infections + infestations Flashcards

1
Q

what is itchiness around the peri-anal area at night a symptom of?

A

threadworms

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2
Q

what is the treatment for threadworms

how do you use it

A

mebendazole (ovex)

take a single dose then repeat again 2-3 weeks later to prevent re-infection

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3
Q

which patients can buy otc mebendazole (ovex) for threatworms

A

children over 2 years old and adults

children under 2 need a prescription

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4
Q

which patient group can’t buy otc mebendazole for threadworms

A

pregnant or breastfeeding patients

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5
Q

what lifestyle advice can you give to prevent threadworms

A
  • wear close fitting pyjama bottoms or pants to prevent shedding of eggs
  • shower first thing in the morning (focus on anal area)
  • good hygiene: wash hands after going to toilet and before preparing or eating food
  • wash beddings and towels daily if possible (avoid shaking linens as this spreads eggs)
  • cut fingernails short
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6
Q

what are the symptoms of headlice

A
  • nits (eggs) attached to hair that can’t be removed by shampooing or brushing hair
  • itching

itching takes months to develop so patients can be asymptomatic

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7
Q

what are the treatment options for headlice

A
  • apply insecticide twice (second application 7 days after first application to ensure all eggs killed). leave insecticide on hair before rinsing off. insecticide options: malathion (derbac-M) , permethrin (Lyclear), dimethicone 4% (hedrin)
  • wet combing: comb wet hair (with a conditioner applied) and use detection comb to remove lice. This should be done every 4 days for at least 2 weeks
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8
Q

what is re-infection of headlice usually a sign of

A

usually re-infection is not a sign of resistance to treatment, its usually because:

  • only one application has been used (they have not applied insectide again 7 days after first application)
  • not enough product has been applied (average head of hair needs 50ml)
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9
Q

what is scabies

A

a skin infection caused by the mite sarcoptes scabei

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10
Q

what are the symptoms of scabies

A
  • a rash that is itchy especially at night (lasts up to 3 weeks after
  • burrows (fine silvery lines with a dark point). This is mite burried under the skin
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11
Q

when do you refer a patient with suspected scabies

A

children under 2

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12
Q

what are the treatment options for scabies

how do you use them

A
  • first line treatment is Permethrin 5% w/w cream (Lyclear®)
  • for pregnant or breastfeeding patients Malathion 0.5% aqueous liquid (Derbac-M®) because it is poorly absorbed and eliminated quickly

For both treatments, apply to whole body and leave for 8-12 hrs. if hands are washed within 8 hours, re-apply again. repeat application again after 7 days
all close contacts should be treated even if asymptomatic

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13
Q

what are the early symptoms of cold sores

A
  • tingling
  • itchiness
  • numbness
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14
Q

when should you refer a patient with a cold sore

A
  • weeping pustules (could be a sign of secondary infection)

- immunocompromised patients

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15
Q

TRUE OR FALSE

cold sores are self-limiting

A

true. sores will get better within 2 weeks

many people with is seek treatment because of the discomfort + appearance

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16
Q

what are the treatment options for cold sores

A
  • aciclovir (Zovirax®)
  • penciclovir (Fenistil®)

these antiviral agents speed up the healing process

17
Q

what is a common secondary infection a patient can get from cold sores

A

impetigo

18
Q

what lifestyle advice can be given for a patient with a cold sore

A
  • lipbalm to limit drying and cracking of lips which can add to pain
  • wash hands after touching lesions/ applying cream to reduce spread of infection
  • avoid sharing towels
  • avoid oral sex to prevent genital herpes
19
Q

what is the first line treatment for atheletes foot

A

can use any of these anti-fungal treatments:

clotrimazole (Canesten®)), ketoconazole (Daktarin Gold®), miconazole (Daktarin Aktiv®) or terbinafine (Lamisil®)

creams are best for damp areas e.g toes. ointments best for dry areas

20
Q

what is the use of Antifungal dusting powders to treat athe

A

they have little therapeutic value in treating fungal skin infections but can be used to prevent re-infection (e..g control fungal spores in shoes)

21
Q

how do you prevent a relapse of atheletes foot

A

local antifungal treatment should be continued for one week after the disappearance of all signs of infection

22
Q

why do diabetic patients have increased risk of all fungal infections

A

Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) increases diabetic patients risk to fungal infections of the skin, nails, and female genital tract and to urinary tract
infection.

23
Q

what lifestyle advice can be given to manage atheletes foot

A
  • washing daily and drying thoroughly, particularly
    between the toes
  • Wearing open, non-occlusive shoes,
  • alternating shoes every two to three days
  • changing socks every day .
  • Use protective footwear such as flip-flops or plastic shoes in communal changing areas or shower rooms.
  • Avoid scratching affected skin as this may spread infection to other sites.
24
Q

which patients should you refer to their gp if they have a fungal nail infection

A

refer patients with:

  • immunosuppression
  • diabetes
  • peripheral circulatory disorders
25
Q

what is the treatment for a fungal nail infection

  • when is it used
A

Amorolfine lacquer

it is used for mild infections (less than 2 toes) for over 18s

26
Q

what are the treatments for ringworm and groin infections

A

topical antifungal such as:

-Imidazoles (clotrimazole, econazole, miconazole)
or
- terbinafine

27
Q

when should you refer a patient with sweat rash

A
  • diabetics
  • immunosuppressed
  • if there’s symptoms of a secondary bacterial infection e.g cracked skin
  • people with peripheral circulation disorders
28
Q

what is the treatment for sweat rash

A

antifungals:

Imidazoles (clotrimazole, econazole, miconazole)

29
Q

what is impetigo and what are the symptoms

A

impetigo is a superfical bacterial infection common in infants and children. it is highly contagious but it is a self limiting condition

symptoms are:

  • red sores/blisters that burst and become crusty golden/brown patches
  • can be itchy
  • can be painful

note symptoms can often be confused with cold sores (more common in adults)

30
Q

what is the only otc treatment for impetigo

A

1% hydrogen peroxide cream (Crystacide cream®)

31
Q

what lifestyle advice can reduce the spread of impetigo

A
  • Wash hands touching the lesion
  • Do not share flannels and towels
  • Keep fingernails short
  • Do not scratch the skin
  • Children should not go to nursery or school while being treated for impetigo

The lesions should be soaked in warm soapy water and washed away prior to application of topical treatment

32
Q

what should you do if a patient presents with a boil or carbuncles (cluster of boils)

A

they are caused by a bacterial infection to hair follicles.

refer to gp for antibiotics/ surgical treatment

note magnesium sulphate paste used to be used to draw out boil but this is no longer recommended