Skin infections and infestations Flashcards

1
Q

What is an infection?

A

The pathological state resulting from the invasion of the body by pathogenic microorganisms

We all have bacteria on the skin, but this does not mean we have an infection

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2
Q

What types of aerobic cocci live on our skin?

A

Staphylococcus epidermidis

Staphylococcus aureus

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3
Q

What are other aerobic and anaerobic bacteria that live on our skin?

A

Corynebacterium

Propionbacterium

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4
Q

What is a type of yeast that lives on our skin?

A

Malassezia furfur

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5
Q

What investigations are done for skin infections?

A

Skin swab for Microscopy, culture and sensitivities (M,C&S)

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6
Q

What are different skin investigations that can be done if clinically indicated?

A

Full blood count, ESR
U&Es, LFTs, Calcium, CRP
Skin biopsy

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7
Q

What is impetigo?

A

Superficial skin infection

Most common bacterial infection in children

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8
Q

What causes bacterial infections?

A

Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes

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9
Q

How to treat localised impetigo?

A

Fusidic acid 2% cream 3-4 times daily for 5 days

Mupirocin 2% cream up to 3 times daily for 5 days (if MRSA)

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10
Q

How to treat widespread, severe, bullos impetigo?

A

Flucloxacillin 500mg oral four times daily for 7 days

Erythromycin 500mg oral four times daily for 7 days

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11
Q

What is cellulitis likely caused by?

A

Streptococcus pyogenes,

Staphylococcus aureus

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12
Q

What should first choice of antibiotic be in cellulitis?

A

Flucloxacillin 1g IV every 6 hours

plus

Benzylpenicillin 1.8g IV every 6 hours

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13
Q

What should be done if a bacterial infection is suspected?

A
Take swab
Start antibiotics
Review after ~48hrs
check skin swab result
switch according to sensitivities
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14
Q

What are oedema blisters?

A

Acute exacerbation of oedema
Dorsum of feet
Often erythematous
Can feel hot

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15
Q

What is lipodermatosclerosis?

A

If acute can be hot and tender

Look for signs of venous disease

Bilateral (often misdiagnosed as cellulitis)

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16
Q

What is the treatment of lipodermatosclerosis?

A

Treat underlying venous disease- Compression socks, foam scleropathy

Topical steroids

17
Q

What are different fungal infections?

A

Tinea

Candidasis

18
Q

What is tinea?

A

Infection by a dermatophyte

19
Q

What does the name of tinea depend on?

A

The site affected

20
Q

Where does ringworm or tinea corporis affect?

A

Body

21
Q

Where does Tinea captis affect?

A

Head

22
Q

Where does Tinea pedis affect?

A

Athelete’s foot

23
Q

Where does Tinea cruris affect?

A

Groin

24
Q

Where does Onychomycosis affect?

A

Nails

25
Q

How is tinea infection of feet, body, hands or groin treated?

A

Topical treatment

Terbinafine or clotrimazole cream

26
Q

How is tinea infection of scalp or nails treated?

A

Oral antifungals

27
Q

How is candida treated?

A

Nystatin, Miconazole, Ketoconazole cream

28
Q

How do you treat intertrigo?

A

Most cases are secondary to friction and irritating effect of sweat

Can be due to infection or skin condition

Emollient can often help

29
Q

What are hand/finger warts caused by?

A

Human papilloma virus

30
Q

What is some advice for people with warts?

A

Children with warts should NOT be excluded from physical activities, but should take care to minimise transmission

Cover the wart with a waterproof plaster when swimming

31
Q

What are treatments for people with warts?

A

Normally not necessary:
Give patient a leaflet on viral warts
Treatments are not very effective
Wart paints and cryotherapy can stimulate immune system
Warts will go away when patient develops immunity against wart virus

32
Q

What is molluscum contagiosum?

A

DNA pox virus
Umbilicated papules
May become secondarily infected
Will resolve when patient develops immunity

33
Q

What is molluscum contagiosum?

A

5% Potassium Hydroxide

34
Q

What are types of herpes simplex virus?

A

Herpes simplex 1 and 2

Cold sore

Eczema herpeticum

35
Q

What is herpes simplex virus treated with?

A

Aciclovir

36
Q

What are the treatments for scabies?

A

Permethrin cream top to toe for 8 hours
Two applications ~ 30g 1 week apart

Oral ivermectin can be used
Not licensed in UK

Treat all in household and close contacts so they aren’t reinfected- wash all bedding and clothing too