infections + infestations Flashcards
what is itchiness around the peri-anal area at night a symptom of?
threadworms
what is the treatment for threadworms
how do you use it
mebendazole (ovex)
take a single dose then repeat again 2-3 weeks later to prevent re-infection
which patients can buy otc mebendazole (ovex) for threatworms
children over 2 years old and adults
children under 2 need a prescription
which patient group can’t buy otc mebendazole for threadworms
pregnant or breastfeeding patients
what lifestyle advice can you give to prevent threadworms
- 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
what are the symptoms of headlice
- 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
what are the treatment options for headlice
- 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
what is re-infection of headlice usually a sign of
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)
what is scabies
a skin infection caused by the mite sarcoptes scabei
what are the symptoms of scabies
- 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
when do you refer a patient with suspected scabies
children under 2
what are the treatment options for scabies
how do you use them
- 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
what are the early symptoms of cold sores
- tingling
- itchiness
- numbness
when should you refer a patient with a cold sore
- weeping pustules (could be a sign of secondary infection)
- immunocompromised patients
TRUE OR FALSE
cold sores are self-limiting
true. sores will get better within 2 weeks
many people with is seek treatment because of the discomfort + appearance