Skin infections Flashcards
What is Dermatophytosis/Tinea (Ringworm)?
A fingal infection where Trichophyton rubrum grows in dead keratin causing a red ring lesion
What are the features of Dermatophytosis/Tinea (Ringworm)?
Red ring lesions
Itchy
Worse in hot/humid environments as increased risk of growth
How can you treat Dermatophytosis/Tinea (Ringworm)?
Topical antifungals
If not improving, can give oral antifungals
What is Pityriasis versicolor?
A yeast infection of the skin, more common in young men
What are the features of Pityriasis versicolor?
Flaky discoloured patches
Tend to be on trunk, neck and arms
Rarely itch
May be hyper/hypo pigmented
How can you treat Pityriasis versicolor?
Anti dandruff shampoo
Topical antifungals
What is the Herpes zoster/simplex virus?
Shingles
What are the features of Shingles?
Nerve pain followed by painful blistering rash
The virus is reactivated in the patients nerves
How can you manage Shingles?
Aciclovir (Anti viral) can be given in first 36 hours to shorten the duration. If past 36 hours, don’t do anything
What is the Varicella zoster virus?
Original infection before Shingles, causes Chicken pox
What are the symptoms of Chicken pox?
Fever
Tiredness
Headache
How can you manage Chicken pox?
Camomile lotions to try and reduce itching
What are Warts?
Small rough growths caused by a virus which is a strain of HPV.
Tend to be on hands/feet (Wart on foot is called Verruca)
How can you treat Warts?
Usually go by self eventually
Can use duct tape to stop oxygen reaching them if want to try and speed up process
What is Cellulitis?
A bacterial infection of the dermis/subcutaneous fat
What are the features of Cellulitis?
Well demarkated blanching erythema
What organisms can commonly cause Cellulitis?
Staphylococcus aureus straings eg MRSA
Treat with Flucoxacillin
What is Erysipelas?
Bacterial infection of the epididymis only
Patients are more likely to have systemic features
What organisms commonly cause Erysipelas?
B Haemolytic streptococci
Streptococcus pyodermis
What is a complication of Erysipelas?
If spreads into the fascial layer can cause Necrotising fascitis
How can you treat Erysipelas?
Flucoxacillin
What is Scabies?
A mite infestation of the skin
What are the features of Scabies?
Series of burrows that may be in a straight line or sigmoid pattern Small, raised, pimple like Can cause papules/blisters Itchy Tends to be in clefts Very easy to spread
How can you treat Scabies?
Wash all linen that has come into contact with person
Malathion lotion
