Skin Infection

Question 1

Common aetiologies of skin infection

Answer 1

Strep. pyogenes or Staph. aureus

Question 2

Clinical features of skin infection

Answer 2

Commonly occurs on the shins

Erythema, painful swelling

May be some associated systemic upset e.g. fever

Question 3

Criteria for admission for skin infection

Answer 3

Eron Class III or Class IV cellulitis

Severe or rapidly deteriorating cellulitis (for example extensive areas of skin)

Very young (under 1 year of age) or frail

Immunocompromised

Significant lymphoedema

Facial cellulitis (unless very mild) or periorbital cellulitis

Question 4

Management of mild/moderate cellulitis

Answer 4

Flucloxacillin first-line

Clarithromycin, erythromycin (in pregnancy) or doxycycline if penicillin-allergic

Question 5

Management of severe cellulitis

Answer 5

Co-amoxiclav, cefuroxime, clindamycin or ceftriaxone

Question 6

Define impetigo

Answer 6

A superficial bacterial skin infection

Can be a primary infection or a complication of an existing skin condition e.g. eczema, scabies or insect bites

Question 7

Clinical features of impetigo

Answer 7

‘Golden’, crusted skin lesions typically found around the mouth

Very contagious

Question 8

Aetiology of impetigo

Answer 8

Usually caused by Staph. aureus or Strep. pyogenes

Question 9

Management of limited/localised impetigo

Answer 9

Hydrogen peroxide 1% cream

Topical antibiotic creams e.g. fusidic acid

Question 10

Management of extensive impetigo

Answer 10

Oral flucloxacillin

Oral erythromycin if penicillin-allergic

Question 11

Define folliculitis

Answer 11

Inflammation of a hair follicle resulting in papules or pustules

Question 12

Aetiology of folliculitis

Answer 12

Most commonly Staph. aureus