Infections of the skin

Question 1

What is the risk of using neomycin or gentamicin on large skin areas?

Answer 1

Sensitisation and ototoxicity.

Question 2

What bacteria is mupirocin especially effective against?

Answer 2

Gram-positive bacteria, especially Staphylococcus aureus.

Question 3

How long should mupirocin be used?

Answer 3

No more than 10 days.

Question 4

What is fusidic acid’s spectrum of activity?

Answer 4

Narrow-spectrum; effective mainly against Gram-positive bacteria.

Question 5

What topical antibiotic is useful for anaerobic wound odour or rosacea?

Answer 5

Metronidazole.

Question 6

How long should topical antifungal treatment continue?

Answer 6

1–2 weeks after symptoms resolve.

Question 7

Which antifungal is effective but more costly?

Answer 7

Terbinafine.

Question 8

What nail antifungals are suitable for early/mild cases?

Answer 8

Amorolfine and tioconazole.

Question 9

What are the first-line treatments for pityriasis versicolor?

Answer 9

Ketoconazole shampoo or selenium sulfide lotion.

Question 10

What is used for widespread or recurrent pityriasis versicolor?

Answer 10

Systemic azoles.

Question 11

What cream is used for Candida-related angular cheilitis?

Answer 11

Miconazole cream.

Question 12

What topical antivirals are used for herpes simplex?

Answer 12

Aciclovir and penciclovir - to be applied during the prodomal (early) stages.

Question 13

What is the first-line treatment for scabies?

Answer 13

Permethrin cream.

Question 14

What oral agent is added for crusted scabies?

Answer 14

Ivermectin.

Question 15

How should scabies treatment be applied?

Answer 15

Whole body (including scalp, face, and nails); reapply after washing hands.

Question 16

Which agent works by coating lice and is effective?

Answer 16

Dimeticone.

Question 17

How many applications are recommended for lice treatment?

Answer 17

Two applications, 7 days apart.

Question 18

What is an alternative lice treatment involving a comb?

Answer 18

Wet combing every 4 days for at least 2 weeks.

Question 19

What safety advice is essential after using head lice products?

Answer 19

Hair is flammable—avoid flames/smoking.

Question 20

What treatments are used for Pthirus pubis?

Answer 20

Permethrin or malathion - appied to the entire body, including scalp, face and eyebrows.

Question 21

What causes impetigo?

Answer 21

Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes.

Question 22

What is first-line for localised non-bullous impetigo?

Answer 22

Hydrogen peroxide 1% cream.

Question 23

What topical antibiotic is used if hydrogen peroxide is unsuitable?

Answer 23

Fusidic acid.

Question 24

What is the oral antibiotic of choice for widespread or bullous impetigo?

Answer 24

Flucloxacillin.

In allergy - Clarithromycin or erythromycin (in pregnancy).

Question 25

What distinguishes erysipelas from cellulitis?

Answer 25

Raised, well-defined borders.

Question 26

What is the first-line treatment for cellulitis?

Answer 26

Flucloxacillin (oral or IV).

Question 27

What combination is used for infections near the eyes or nose (cellulitis)?

Answer 27

Co-amoxiclav; alt: clarithromycin + metronidazole.

Question 28

What is used for MRSA infections?

Answer 28

Vancomycin, teicoplanin, or linezolid.

Question 29

What bite wounds require prophylactic antibiotics?

Answer 29

Cat/human bites with skin break; deep/vascular dog bites.

Question 30

What is the first-line oral prophylaxis for human or animal bites?

Answer 30

Co-amoxiclav. Penicillin allergy - Doxycycline + metronidazole.

Question 31

What is the first-line antibiotic - mastitis?

Answer 31

Flucloxacillin (10–14 days).