Skin infections & infestations Flashcards
What is impetigo?
it is a bacterial infection in the superifcial layer of the skin
what is the clinical assessment of impetigo? (3)
- red sores / blisters at start
- then become bigger and crusty
- spread to other parts of body: very contagious
what is the investigation of impetigo?
diagnosis made on history + examination,
however in serious circumstances = MC&S
what is management of impetigo?
- general measure- local wound care
- mild infecion- topical / systemic agent
- serious infection- systemic antibiotic
what is folliculitits ?
inflammation of hair follicle
what is the clinical assessment of folliculitis?
- small red bumps or white headed pimples around hair follicles
- itching
- pain
what is the treatment of folliculitis?
- antibiotic cream, lotion or gel
What is cellulitis?
bacterial infection deeper in skin
clinical assessment of cellulitis?
- appears as a red, swollen area
- hot & tender to touch
- skin may appear glossy
- fever
treatment of cellulitis?
- antibiotics
what is erysipelas?
- superifical form of cellulitis, but less so than impetigo
What is the organism involved in erysipleas?
streptococcus
Clinical assessment of erysipelas?
swollen, reddened, warm areas of skin in face and legs
Management for erysipelas?
- Antibiotics
- painkillers
what is syphilis?
bacterial infection spread through sexual contact
clinical assessment of syphilis?
- small, painless sores or ulcers that typically appear around genitalia / mouth
- blotchy red rash that often affects palms of hands/soles of feet
investigation for syphilis?
blood sample- checking for the antibody
management of syphilis?
anitbiotics
What is the pathogenesis of Herpes Simplex Virus? (HSV)
- primary exposure
- 1st clinical episode
if trigger
- latent infection —————————————> clinical episode
Clinical assessment of HSV?
- oral herpes- blisters/ ulcers
- genital herpes- 1 or more genital or anal blisters/ ulcers
- usually both asymptomatic
Management of HSV?
- antivirals ie aciclovir
What is the clinical assessment of herpes zoster virus (HSV)?
chicken pox +/- shingles
what is the management of HZV?
- antiviral ie aciclovir
- coservative ie NSAIDs
What is scabies & how does it come about?
- ectoparasite infestation
- mite burrows under skin and lays eggs –> papules & vesicles –> excoriations & pustules
- spread by close or prolonged contact
