Responding to symptoms Flashcards
Symptoms of Scabies
Intense itching (esp at night)
Pimple like rash
Sores
Thick crusts on skin
Small thread like grey lines
If a patient is diagnosed with scabies when does itching start?
First time having scabies= <1-4 days
Had it before = 2-6 weeks
Scabies treatment
1st line= Permethrin cream (lyclear) +2yrs
- wash off after 8-12 hours
- reapply after 7 days
2nd line= Malathion +6 months
- wash off after 24 hours
- reapply after 7 days
Referral criteria for scabies
Infection
Treatment failure
Babies and children
What is scabies?
Caused by mites
VERY contagious - skin to skin contact
Symptoms of Impetigo
Itching
Blisters that form into crusts
Mainly around mouth
What are the 2 types of Impetigo?
Bullous
- Painful & itchy
- Fluid filled vesicles which rupture and form yellow brown crusts
- Fever and swollen lymph nodes
Non-Bullous
- Starts with red sores around nose and mouth then develops into blisters and bursts forming golden crusts
What is the treatment for Localized non-bullous impetigo who are systemically well or not at high risk of complication?
Hydrogen peroxide 1% cream-
(2-3 times a day for 5 days)
Unsuitable= Topical antibacterial
What is the treatment for Widespread non-bullous impetigo who are systemically well or not at high risk of complication?
Topical or oral antibacterial
What is the treatment for patients with bullous impetigo or non-bullous impetigo who are systemically unwell or at high risk of complications ?
Oral antibacterial
Which oral antibacterials are used for severe or widespread impetigo?
1st line= Flucloxacillin
Alternative= Clarithromycin
Pregnancy= Erythromycin
Which topical antibacterial are used for impetigo?
Fusidic acid 1% cream
(TDS for 5 days)
Mupirocin 2% ointment
(TDS for 5 days)
What advice should be given to patients diagnosed with Impetigo
Stay away from school until rash clears
Do not share items
Cut nails
Which bacteria is responsible for Impetigo?
Group A streptococcus
Staphylococcus aureus
Which organism is responsible for chicken pox?
Varicella zoster virus
What is chicken pox?
A viral infection
Highly contagious for 1-2 days before spots appear.
Can you catch shingles from someone with chicken pox?
NO but you can catch chicken pox from someone with shingles if you haven’t had chicken pox before.
Symptoms of chicken pox
Itchy red spots- fluid filled
Fever
Aches & pains
Who in particular should take extra caution with people who have chicken pox?
Pregnant women
Immunocompromised
Those on corticosteroids
What is the best way to prevent chicken pox?
Chicken pox vaccine
Chicken pox treatment
Drink plenty of fluid Paracetamol Antihistamines Calamine lotion Colloidal oatmeal baths
How long should you stay away from school/ work if you have chicken pox?
Until all the spots/ blisters have crusted over
What is Fifth disease also known as?
Slapped cheek syndrome
Symptoms of Fifth disease
Bright red rash on cheeks
Raised spotty rash may appear on chest, legs and arms
Cold like symptoms (most contagious period)
Adults may experience joint pain and stiffness
When is it the most contagious period in Fifth disease?
When you experience cold like symptoms
When does fifth disease stop being contagious?
Once rash appears
Fifth disease treatment
Fluids
Painkillers
Antihistamine
Which patient groups with Fifth disease should be referred?
Pregnant
Patients with blood disorders
Immunocompromised
Symptoms of severe anemia
