Skin conditions

Question 1

Infectious

Question 2

Malignant

Question 3

Scabies

Answer 3

Caused by mite which burrows in skin
Defecates and reproduces under skin, which causes irritable rash
Very contagious
Treated with topical creams, everyone in household needs to use cream
Wash bedding/clothing in hot water + stored for 2-3 days
Tea tree oil helps deter

Question 4

Herpes simplex

Answer 4

Viral
Clear papules, superficial ulcerations/erosions
May cause fever, lymph node enlargement, burning P
Lesion will crust over in 5-14 days
Treatment- analgesics for P, oral antiviral (acyclovir)

Question 5

Pediculosis

Answer 5

Aka lice (six-legged wingless insect)
Can be found in head, body or pubic hair
Pierve skin and secrete saliva which causes itching, lay eggs close to scalp
Spread by shared hats, towels, combs, bedding, clothing
Treatment- shampoo (Nix, rid), fine tooth comb, boil clothing/bedding, dry cleaning

Question 6

Malignant melanoma

Answer 6

Most serious form of skin cancer
Can occur early and cause death in old and young people
Incidence inc with inc UV exposure
Childhood and intermittent sun exposure are implicated in etiological development
Treatment is urgent wide excision, management of spread via chemo/radio therapy

Question 7

Melanoma stages

Answer 7

Stage 1- melanoma confined to epidermal region of skin
2- localised disease, only in skin and very thin
3- localised disease, thicker than stage 1
4- spread to lymph nodes
5- spread to other organs

Question 8

Melanoma criteria for diagnosis

Answer 8

Asymmetry
Border irregularity
Colour variegation
Diameter >6mm
Elevation

Question 9

Basal cell carcinoma

Answer 9

Most common malignant skin tumour usually related to excessive UV exposure and present on areas of exposure
Slow growing papule which eventually erodes local tissue
Treatment- marginal excision

Question 10

Basal cell carcinoma

Answer 10

Most common malignant skin tumour usually related to excessive UV exposure and present on areas of exposure
Slow growing papule which eventually erodes local tissue
Treatment- marginal excision

Question 11

Squamous cell carcinoma

Answer 11

More aggressive than basal cell carcinoma
Keratotic lesion +/- ulceration
More likely to metastasize
Related to UV exposure
Rapid growth: inspect lymph system
Treatment excision +/- radiotherapy