Minor Ailments Flashcards
OSCE
Give 5 potential causes of mouth ulcers?
Stress Trauma Sensitivity to certain foods Menstrual cycle Smoking
What are the age parameters for mouth ulcers?
Most common aged 20-40
Refer any children under 10
How long do mouth ulcers normally last? When should you refer?
Last 10-14 days
Refer if they have not resolved after 2-3 weeks or if there is no improvement after 1 week of treatment
Give 5 disease states that may make mouth ulcers more common.
Coeliac disease Crohn's Reiter's syndrome Immunodeficiency B12 or iron deficient anaemia
Give 3 medicines that may make mouth ulcers more common.
NSAIDs
Nicorandil
Beta-blockers
What are the danger symptoms of mouth ulcers?
Bleeding gums One large ulcer (over 1 cm diameter) Irregular shape Weight loss/diarrhoea Genital ulcers
Give 3 treatment options for mouth ulcers.
Lidocaine- local anaesthetic to reduce pain Cetalkonium chloride (bonjela) to reduce pain Chlorhexidine mouthwash
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with a mouth ulcer?
Oral hygiene
Regular dentist visits
Using a soft toothbrush
Avoid hard foods or foods that trigger ulcers
Give 3 potential causes of oral thrush?
Broad spectrum antibiotics
Immunosuppression
Inhaled steroids
What are the age parameters for oral thrush?
Most common in babies
Refer patients over 50 years
How long does oral thrush normally last? When should you refer?
Refer if over 3 weeks or infection is recurrent
If no improvement after one week of treatment
Give 2 disease states that may make oral thrush more common.
Immunosuppression
Diabetes
(Refer)
What are the danger symptoms of oral thrush?
Painless lesions
Lesions that cannot be wiped off
Recurrent infection
Give 2 treatment options for oral thrush.
Miconazole oral gel- not to be used with warfarin or in pregnancy
Chlorhexidine mouthwash
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with oral thrush?
Use very soft toothbrush
Ensure good blood glucose control
Use spacer with inhaled steroids
Leave dentures out for at least 6 hours out of 24
Regularly sterilise/disinfect dentures, dummies, mouth toys
What are the differences between indigestion and heartburn?
Heartburn- burning sensation in centre of chest worsens when lying down
Indigestion- pain in stomach, bloated, full sensation
Give 7 potential causes of heartburn and indigestion?
Pregnancy Obesity Tight clothing Smoking Skipping meals Bending or lifting Certain food/drink
What are the age parameters for indigestion/heartburn?
Usually occurs in young adults
Refer over 45s suffering for the first time
How long does indigestion/heartburn normally last? When should you refer?
Refer if lasted over 2 weeks, or 1 week with treatment
What are the danger symptoms of heartburn/indigestion?
Chest pain accompanied by pain in arm or jaw Blood in stools Breathlessness Symptoms frequent Difficulty swallowing Unintentional weight loss
Give 4 treatment options for indigestion and heartburn.
Antacid, aluminium hydroxide
Rennies, calcium and magnesium carbonate- safe in pregnancy
Sodium alginate
Omeprazole
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with indigestion or heartburn?
Eat small, regular meals Avoid eating late at night avoid trigger foods Eat sitting down Chew food properly Exercise regularly but not immediately before or after a meal
Give 3 potential causes of nausea and vomiting
Gastroenteritis
Pregnancy
Alcohol
What are the age parameters for nausea/vomiting?
Refer children under 2 and elderly due to dehydration risk
How long does nausea and vomiting normally last? When should you refer?
Refer adults with symptoms over 2 days, may give them rehydration therapy in the meantime
Give 3 medicines that may make nausea and vomiting more common.
NSAIDs
Chemotherapy
Antibiotics
Reduce symptoms by taking with food
What are the danger symptoms of nausea and vomiting?
Constant vomiting Unintentional weight loss Abdominal pain Fever CNS effects Dark coloured urine and other signs of dehydration
Give 3 treatment options for nausea and vomiting.
