Skin

Question 1

What is the diagnostic for dandruff?

Answer 1

Itching, usually on the scalp, no inflammation.

Question 2

What is the treatment for dandruff?

Answer 2

Ketoconazole, selenium, zinc pyrithione.

Question 3

What is the non-pharmacological advice given for dandruff?

Answer 3

Self-limiting condition - will get better.

Question 4

When should dandruff be referred?

Answer 4

If it is on the face or torso.

Question 5

What is the diagnostic for cradle cap?

Answer 5

Large yellow, greasy scales. Occurs in the first two months of life. May spread to the nappy region. Shouldn’t be itchy.

Question 6

What is the treatment for cradle cap?

Answer 6

Olive oil overnight, wash with baby shampoo.

Question 7

What is the non-pharmacological advice given for cradle cap?

Answer 7

Use a bed sheet cover because the olive oil can ruin the bedding. Do not pick scales. Reassure that it is common and will get better. It is not infectious.

Question 8

When should cradle cap be referred?

Answer 8

Itchiness. Baby has become irritable. OTC remedies haven’t worked (may be atopic eczema). Scales have spread from the scalp (may require anti-fungal cream).

Question 9

What is the diagnostic for psoriasis?

Answer 9

Scales, sometimes shiny. Around the back of the head or elbows.

Question 10

What is the treatment for psoriasis?

Answer 10

Salicylic acid, coal tar, dithranol.

Question 11

What is the non-pharmacological advice given for psoriasis?

Answer 11

Avoid scratching.

Question 12

When should psoriasis be referred?

Answer 12

Only plaque and scalp psoriasis can be treated OTC.

Question 13

What is the diagnostic for atopic eczema?

Answer 13

Skin looks sore (red). May come in patches which are itchy. Patients may not sleep well. There is a genetic component.

Question 14

What is the treatment for atopic eczema?

Answer 14

Emollients.

Question 15

What is the non-pharmacological advice given for atopic eczema?

Answer 15

Can use a soap substitute. Avoid naked flames with emollients. Keep a food diary to gauge which foods may cause flare-ups.

Question 16

What is the diagnostic for scabies?

Answer 16

Redness of the skin, white blots of skin.

Question 17

What is the treatment for scabies?

Answer 17

Lyclear (permethrin), anti-histamines which may help the itch which often lingers.

Question 18

What additional information is given about scabies?

Answer 18

Related to a reaction to mite droppings so most likely due to poor hygiene - be careful not to offend the sufferer by mentioning this.

Question 19

What is the diagnosis for impetigo?

Answer 19

Red blotchiness around the nose and mouth.

Question 20

When should impetigo be referred?

Answer 20

Referral for antibiotics immediately.

Question 21

What is the diagnostic for acne?

Answer 21

Pustules around the face and sometimes around the back or shoulders.

Question 22

What is the treatment for acne?

Answer 22

Anti-bacterial face wash, benzoyl peroxide.

Question 23

What is the non-pharmacological advice for acne?

Answer 23

Test medicine on the arm first to make sure the skin can tolerate it. Perhaps start with applications every other day. Wash hands after medicine application. Medication can stain bedding and clothing. Do not scratch/pick spots.

Question 24

When should acne be referred?

Answer 24

Severe acne may require antibiotics or stronger cream like azelaic acid.

Question 25

What other information is given for acne?

Answer 25

Women may bet polycystic ovary syndrome (cysts on the ovaries) which can cause acne.

Question 26

What is the diagnostic for rosacea?

Answer 26

Flushing, redness of the cheeks and nose, papules and pustules.

Question 27

What is the treatment for rosacea?

Answer 27

Dermalex.

Question 28

What other advice can be given for rosacea?

Answer 28

Can be medicine induced (e.g. lithium, hormones, anticonvulsants, systemic corticosteroids).

Question 29

What is the diagnosis for warts?

Answer 29

Generally found in the hands and the knees. Raised and pale - described as ‘cauliflower-like’.

Question 30

What is the treatment for warts?

Answer 30

Salicylic acid (bazuka).

Question 31

What is the non-pharmacological advice given for warts?

Answer 31

Avoid public swimming pools.

Question 32

When should warts be referred?

Answer 32

Facial warts.

Question 33

What is the diagnostic for athlete’s foot?

Answer 33

Flaky regions of skin generally between the toes.

Question 34

What is the treatment for athlete’s foot?

Answer 34

Daktarin.

Question 35

What is the non-pharmacological advice given for athlete’s foot?

Answer 35

Avoid public swimming pools. Change shoes and socks regularly.

Question 36

When should athlete’s foot be referred?

Answer 36

If the skin is broken.

Question 37

What is the diagnostic for bites and stings?

Answer 37

Stinger may be present. Reddening around the local region.

Question 38

What is the treatment for bites and stings?

Answer 38

Remove the stinger by flicking or scraping. Wash with soap and water, cool the region with ice. Anti-histamines, oral analgesia, hydrocortisone, or crotamiton.

Question 39

What non-pharmacological advice should be given with bites and stings?

Answer 39

Do not scratch.

Question 40

When should bites and stings be referred?

Answer 40

Anaphylaxis - hospital.

Question 41

What is the diagnostic for Lyme disease?

Answer 41

Bulls-eye rash. Reddening circle.

Question 42

When should Lyme disease be referred?

Answer 42

Immediately for antibiotics.

Question 43

What non-pharmacological advice should be given with Lyme disease?

Answer 43

If the tic still remains, do not remove without advice as the head can remain in the skin and lead to infection.