Skin Infections CUE CARDS Flashcards
What is the presentation of cellulitis?
> A spreading bacterial infection of the skin
> Begins as a small area of tenderness, swelling and redness (fever and lymphadenopathy may develop)
What is the presentation of Erysipelas?
Localised superficial form of cellulitis involving the face
What are boils and carbuncles?
> Hair follicle associated cutaneous abscesses that extend into the subcutaneous tissue
Tender and painful but don’t cause systemic symptoms
Generally staph. aureus but occasionally strep. pyogenes
What is Impetigo?
Highly contagious skin infection most common in children
What organisms cause Impetigo?
Staph. aureus and less commonly strep. pyogenes
When is Impetigo most contagious?
> Most contagious when there is discharge from sores
Exclude people with school sores from childcare, preschool, school and until appropriate treatment has commenced
Any sores exposed - try to cover completely
What are the 2 presentations of Impetigo?
> Crusted or nonbullous Impetigo: yellow crusts and erosions, itchy or irritating but not painful
> Bullous Impetigo: mildly irritating blisters that erode rapidly leaving a brown crust
What organisms cause diabetic foot infections?
Infection involves anaerobes mixed with gram negative and positive organisms
What can be useful in diabetic foot infections?
> Cultures may be useful
> Specimens for culture should be obtained from tissue deep in the wound after debridement
What is Necrotising Faciitis caused by and how is it treated?
A variety of organisms may cause this serious condition and therefore broad spectrum antibiotics are used empirically until culture results can be obtained.
Discuss Tinea in Diabetics
> Poorly controlled diabetics are prone to fungal infections
Caution is required if a diabetic presents to a pharmacy for tinea pedis treatment
Decision to treat or refer must be based upon an assessment of tinea severity and degree of neuropathy
Tinea in Diabetics: What is oral therapy reserved for?
> For areas that are unresponsive to topical treatment
Hair-bearing areas
Palms and soles
Nails
What is Pityriasis Versicolour?
> Presents as well demarcated patches of hyper/hypopigmentation
Predominantly involves the upper trunk
Caused by Malassezia Yeasts
Treated with topical antifungals
What is Shingles?
> Caused by reactivation of the varicella-zoster virus
Presents with dermatomally distributed blisters on an erythematous base (lesions erupt over a week and then heal over 2 weeks)
Need to treat early because risk of developing post-herpetic neuralgia
What are the treatment aims of shingles?
> Relieve acute pain
Prevent secondary infection
Prevent post-herpetic neuralgia
Diminish the impact of neurological and ophthalmic complications