Dioralyte ORT
Domperidone liquid
Prochlorperazine buccal
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with nausea and vomiting?
Replace lost fluid with regular sips of water
In pregnancy, drink and eat little and often
What are the danger symptoms of motion sickness?
Seek advice if symptoms continue after you stop travelling
What is the most common treatment for motion sickness?
Hyoscine patches
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with motion sickness?
Minimise motion by sitting at the front Look straight ahead Close eyes and breath slowly Fresh air and regular breaks Ginger can help with nausea
Give 6 potential causes of constipation?
Not enough fibre or fluids in the diet Pregnancy Old age Laxative abuse Change in diet or routine
What are the age parameters for treatment of constipation?
Children may be given a single glycerin suppository
Avoid stimulant laxatives in pregnancy
Elderly should be given bulk forming laxatives but maintain fluid intake
How long can constipation normally last? When should you refer?
If longer than 1 week then refer, with or without treatment
What are the danger symptoms of constipation?
Blood in stools
Recurring problem
Unintentional weight loss
Severe pain when passing stools
Name 2 stimulant laxatives.
Bisacodyl
Senna
Name 2 faecal softeners.
Glycerin
Docusate
Name a bulk forming laxative.
Ispaghula husk
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with constipation?
Increase fibre and fluid intake
Regular exercise
Avoid holding back when you have the urge to go to the toilet
What are the age parameters for diarrhoea?
Refer infants and babies due to dehydration risk
How long does diarrhoea normally last? When should you refer?
Refer if symptoms have lasted one week
If no improvement after 2 days of treatment (1 in infants) refer
Give 2 medicines that may make diarrhoea more common.
Antibiotics
Antacids containing magnesium
What are the danger symptoms of diarrhoea?
Signs of dehydration
Bloody/dark stools
Severe abdominal/rectal pain
Returning from holiday with a fever
Give 3 treatment options for diarrhoea.
Dioralyte ORT
Loperamide
Bismuth (bacterial diarrhoea)
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with diarrhoea?
Drink plenty of water Follow good toilet hygiene Avoid foods that aggravate diarrhoea Tackle stress/anxiety Drink bottled water on holiday
What key symptom is indicative of IBS?
Pain in the lower left quadrant of abdomen
What are the age parameters for IBS?
Refer children, the elderly or pregnant women
Usually affects people under 40
How long does IBS normally last?
Tends to be episodic
Symptoms may occur in a pattern over months or years
What are the danger symptoms of IBS?
Over 45s with change in bowel habits Blood in stools or rectum Unexplained weight loss Unresponsive to treatment Family history of IBD or cancer Previous bowel surgery
What are the two most common treatments for symptomatic relief of IBS?
Fybogel- constipation relief
Immodium- diarrhoea relief
Give 3 treatment options for IBS.
Hyoscine
Mebeverine
Peppermint oil
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with IBS?
Have regular meals Drink plenty of water Reduce tea/coffee intake Reduce alcohol and fizzy drink intake Avoid aggravating factors
What is the key to treating threadworms?
The entire family should be treated even without symptoms
What are the danger symptoms of threadworms?
Travel abroad
Medication failure
Perianal skin broken/weeping
Give the most common treatment option for threadworms.
Mebendazole
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with threadworms?
Treat all family members
Reassure that it is very common
Cut fingernails short
Wash hands and brush nails after using the bathroom
Wear pyjamas to reducing itching at night
Have bath/shower each morning
How long should symptoms of threadworms last before referring?
If no improvement after 7-14 days with treatment, refer.
What are the age parameters for haemorrhoids?
Refer children
Incidence increases with age
How long do haemorrhoids normally last? When should you refer?
Refer if present longer than 3 weeks
Refer if no improvement with treatment after 1 week
Give 5 potential causes of haemorrhoids?
