Minor illnesses SLA 3 Flashcards
Describe the pathophysiology of scabies
This is when there are mites which burrow under the skin where they lay their eggs which then resurface.
Transmission is usually skin-to -skin contact
Symptoms of scabies
Intense itching
pimple- like rash
Treatment of scabies
- Insecticide -premethrin cream- avoid eyes and mouth- wash off after 8-12 hours- creams have a risk of ignition
THE WHOLE HOUSEHOLD AND ANYONE IN CONTACT HAS TO BE TREATED
What is the pathophysiology of chicken pox?
This is when you get the varicella zoster virus- usually spread through coughing or sneezing- sometimes the VSV can remain in the dorsal root ganglion
Why is VSV dangerous in pregnancy?
because it can cause maternal mortality and can also cause neonatal varicella.
What is the treatment of shingles?
Aciclovir- oral antiviral for 7 days =
get them on pain management
What are some serious complications of Shingles?
-meningitis, encephalitis
-Hutchinsons sign- which is when the patient has vesicles on the side of the nose which in turn means that they have shingles in the eye- (any unexplained red eye with shingles indicates opthalmic shingles) m
What is ramsay hunt syndrome?
This is when there is shingles which affects the facial nerve causing the facial paralysis and hearing loss.
What is the treatment for chicken pox?
Keep the nails short
Anti-histamine- piritone
Cooling gel- calamine lotion
What is the Fifth disease?
This is also known as parvo-virus or slapped cheek syndrome- it is a viral illness that spreads across the whole body- in children it starkly presents with bright red cheeks
What is the management of parvovirus in children?
it is managed by analgesics- supportive treatment
What is childhood exanthem?
This is when there is a skin rash associated with a fever
What are the numbered diseases 1-6?
first disease- measles
second disease-scarlet fever
third-rubella
fourth- filatow-dukes disease
fifth-erythema infectiosum
sixth-exanthem subitum
What are the three types of conjunctivitis?
-VIRAL- this is the most common - this has a clear exudate
-BACTERIAL- staph and strep - more contagious - has a more purulent secretion
-ALLERGIC - this usually is associated with a trigger- like hayfever- dust, pet fur
-secondary to gonorrhea or syphillis
What is the treatment of conjunctivitis?
Viral conjunctivitis- usually resolves in two weeks- by itself- cool compresses
using seperate towels
good hand hygiene
Bacterial- self-limiting should resolve by itself in 5-7 days
but can be treated with chloramphenicol- 0.5% drops or ointment - 3-4 times a day
What are the two types of styes?
External- develops along the edge of eyelid
internal stye- this develops on the inside of the eyelid and is less painful
HOT COMPRESS should bring out the pus
or if incredibly painful and not resolving- surgical popping is also a possibility
What is the cause of a stye?
It is a blocked sebaceous gland- it swells and becomes bigger
What are the types of orbital cellulitis?
Periorbital cellulitis - this doesn’t impair the vision - but does present with swelling
Orbital (postseptal) cellulitis- this is more dangerous as the orbital veins drain into the cavernous sinus- therefore infection can spread intracranially
What is blepharitis?
This is when there is inflammation along the eyelid margin
- crusting dry eyes
What are the symptomatic differences and similarities between post and pre septal infection?
Pre-septal- this is when there is swelling usually from a superficial cut/ infection
post-septal- this is when there is swelling however- there is also pain on eye movement and reduced visual acuity- the spread of infection here is from the paranasal sinuses - there is also EXOPTHALAMOUS
What is the treatment for orbital cellulitis?
flucloaxicillin 4 times a day for 5-7 days
What are the ottawa rules for X-RAYS
-Bony tenderness on 6cm of the tip of the dital fibula or lateral malleolus
-Bony tenderness on 6cm of the tip of the distal tibia or medial malleolus
-Bony tenderness on the the base of the 5th metatarsal
-bony tenderness at the navicular
-cannot bear weight initially after injury- but also first four steps on evaluation
What is the treatment for ankle sprain?
-analgesics
-rest
-elevation
-ice
-consider x-ray if OTTAWA ankle rules apply
What is otitis media?
This is an infection in the middle ear- which causes bulging of the tympanic membrane - which can lose its landmarks and can look very red
- sometimes it can be accompanied with an effusion- in this case- it can cause hearing problems-and can require a grommet- the ear discharge can be offensive smelling
What is one thing you must always check for in a patient who comes in with an ear ache?
you should always check the mastoid process- to check for mastoiditis.
What is the treatment for otitis media?
First line- clarithromycin 5-7 day course- amoxicillin tastes worse
co-amoxiclav- is not a first choice because it is broad spectrum therefore increases resistance and can cause c.diff
What are the causes of ulcers?
-smoking, alcohol usage and male-on-male sex, tobacco- paan, betel leaves- these can increase risk of oral cancer
- could be an STD
- can have associated cervical lymphadenopathy
What is the management advice for headlice?
wet combing- comb hair root to tip to remove all the lice and repeat every couple of days
- check everyone in the house
-washing laundry
medicated shampoo - dimeticone products
What is the management for nappy rash?
-self-management- using bigger more breathable nappies
-99% water wipes- alcohol free wipes
-topical steroid if the rash is inflamed or looks uncomfortable
What is plantar fasciitis?
This is when there is a thickening of the band that goes from the ball of the toes to the heel of the foot- usually more common in flat-feeted patients
What are the symptoms of plantar fasciitis?
Pain around the bottom of the foot-and around heel and arch
-usually patients will have a job which requires them to walk a lot- causing thickening
What is impetigo?
This is a contagious skin rash-that looks golden brown- and crusty- it is caused by strep/staph
What are the two types of impetigo
Non-bullous- where there are no blisters
Bullous- in which there are blisters present
What is the treatment of impetigo
hydrogen peroxide -2-3 times a day or fusidic acid 3 times a day
for adults with non-bullous impetigo give oral flucloxacillin
What is the management for insect bites?
usually if there is no sign of infection then just give supportive treatment
if there is infection signs then treat with flucloxacillin
What is the treatment for otitis media with effusion?
place a grommet - usually with otitis media with effusion its not infectious
What are the symptoms of otitis media with effusion?
-Painless ear otorrhea
What is the treatment for Influenza?
healthy patients with influenza do not require any treatment
patients who are at risk should be on oseltamivir or zanamivir
What are the two broad categories of influenza?
Uncomplicated - urtI, COLD and fever, GI symptoms
complicated- this is when there is involvement of the CNS and LRTI
What is the treatment of thrush?
Metronidazole- fluconazole, clotrimazole - intravaginally if orally is contraindicated
