Skin Infections

Question 1

Which tetracycline may cause irreversible pigmentation and possibly discolouration of the conjunctiva as well?

Answer 1

Minocycline

Question 2

Mupirocin and fusidic acid (for skin infections) should be used for maximum ____ days

Answer 2

10 days

To avoid development of resistance

Question 3

How long should topical antifungals be continued after infection clears

Answer 3

1 - 2 weeks

To prevent relapse

Question 4

True or false:

Topical therapy is more effective than systemic therapy in treating fungal nail infections

Answer 4

FALSE

Systemic therapy is more effective

Question 5

Ring worm infection on what part of the body requires systemic treatment ?

Answer 5

On the scalp (tinea capitis)

All other forms can be treated topically

Question 6

What is pityriasis versicolor

Answer 6

• Sometimes called tinea versicolor
• Common fungal infection that causes small patches of skin to become scaly and discoloured.
• Patches of skin may be darker or lighter than your normal skin colour, or may be red, brown or pink.

Question 7

Treatment for tinea versicolor

3 options

Answer 7

Ketoconazole shampoo , Topical imidazoles or topical terbinafine

Question 8

True or false:

Frequent and liberal use of emollients mean less steroid cream is needed

Answer 8

TRUE

Emollients increase the efficacy of topic steroids and have a steroid sparing action

Question 9

True or false:

Aqueous cream is generally not recommended in eczema

Answer 9

TRUE

There is a high risk of developing skin reactions

Question 10

Which drugs may exacerbate psoriasis ?

5 points

Answer 10

1) Lithium
2) ACE inhibitors
3) NSAIDs
4) Beta blockers
5) Chloroquine and Hydroxychloroquine

Question 11

Consecutive use of topical corticosteroids in psoriasis should not exceed ______
(or ______ for very potent topical steroids)

Answer 11

8 weeks

4 weeks if very potent

As it may lead to irreversible skin atrophy. Can restart after a 4 week treatment break

Question 12

Which is the more potent hydrocortisone ?

Acetate or Butyrate

Answer 12

Hydrocortisone butyrate (Locoid) is a potent topical corticosteroid

Hydrocortisone acetate (available OTC) is a mild topical steroid

Question 13

Dermovate potency

Answer 13

Very potent

Active ingredient is clobetasol

Question 14

Eumovate potency

Answer 14

Moderate potency
Active ingredient is clobetasone
Available OTC

Question 15

Treatment options for hyperhidrosis?

3 points

Answer 15

a) 1st line Aluminium chloride hexahydrate
b) In severe cases: Glycopyrronium Br solutions (specialist)
c) Last line: Botox (botulinum toxin A)

Question 16

Pruritis is common in primary billiary cirrhosis and drug induced cholestasis.
How is this treated

Answer 16

Use colestyramine

Question 17

What class of drug is adapalene

Answer 17

It is a retinoid like drug

Question 18

Maximum improvement with oral antibacterials for acne is usually seen after _____

Answer 18

4-6 months

Question 19

Why is minocycline not generally used as oral treatment of acne while other drugs in its class are? 
(2 points)

Answer 19

May cause irreversible pigmentation

Greater risk of lupus erythematous like sydrome

Question 20

How long is oral isotretinoin usually given for acne

Answer 20

At least 16 weeks

Repeated courses not usually needed

Question 21

What treatment options are available for actinic (solar) keratosis

(3 points)

Answer 21

Diclofenac 3 % gel (solaraze)

Flourouracil cream (can combine with salicylic acid)

Imiquimod (for face and scalp lesions when other treatments can’t be used)

Question 22

Which strains of HPV cause warts

Answer 22

6 and 11

Strains 16 and 18 commonly cause cervical cancer

Question 23

Most warts will resolve spontaneously within ________

Genital warts may resolve spontaneously within _______

Answer 23

2 years

6 months

Question 24

True or false:

Facial warts should be referred for specialist treatment

Answer 24

TRUE

Question 25

Treatment options of ano-genital warts

3 points

Answer 25

1. Topical podophyllotoxin
2. Topical imiquimod
3. Cryotherapy