Pregnancy Irregular eating patterns Poor toilet habits Obesity Regular straining/heavy lifting in work or sport
What are the danger symptoms of haemorrhoids?
Presence of blood in stool Change in bowel habits Abdominal pain Severe, sharp pain when defecating Persistent/recurrent inflammation
Give 3 treatment options for haemorrhoids.
Anusol Anusol HC (hydrocortisone) Lidocaine
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with haemorrhoids?
Promote soft stools Try not to strain Avoid excessive caffeine intake Avoid opioid analgesics Topical treatments will provide relief but cannot cure
How long does a cold/flu normally last? When should you refer?
Cold symptoms can last 2-14 days
Flu symptoms last around 1 week
Refer if symptoms persist for 2-3 weeks
Refer if no improvement with treatment after 1-2 weeks
What are the danger symptoms of cold and flu?
Shortness of breath Difficulty breathing Blood in phlegm Phlegm is green/yellow Chest pain on coughing Rash/stiffness Earache not settling with analgesia
Give 2 examples of decongestants.
Xylometazoline
Pseudoephedrine
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with cold/flu?
Get plenty of rest Keep hydrated Inhale steam to loosen and help bring up phlegm Increase vitamin C and zinc Avoid smoking See if you are eligible for flu vaccine
What is the difference between a chesty cough and a dry/tickly cough?
Chesty coughs tend to be productive, bring up sputum
What is the key identifier of chronic bronchitis?
Tends to be worse in the morning
How long does a cough normally last? When should you refer?
Refer if over 3 weeks or no improvement with treatment after 2 weeks
What medicines or conditions may cause cough?
ACE inhibitors
Emphysema
Bronchitis
Lung disease
What is the key identifier of congestive heart failure with a cough?
Worse when lying down, may be swelling in legs
What are the danger symptoms of a cough?
Green/yellow phlegm Blood in phlegm Shortness of breath Noisy/difficult breathing Chest pain Rash/stiff neck Ear pain Unintentional weight loss- TB
Give an example of a demulcent formulation for a cough.
Beechams honey and lemon
Give examples of expectorants.
Guaifenesin
Pseudoephedrine
Diphenhydramine
Levomenthol
Give the main example of a cough suppressant.
Dextromethorphan
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with a cough?
Keep hydrated Rest Suck on a hard candy Cut down smoking If worsened by dry air, get a humidifier If worse at night take something that will make you drowsy
How long does a sore throat normally last? When should you refer?
Refer if lasted over 2 weeks or if no improvement with treatment after 1 week
What are the danger symptoms of a sore throat?
Extreme pain Skin rash Fever Spots on throat or tongue Neck stiffness Difficulty swallowing
What is the key differential diagnosis of a sore throat?
Glandular fever
Give 3 treatment options for a sore throat.
Dichlorobenzyl alcohol (strepsils)
Benzalkonium antiseptic
Benzocaine spray
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with a sore throat?
Drink plenty of fluids
Gargle with salty water
Avoid smoking
Avoid food or drink that is too hot
What is the main difference between hay fever and perennial rhinitis?
Hayfever is seasonal from April to September
What are the age parameters for allergic rhinitis?
Common in children
Symptoms often become milder as you get older
What are the danger symptoms of allergic rhinitis?
Wheezing, shortness of breath Chest pain Earache/facial pain Redder eyes, coloured and sticky discharge One sided nasal discharge Failed treatment Pregnancy
What timescale should you refer allergic rhinitis?
If symptoms do not improve within 5 days of commencing treatment
Give an example of a mast cell stabiliser.
Sodium cromoglicate
Give 5 treatment options for allergic rhinitis.
Loratidine Chlorphenamine Sodium cromoglicate Xylometazoline Beclometasone spray
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with allergic rhinitis?
Avoid triggers Sleep with windows closed Avoid being outside when pollen count is high Wear dark glasses Limit pets to certain areas of the house
Name 4 types of headache.
