infections + infestations Flashcards
(32 cards)
what is itchiness around the peri-anal area at night a symptom of?
threadworms
what is the treatment for threadworms
how do you use it
mebendazole (ovex)
take a single dose then repeat again 2-3 weeks later to prevent re-infection
which patients can buy otc mebendazole (ovex) for threatworms
children over 2 years old and adults
children under 2 need a prescription
which patient group can’t buy otc mebendazole for threadworms
pregnant or breastfeeding patients
what lifestyle advice can you give to prevent threadworms
- wear close fitting pyjama bottoms or pants to prevent shedding of eggs
- shower first thing in the morning (focus on anal area)
- good hygiene: wash hands after going to toilet and before preparing or eating food
- wash beddings and towels daily if possible (avoid shaking linens as this spreads eggs)
- cut fingernails short
what are the symptoms of headlice
- nits (eggs) attached to hair that can’t be removed by shampooing or brushing hair
- itching
itching takes months to develop so patients can be asymptomatic
what are the treatment options for headlice
- apply insecticide twice (second application 7 days after first application to ensure all eggs killed). leave insecticide on hair before rinsing off. insecticide options: malathion (derbac-M) , permethrin (Lyclear), dimethicone 4% (hedrin)
- wet combing: comb wet hair (with a conditioner applied) and use detection comb to remove lice. This should be done every 4 days for at least 2 weeks
what is re-infection of headlice usually a sign of
usually re-infection is not a sign of resistance to treatment, its usually because:
- only one application has been used (they have not applied insectide again 7 days after first application)
- not enough product has been applied (average head of hair needs 50ml)
what is scabies
a skin infection caused by the mite sarcoptes scabei
what are the symptoms of scabies
- a rash that is itchy especially at night (lasts up to 3 weeks after
- burrows (fine silvery lines with a dark point). This is mite burried under the skin
when do you refer a patient with suspected scabies
children under 2
what are the treatment options for scabies
how do you use them
- first line treatment is Permethrin 5% w/w cream (Lyclear®)
- for pregnant or breastfeeding patients Malathion 0.5% aqueous liquid (Derbac-M®) because it is poorly absorbed and eliminated quickly
For both treatments, apply to whole body and leave for 8-12 hrs. if hands are washed within 8 hours, re-apply again. repeat application again after 7 days
all close contacts should be treated even if asymptomatic
what are the early symptoms of cold sores
- tingling
- itchiness
- numbness
when should you refer a patient with a cold sore
- weeping pustules (could be a sign of secondary infection)
- immunocompromised patients
TRUE OR FALSE
cold sores are self-limiting
true. sores will get better within 2 weeks
many people with is seek treatment because of the discomfort + appearance
what are the treatment options for cold sores
- aciclovir (Zovirax®)
- penciclovir (Fenistil®)
these antiviral agents speed up the healing process
what is a common secondary infection a patient can get from cold sores
impetigo
what lifestyle advice can be given for a patient with a cold sore
- lipbalm to limit drying and cracking of lips which can add to pain
- wash hands after touching lesions/ applying cream to reduce spread of infection
- avoid sharing towels
- avoid oral sex to prevent genital herpes
what is the first line treatment for atheletes foot
can use any of these anti-fungal treatments:
clotrimazole (Canesten®)), ketoconazole (Daktarin Gold®), miconazole (Daktarin Aktiv®) or terbinafine (Lamisil®)
creams are best for damp areas e.g toes. ointments best for dry areas
what is the use of Antifungal dusting powders to treat athe
they have little therapeutic value in treating fungal skin infections but can be used to prevent re-infection (e..g control fungal spores in shoes)
how do you prevent a relapse of atheletes foot
local antifungal treatment should be continued for one week after the disappearance of all signs of infection
why do diabetic patients have increased risk of all fungal infections
Hyperglycaemia (high blood sugar) increases diabetic patients risk to fungal infections of the skin, nails, and female genital tract and to urinary tract
infection.
what lifestyle advice can be given to manage atheletes foot
- washing daily and drying thoroughly, particularly
between the toes - Wearing open, non-occlusive shoes,
- alternating shoes every two to three days
- changing socks every day .
- Use protective footwear such as flip-flops or plastic shoes in communal changing areas or shower rooms.
- Avoid scratching affected skin as this may spread infection to other sites.
which patients should you refer to their gp if they have a fungal nail infection
refer patients with:
- immunosuppression
- diabetes
- peripheral circulatory disorders
