Infections of the Skin Flashcards

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1
Q

Explain the role of microbiota in and on the body

A

Offers protection by competing with pathogens for colonisation sites.
Some produce antibiotic substances which suppresses the growth of competing organisms. Some produce toxins to inhibit other micro-organisms

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2
Q

Describe how skin acts as a defence barrier

A

It has an acidic pH which makes it uninhabitable, it also secretes sweat and produces antimicrobial substances such as fatty acids, sebum and defensins

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3
Q

Name two examples of normal skin microbiota

A

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (epidermidis and aureus)

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4
Q

Where can skin infections occur and give an example

A
Keratinised epithelium - ringworm
Epidermis - Impetigo
Hair follicles - folliculitis
Subcutaneous fat - cellulitis
Fascia - necrotising fasciitits 
Muscle - gas gangrene
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5
Q

Describe routes of infection

A

Skin - pores and hair follicles
Wounds - scratches, cuts and burns
Bites - Insect and Animal.

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6
Q

Describe some of the features of streptococcus Pyogenes

A

Gram positive cocci that grows in chains.

Its a group A, beta-haemolytic (makes it very dangerous)

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7
Q

Define haemolytic

A

Involving the rupture or destroying of red blood cells.

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8
Q

Describe some features of Staphylococcus aureus

A

Gram -positive cocci
Resistant to methicillin and vancomysin,
Causes a wide range of illnesses

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9
Q

Describe some of the features of Pseudomonas Aeruginosa

A

Coccobacillus (between cocci and bacilli) shaped, gram negative.
Monotrichous flagellum.
Opportunistic bacteria so will colonise in catheters ect.

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10
Q

Describe the different forms of skin lesions and how they appear

A

Macule - Flat and red, local inflammation
Papule - Raised and red, more marked inflammation
Vesicle - small blister
Ulcer - Disruption of epithelium

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11
Q

Define Abscess

A

Collection of pus

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12
Q

Define Cutaneous vesicle

A

Blister - fluid filled sac

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13
Q

Define Impetigo

A

Vesicles developing and rupturing into pustules then form dried crusts

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14
Q

Define Ecthyma

A

Ruptures vesicles that lead to erythematous (redness of mucosa membrane) lesions

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15
Q

Folliculitis

A

Inflammation of hair follicle.

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16
Q

Define Furuncle

A

Deep folliculitis boil

17
Q

Define Carbuncle

A

Collection of boils

18
Q

Define cellulitis

A

Erythematous inflammation affecting deeper dermis and subcutaneous tissue

19
Q

Define Acne

A

Infection of sebaceous follicles

20
Q

Define necrotising fasciitis

A

Cellulitis with necrosis affecting skin, deep fascia and sometimes muscle

21
Q

Define Dehiscence

A

Wound rupture along surgical site

22
Q

Name some fungal infections of the skin

A

Dermatophytes caused by tinea spp (e.g. tinea pedis)

Yeast infections caused my candida albicans and malassezia furfur.

23
Q

Name some viral infections of the skin

A

Human papilloma virus (HPV) - warts and genital warts.
Herpes simplex virus 1 - cold sores
Herpes simplex 2 - genital herpes
Varicella Zoster Virus - chicken pox and shingles
Coxsackie A virus - hand, foot and mouth disease

24
Q

Name and describe a parasitic infection of the skin

A
Sarcoptes scabei (mites) causes scabies.
Mites burrow into the skin and the females lay eggs. It may lead to superinfection