all that is necessary
when is abx tx required for hot tub folliculitis?
recalcitrant or symptomatic cases