Tension
Sinus
Hangover
Medication overuse
How might someone describe a tension headache?
Dull ache in forehead, temples or back of the neck
Tight band around head or heavy weight on top of head
What often accompanies a hangover headache?
Nausea and vomiting
What are the key symptoms of a medication overuse headache?
Oppressive
Worse in the morning or after exercise
What are the age parameters for a headache?
Refer children, especially with trauma
Give 2 likely causes of headaches.
Alcohol
Straining eyes/using a computer
What are the danger symptoms of headaches?
Sudden, severe headache Nausea and vomiting Persistent and recurring Fever, stiff neck Blurred vision Trauma Increasing severity or frequency Numbness, tingling of limbs
What are the benefits of dispersible as opposed to traditional tablets in headache?
Achieve peak effect in 30 minutes rather than 2 hours
Why may levomenthol be useful in headache?
Available as cooling strips to apply topically
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with a headache?
Plenty of rest Regular breaks when concentrating for long periods Try to avoid known triggers Regular eye tests Apply ice pack to painful areas Well hydrated
What are the key symptoms of a migraine?
Headache on one side Blurred Vision Flashing/coloured lights Nausea and vomiting Tingling in hands or arms
How long can a migraine last?
Lasts 4-60 minutes
Complete recovery in 4-72 hours
With what medication should a migraine be referred?
COCP
What are the danger symptoms of migraines?
First time
Vision/hearing/sensory loss
When can sumatriptan be sold in migraine?
With previous GP diagnosis
Give 3 treatment options for migraines.
Sumitriptan
Migraleve pink and yellow
Midrid capsules
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with migraines?
Keep a diary in order to try and identify triggers
During attack, lie down, try to sleep, in dark and quiet room
Maintain good nutrition
Define a sprain.
Injury to ligament supporting a joint
Define a strain.
Injury to muscles and tendons that move the bones of a joint.
What are the danger symptoms of muscoskeletal injuries?
Unable to bare weight
Severe pain or swelling
Numbness and severe deformity
Popping sound upon injury
What are the age parameters for muscoskeletal injury?
Refer children and elderly due to fracture risk
How long do sprains/strains normally last? When should you refer?
Refer if over 4 days or treatment does not improve symptoms within 4 days
What are the potential causes of backache?
Pregnancy
Awkward bending
Sitting for long periods
How long does backache normally last? When should you refer?
Refer if constant or no improvement after 10-14 days
What are the danger symptoms of backache?
Fever, nausea and vomiting Weight loss Inflammation/swelling Pain that travels to chest Loss of bowel control Kidney pain Severe pain radiating into legs
Define tennis elbow.
Swelling around outer edge of the elbow, pain during movement.
Define golfer’s elbow.
Swelling on the inside of the elbow
Pain during movement and when quickly flexing arm/hand
How long does tennis/golfer elbow normally last? When should you refer?
Usually around 2 days, after this refer
If no improvement with treatment after 4 days refer
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with muscoskeletal injury?
Protect Rest Ice Compression Elevate
After first 48 hours, inflammation reduced, may apply heat for pain
What is frozen shoulder?
Stiffness and pain
Reduced movement
How long does frozen shoulder normally last? When should you refer?
Aching/stiffness can last 2-9 months
Adhesive stage- stiffness and muscle wasting many last 4-12 months
Recovery stage can take 5-12 months
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with frozen shoulder?
Shoulder exercise to maintain movement
Saving the shoulder can increase stiffness and cause muscle wasting
How long does rheumatism normally last? When should you refer?
Refer if over 6 weeks
If they haven’t seen their doctor in 6 months, refer back
If no improvement with treatment after 7 days, refer
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with rheumatoid arthritis?
Plenty of rest during flare ups
Exercise is important to maintain mobility
Non-weight bearing exercise such as swimming
What are the age parameters for vaginal thrush?
Refer anyone under 16 or over 60
Common in women of childbearing age
How long does vaginal thrush normally last? When should you refer?
