Minor and Major Illnesses

Question 1

Shingles

Answer 1

Can be an emergency - ophthalmic shingles leads to loss of sight
Immunocompromised and elderly most at risk
Post-herpetic neuralgia is commonest complication - age is potent risk factor

Question 2

Molluscum contagiosum

Answer 2

Small pearly-white/ pink lumps containing white pus

Don’t treat as they are self-limiting and treatment can be painful (cryotherapy)

Question 3

Atopic eczema

Answer 3

Most common form of eczema
Itchy, dry, red skin on face
Infants: face and scalp
Adults: hands, around joints 
Flare ups due to triggers such as soap, detergenets, mites, pollens etc

Question 4

Meningococcal septicaemia

Answer 4

Non blanching rash - may or may not be accompanied by meningitis
Give benzylpenicillin or cefrtriaxone

Question 5

Impetigo

Answer 5

Non-bullous (crusting) - honey colour - caused by staph or strep
Topical fusidic acid or mupriocin

Question 6

Acne

Answer 6

Mild: topical retinoid or benzoyl peroxide
Moderate: above + topical Abx (tetracycline/ erythromycin)
Severe: oral retinoid (roaccutane)

Question 7

Scabies

Answer 7

Burrows into skin causing itchy rash

Topical insecticide

Question 8

Chicken pox

Answer 8

VZV
Children <10 years
Affects 90% of people who come in contact
10-21 days incubation period
Infectious 1-2 days prior to 5-6 days post onset of rash
Cold, flu like symptoms, fever, itchy vesicular rash in clusters (mostly on trunk)
Complications: pneumonia, encephalitis

Question 9

5 drug details on a prescription

Answer 9

Name 
Form 
Strength 
How to take it 
How much pharmacist has to dispense

Question 10

Oral candida

Answer 10

White slough on tongue
RF: HIV, malignancy, DM, anaemia
Treat with miconazole gel or nystatin drops, then fluconazole oral tablets