Wk 28: Skin infections Flashcards
1
Q
What are the red flags for skin infections?
A
- Severe systemic illness
- Drowsiness
- Photosensitivity
- Non-blanching rash
- Stiff neck
- Severe headache/other pain
- Vomiting
- Worsening symptoms
2
Q
What is the main cause of bacterial skin infections?
A
Staph a
3
Q
What is the treatment for impetigo?
A
- Topical antiseptic: hydrogen peroxide
- Topical abx: fusidic acid 2%
- Oral abx: flucloxacillin
4
Q
What is cellulitis?
A
- Bacterial infection of dermis + subcutaneous tissue
- Symptoms: acute onset of pain, warmth, swelling, erythema
- Affects lower limbs
5
Q
What is eryispelas?
A
- Form of cellulitis but affects upper dermis
- Face/limbs
- Unwell before rash
6
Q
What are the risk factors of cellulitis?
A
- Lymphoedema
- Leg oedema
- Venous surgery
- Immunocompromised
- Drug user
- Obesity + pregnancy
7
Q
What are acute complications of cellulitis?
A
- Systemically unwell
- Tachycardia
- Hypotension
- Sepsis
- Deep seated infection: necrotising, fascitis, abscesses
8
Q
What are chronic complications of cellulitis?
A
- Persistent leg ulceration
- Lymphoedema
- Recurrent cellulitis
9
Q
What other conditions present with unilateral redness/swelling?
A
- Erysipelas
- Deep venous thrombosis
- Septic arthritis
- Acute gout
10
Q
How is cellulitis managed in primary care?
A
- Flucox 500mg to 1g QDS 5-7 days
11
Q
When would you refer cellulitis in secondary care?
A
- Severely unwell
- Near eye/nose
- Uncommon pathogens
- Not responding to antibiotics
- Can’t take oral abx
12
Q
How is cellulitis managed in secondary care?
A
- Flucloxacillin PO/IV 1g/2g QDS
- 2nd line: Doxycycline PO or clindamycin PO/IV
- If MRSA: Doxycycline PO or daptomycin IV
13
Q
What supportive measures are given for cellulitis?
A
- Paracetamol/ibuprofen for pain
- Raise affected area - red swelling
- Regularly move joint - prevents stiffness
- Drink fluids
- Don’t wear compression stockings until resolved
14
Q
How would you prevent the recurrence of cellulitis?
A
- Keep skin clean + moisturised
- Clean cuts
- Manage breaks in skin
- If recurrent: routine referral for prophylactic abx
15
Q
How would you treat wounds/bites/scratches/stings?
A
- Don’t offer abx unless infected
- Co-amox 250/125mg or 500/125mg TDS for 5 days