Refer if present for over 2 weeks
Refer if more than two attacks in 6 months
What are the danger symptoms of vaginal thrush?
Diabetes Treatment failure Pregnancy First occurrence Blood stained or strong smelling discharge
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with vaginal thrush?
Avoid tight fitting clothing
Avoid strong soaps and douches
Application of live yoghurt can soothe and restore bacterial/fungal cell balance
What formulation options are there for vaginal thrush?
External cream
Internal cream
Pessary
Canesten combi
What are the age parameters for cystitis?
Refer all children
How long does cystitis normally last? When should you refer?
Refer if treatment for 2 days gives no improvement
What are the danger symptoms of cystitis?
Male Fever, nausea and vomiting Haematuria Pregnancy Recurrent Loin pain/tenderness
What is the mainstay treatment for cystitis?
Potassium citrate
What are the age parameters for dysmenorrhoea?
Primary- 17-25 years
Secondary- over 25 years
How long does dysmenorrhoea normally last? When should you refer?
Around 3 days
Refer if no improvement with treatment over 2 cycles
What are the danger symptoms of dysmenorrhoea?
Abnormal discharge or bleeding
Fever
Severe intermenstrual pain
Give 3 treatment options for dysmenorrhoea.
Ibuprofen
Naproxen
Tranexamic acid
What are the guidelines for giving tranexamic acid in dysmenorrhoea?
Over 18
Regular cycle
Commence treatment when period starts
Treat for no more than 4 days
What are the age parameters for insomnia?
Refer anyone under 16
What are the danger symptoms of insomnia?
Suspected depression
What are the treatment options for insomnia?
Diphenhydramine (nytol)
Kalms
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with insomnia?
Avoid daytime naps
Avoid caffeine, nicotine, alcohol and heavy meals 6 hours before bed
Regular exercise can help but avoid 4 hours before bed
Try having warm bath or milky drink before bed
Try relaxation techniques
How long does insomnia normally last? When should you refer?
Refer if over 3 weeks or 1 week if no improvement with treatment
What are the differences between irritant and allergic contact dermatitis?
Irritant can become chronic and occurs within 48 hours of contact
Allergic can have a delay of hours or days before symptoms seen
How long does contact dermatitis normally last? When should you refer?
If over 2 weeks or no improvement after 1 week with treatment refer
Give potential causes of contact dermatitis.
Nickel in jewellery Soaps Detergents Hair dye Chromates (cement) Plasters
What are the danger symptoms of contact dermatitis?
Infection
Severe condition
Cracked or bleeding skin
What are the danger symptoms of acne?
Signs of infection
Pregnancy
Adult suffering for the first time
Give potential causes of acne.
Stress Make up Contraceptive pill Exfoliation Before period
How long does acne normally last? When should you refer?
Refer if no improvement with 8 week treatment
What is the treatment for acne?
Benzyl peroxide
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with acne?
Wash skin gently twice daily
Avoid very hot water and strong detergents
Wash hair regularly, especially with fringe
Resist temptation to squeeze sports
Natural sunlight helps
Choose water based cosmetics
What are the danger symptoms of athlete’s foot?
Base of nail discoloured, brittle Weeping, yellow crusts Swollen foot Large blisters/ulcers Diabetes
What should be suggested in treatment failure of athlete’s foot?
Consider adherence
If tried daktarin, recommend lamisil
Give lamisil once if compliance issues
Continue treatment for 2 weeks after infection has cleared
Give 4 treatment options for athlete’s foot.
Miconazole (daktarin)
Terbinafine (lamisil)
Miconazole and hydrocortisone (daktarin HC)
Amorolfine (curanail)
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with athlete’s foot?
Wash and dry feet thoroughly Wear socks made of cotton or wool Avoid shoes made of synthetic material Powder feet and inside of shoes with anti fungal Spend time bare foot when possible
How long does athlete’s foot normally last? When should you refer?
