Skin Conditions

Question 1

Impetigo

Answer 1

Bacterial infection of the skin (aka school sores). Spread via contact with fluid or crusts of sores.
S/S - itchy sores (esp. face, mouth, nose), blisters, red/wet/weepy patches, yellow crust.

Question 2

Impetigo - treatment

Answer 2

1. Isolation for 24hrs after starting treatment
2. Remove scabs from sores
3. Apply AB cream or other ointment/emollient
4. Cover with watertight dressings
5. Teach child not to scratch and cut nails
   Other - oral ABs, bleach baths.

Question 3

Atopic eczema

Answer 3

Chronic inflammatory disease associated with skin hypersensitivity.
Onset < 12 months, early treatment increases chances of outgrowing otherwise can be lifelong.
S/S - dry/hot/itchy/red skin, reduced sleep, poor feeding.
- Infants - face, neck, trunk and scalp.
- Children - flexural, extensor.

Question 4

Atopic eczema - triggers

Answer 4

1. Overheating - heaters, bed coverings, thick clothing.
2. Environmental - cold/dry weather, damp, dust/mites, animal fur, pollen.
3. Irritants - alcohol products, fragrances, soaps/talc powders, chlorine pools, rough fabrics (e.g. wool), food allergies.
4. Infection/inflammation - bacteria on hands/surfaces, scratching.

Question 5

Atopic eczema - management

Answer 5

1. Mild - daily bathing, moisturise head-to-toe (bd), trigger avoidance.
2. Moderate-severe - bleach baths, moisturise head-to-toe (qid), topical steroids, wet dressings/compresses, oral ABs if req.
   * Moisturisers - thick, plain, high-oil/low-water, fragrance/alcohol free.
   ** Baths - lukewarm, 5min, bath oil, no soaps/shampoo.

Question 6

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease

Answer 6

Viral infection causing rashes and blisters on hands and feet.
Spread via contact with blister fluid, droplets from sneezing/coughing OR faecal matter. Affects children < 10 years, onset 3-7 days post-infection and duration 7-10 days.
S/S - small/oval/white blisters, fever, poor feeding, dehydration.

Question 7

Hand-Foot-and-Mouth Disease - treatment

Answer 7

1. Isolate from others while symptomatic
2. Allow blisters to dry naturally
3. Maintain oral hydration
4. Analgesia