Micro / Infections

Question 1

What is the first line antibiotic choice for perichondritis (infection of the ear cartilage e.g 2ndary to a high ear piercing)?

Answer 1

Main causative organism is pseudomonas aeruginosa

• 1st line = Ciprofloxacin

If subperiosteal abscess forms then risk of poor healing and subsequent deformity / cauliflower ear.

Question 2

What is the first line treatment for scabies infection?

Answer 2

5% permethrin

(less irritant and more effective than other scabicides)
Also safe in pregnancy!

Head-to-toe application (avoiding face/scalp if unaffected) left on for 8-24 hrs then washed off and repeated in 7 days.

Need 30g tube for each treatment (so Rx x2)