Refer if present for over 2 weeks or no improvement with 7 days of treatment
How do cold sores present?
Tingling in skin for 6-24 hours before appearance
Weeping/crusting at 4th day after appearance
Total episode usually lasts 1-2 weeks
What can cause cold sores?
Stress Illness Strong sunlight Menstruation Fatigue Cold weather
What are the danger symptoms of cold sores?
Failure to resolve Severe or worsening History of frequent occurrence Painless Eye affected
Give 2 treatment options for cold sores.
Acyclovir 5% (Zovirax)
Lidocaine 2% gel
What are the key differences between warts and verrucae?
Warts- rough, scaly papules that are normally painless
Occur on hands, elbows and knees
Verrucae- flat, thickened skin with black centre, painful when pressure applied
Occur on weight bearing ares, soles of feet
What are the danger symptoms of warts/verrucae?
Cracked skin Weeping Itching Bleeding Genital or facial
What is the treatment of verrucae?
Salicylic acid
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with a wart or verruca?
Treatment takes up to 3 months, refer if no improvement after 12 weeks
Keep feet dry
Do not scratch or pick
Cover with swimming socks or plaster
How long does scabies normally last? When should you refer?
Symptoms appear 2-6 weeks after infestation
Refer if treatment does not show improvement in 7-14 days
What are the danger symptoms of scabies?
Babies and children Pregnancy Diabetes Asthma Infected or broken skin
How is scabies treatment applied?
To entire body from the neck down and left for at least 8 hours before washing off.
Give 2 treatment options for scabies.
Permethrin
Malathion
What are the symptomatic treatment options in scabies?
Chlorphenamine and Eurax cream to stop itching
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with scabies?
Very contagious
Bed linen, towels should be machine washing on hot wash after treatment
Any linen that cannot be washed should be contained in plastic bag for 3 days until mites die
Itching may continue for 3 weeks after successful treatment
All household members should be treatment on the same day
Give 3 potential causes of dandruff.
Not brushing hair regularly
Nutritional deficiencies
High sugar diet
What are the danger symptoms of dandruff?
Pregnancy Yellow, greasy looking skin Inflammation Red and crusty skin Knees or elbows- psoriasis
Give 3 treatment options for dandruff.
Salicylic acid shampoo
Selenium sulphide shampoo
Ketoconazole 2% shampoo
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with dandruff?
Brush hair daily, wash at least 3 times per week
Use medicated shampoo every 1-2 weeks to prevent recurrence
Avoid chemical dyes
Avoid scratching
When should symptoms of dandruff improve?
Within 12 weeks of starting treatment
What are the features of psoriasis?
Occurs on scalp, knees, elbows and can affect finger nails
Thickened red patches of skin, look scaly
How long does psoriasis last?
Usually occurs in cycles of weeks to months
Refer if no visible improvement after 1 week of treatment
What are the danger symptoms of psoriasis?
Weeping
Crusting
Crack skin
Infection
What are the 2 main treatment options for psoriasis?
Coal tar
Hydrocortisone 1% cream
What lifestyle advice could you give to someone with psoriasis?
Keep skin lubricated
Use soap free cleansers if possible
Exposure to sun can help
Bathing in hot water can reduce scaling
How long does nappy rash normally last? When should you refer?
Refer if present for over 2 weeks or with treatment if symptoms do not improve in 1 week
What are the danger symptoms of nappy rash?
Signs of infection
Small, red dots or extension beyond nappy area suggestive of fungal infection
Darker, purple spots (meningitis)
What are the mainstays for treatment of nappy rash?
Canesten or daktarin followed by barrier cream
What lifestyle advice could you give for nappy rash?
Increase frequency of nappy changes
Use warm water and cotton to clean bottom
Pat nappy area dry
Leave nappy off for as long as possible
Talc and baby wipes can be irritant
Barrier creams can help to protect the skin
What are the 3 types of conjunctivitis.
