Skin Infections and Infestations Flashcards
What is the most common infestation?
Scabies
Bacteria lives on the skin and doesn’t usually cause problems.
Give some examples of bacteria which lives on skin.
Staph epidermidis
Staph aureus
Corynebacterium
Propriobacterium
->although staph aureus is found, it is the most likely to cause infection. However, increased staph aureus on a swab doesn’t automatically mean infection…want to contradict yourself anymore Lucy?
Give an example of a yeast which is found on the skin.
Malassezia furfur
What are some signs of infection of the skin?
Erythema
Hot
Tender
Pus
Exudate
Fever
What would be some clues which would suggest a skin issue is not an infection?
No fever
Long history of relapsing rash
No growth of pathogens on skin swab
What is impetigo?
Superficial skin infection
What is the commonest skin infection in children?
Impetigo
Which organisms most commonly cause impetigo?
Staph aureus
Strep pyrogens
What is the classic finding on examination in someone with impetigo?
Yellow/gold crust which often starts in one small area and then is easily spread across the skin
What is the treatment of impetigo?
If small amount, topical creams can be used
If widespread, oral antibiotics are used as typical treatment
What is the most common organism causing cellulitis?
More commonly strep pyrogens
Which investigation is good for the diagnosis of necrotising fasciitis?
CT- shows gas pockets appearing
When can oedema blisters occur?
In acute exacerbation of oedema
Where do oedema blisters usually occur>
Dorsum of feet
What is lipodermatosclerosis usually associated with?
Venous insufficiency
Venous hypotension
What is the treatment of lipodermatosclerosis?
Treat underlying venous disease
Topical steroids
RECAP- what are the two types of fungal infection?
Tinea
Candidiasis
Tinea is named based on where it is found.
What is another name for tinea pedis?
Athlete’s foot
What is the type of tinea if it affects the head?
Tinea capitis
What is the type of tinea if it affects the body?
Tinea corporis
What is the type of tinea if it affects the groin?
Tinea cruris
What is the type of tinea if it affects the nails?
Onychomycosis
What investigation is carried out in fungal infections?
Skin scraping
What is the treatment of tinea?
Usually topical creams
Tinea infection of scalp or nails requires oral antifungals
->important to check and treat family members too. Pets can pass it on too!!
What is the usual treatment of candida?
Topical antifungal cream
Intertrigo?
Inflammation of a skin fold, often secondary to friction and irritating effect of excess sweat
->antifungal treatment may not be required if just due to sweat and friction
Which groups of people are more likely to develop viral warts?
Children
Immunosuppressed patients
What causes warts?
Infection of outer skin layer but the body’s immune system isn’t really aware of it so it continues to grow
Are warts contagious?
Yes- but low risk of transmission
->children with warts should NOT be excluded from physical activities- cover with plaster if swimming
What is the treatment of viral warts?
Usually clear spontaneously within a couple of years
There are some treatments but not usually effective
What is Molluscum Contagiosum?
Viral infection, commonly seen in young children
Umbilicated papules on skin
Will resolve when patients develops immunity
->can become secondarily infected if irritated or knocked
Which virus caused cold sores?
Herpes simplex
What do patents describe as happening before the cold sore appears?
Pain/tingling before one appears
Herpes simplex can cause lesions in which locations?
Lips
Genitals
What are patients with Herpes Simplex virus associated cold sores at a greater chance of developing?
Eczema herpeticum
What is the treatment of eczema herpeticum?
Aciclovir
What does Herpes Zoster cause?
Chicken pox
Which site does chickenpox usually effect first before spreading?
Usually face
What is the secondary infection of Herpes Zoster?
Shingles
->dermatomal reactivation down the dorsal root ganglion
Is Shingles contagious?
Kind of…. people who haven’t had chickenpox can catch it from someone with shingles
What is the presentation of Scabies?
Intensely itchy, papular rash
List some of the typical sites of Scabies.
Wrists, genitals, feet, ankles, nipples, umbilicus
What is meant by a Scabies burrow?
Faecal matter of the mite which causes skin irritation
Those with scabies tend to have about 10-100 mites. What is it known as when patients have thousands?
Crusted scabies
How is a diagnosis of scabies made?
Skin scraping and microscopy
What is the treatment of scabies?
Topical Permethrin cream
->30g per tube and patient applies it all over their body before rinsing off for a week
All household members and close contacts need treated too
How long can the scabies itch take to settle?
1-4 weeks
->steroids can be given to help manage this symptom
