Infectious diseases

Question 1

What is Scalded skin syndrome and how is it treated?

Answer 1

Staphylococcal Scalded skin syndrome initall presents with mild fever and bullous lesions, then get wisespread desquamation (Nikolsky sign- slough off of skin with minimal pressure) and conjunctivitis

Treat with:
IV Flucloxacillin
IV fluids

Question 2

What is Scarlet fever? How is it treated?

Answer 2

Also called Scarlatina

Sandpaper rash starting in head and neck, then spreads sparing palmes and soles.
Fades after 5-7 days
Strawberry tongue
Desquamation

Treatment:
Must inform public health
Pencillin V (phenoxymethylpenicillin) for 10 days
This reduces length by 1 day, reduces severeity, complications and transmission.

Question 3

What is toxic shock syndrome?

Answer 3

An acute febrile illness caused by gram positive bacteria, either staph aureus or GAS (group A strep)

Question 4

What are the symptoms of toxic shock syndrome?

Answer 4

Fever
Diffuse ‘sunburn’ rash
Mucosal changes - swollen lips , strawberry tongue, non-purulent conjunctivitis
Profuse diarrhoea (staph aureus)
Progression to chock and multi-organ failure: tachycardia, hypotenision, prolonged cap refill time, renal impairment, reduced GCS

Question 5

How is Toxic shock syndrome managed?

Answer 5

ABC
FLuid resus
Cultures- blood, throat, wounds
IV antibiotics - flucloxacillin + clindamycin
IV immunoglobulin
Avoid NSAIDS

SURGICAL DEBRIDEMENT (removal of all the pus)