Infective
Allergic
Irritant
Describe the difference in symptoms of infective and allergic conjunctivitis.
Infective- starts in one eye and spreads, sticky discharge, whites of the eyes look pink, eyes feel gritty and irritated
Allergic- both eyes develop symptoms at the same time, watery and itchy eyes
How long does conjunctivitis normally last? When should you refer?
Usually resolves itself but refer if over one week
Refer if no improvement within 48 hours of treatment
What could be the cause of conjunctivitis?
Contact lenses Allergy Pollution Smoke Chlorine Bright lights
What are the danger symptoms of conjunctivitis?
Worsening symptoms Vision disturbance Glaucoma Recurrence Pregnancy Abnormal pupil
What are the 2 treatment options for infective conjunctivitis?
Propamidine
Chloramphenicol
What are the 2 treatment options for allergic conjunctivitis?
Sodium cromoglicate
Xylometazoline
What are the 2 treatment options for irritant conjunctivitis?
Witch hazel
Naphazoline
What lifestyle advice could you give for conjunctivitis?
Do not rub eyes
Infective is highly contagious
Pus/crustiness may be removed with warm slaty water
Describe the presenting features of excess earwax.
Difficulty hearing Pain Tinnitus Blocked feeling Temporary deafness after swimming or showers
Describe the presenting features of otitis media.
Pus Fluid Inflammation Severe earache Hearing loss Fever Tinnitus
Describe the presenting features of otitis externa.
Pain and itching
Dulled hearing
Ear discharge
What are the age parameters for ear problems?
Refer children under 12 with wax problems
How long do ear problems normally last? When should you refer?
Refer if no improvement of excess wax in 3 days, persistent otitis external for 7 days
Refer if no improvement with treatment after 7 days
What are the danger symptoms of ear problems?
Severe pain Complete deafness Fever in glue ear Otitis media Otitis externa accompanied by foul smelling discharge or fever
What is key to point out with treatments for ear problems?
Some products contain peanuts or soya
Drops should be used at room temperature
Give 3 treatment options for softening ear wax.
Arachis oil and chlorobutanol
Almond oil, archis and camphor oil
Urea hydrogen peroxide
What may be given for treatment of otitis external?
Acetic acid spray
Isopropyl alcohol
What lifestyle advice could you give for ear problems?
Cotton buds can compact ear wax
Avoid smoky environments with glue ear
Use ear plugs when swimming
When does teething generally occur?
Around 6-9 months
What are the danger symptoms of teething?
Excessive diarrhoea
Temperature over 38
What are the 4 treatment options for teething?
Paracetamol
Ibuprofen
Bonjela
Lidocaine and cetalkonium (abnesol)
What lifestyle advice could you give for teething?
Plenty of fluids
Teething rings- can also be cooled in fridge to soothe
Brush teeth as soon as they appear
When does head lice generally occur?
Common aged 4-11, symptoms occur a long time after initial infection
Refer if no improvement with treatment after 1-2 weeks
What is the best method for treating head lice?
Wet combing method
Every 4 days for at least 2 weeks
Give the 3 treatment options for headline.
Phenothrin
Malathion
Dimeticone
What lifestyle advice could you give for head lice?
Avoid direct head to head contact
Minimise itching
Protect eyes and face when treating
Treat all members of the family
What are the danger symptoms of hair loss?
Patchy hair loss
Hypothyroidism
Anaemia
What is the main treatment option for hair loss? Who can receive it?
Minoxidil 2% for women
Minoxidil 5% for men
Where does eczema most commonly present?
Babies- nappy area, neck, belly, back of scalp, limb creases
Children- skin creases, ankles, around the eyes
Adults- neck, back of hands, ankles, groin
What are the danger symptoms of eczema?
Infection
Pain
What lifestyle advice could you give for eczema?
Aggravating factors Stress can worsen eczema Avoid itching Use non-biological washing powders Keep skin moist and supple to avoid cracking
