Skin infections and infestations Flashcards
(43 cards)
What are the predisposing factors for impetigo?
Warm temperature
High humidity
Poor hygiene
Skin trauma
What are the causative organisms of impetigo?
Staphylococcus aureus and to a lesser degree streptococcus pyogenes
What lesions are characteristic of impetigo?
Macules, vesicles and pustules with a yellow crust
What treatment can be given for impetigo?
With wound care/skin hygiene the infection will usually clear but topical or oral antibiotics may be necessary in some cases
What is the most common causative organism of folliculitis?
Staphylococcus aureus
What are the predisposing factors of folliculitis?
Occlusion Maceration Hyperhydration Shaving/waxing Diabetes Topical corticosteroids
Where are lesions most commonly found in folliculitis?
Face Chest Back Axillae Buttocks
Describe the management of folliculitis?
Bacterial culture to help identify causative organism
Treat with antibacterial washes or ointments
What are the characteristics of erysipelas?
Infection of the dermis with lymphatic involvement
Erythema with very well defined margins
Disease of the very young, elderly, debilitated and common in those with lymphedema or chronic cutaneous ulcers
Affected skin shows cardinal signs of inflammation (redness, warmth, swelling and pain)
Common in face and lower extremities
What is the causative organism of erysipelas?
Group A streptococci
What is the treatment of erysipelas?
10-14 day course of penicillin
What are the characteristics of cellulitis?
Infection of the deep dermis and subcutaneous tissue
Affected area shows cardinal signs of inflammation (warmth, pain, redness and swelling)
Lesion has ill-defined, non-palpable borders
Common in head and neck in children and in extremities in adults
What are the causative organisms of cellulitis?
Strep pyogenes
Staph auereus
What are the predisposing factors of cellulitis?
Lymphedema Alcoholism Diabetes mellitus IV drug abuse PVD
What is the treatment of cellulitis
Prescribing antibiotics
What is the causative organism of syphilis?
Treponema pallidum
How does primary syphilis infection present?
Initially presents as a painless sore where the infection entered (usually around genitals, anus or mouth) which quickly ulcerates
When and how does secondary syphilis present?
3 weeks to 3 months after the primary stage
Widespread skin rash which may be subtle or have red/brown papules or patches
The rash does not itch and is common on the trunk, palms and soles
What are the symptoms of tertiary syphilis?
Usually asymptomatic
Solitary granulomatous lesions may be found on the skin, in the mouth or occur in the throat or bones
The brain, spinal cord, heart, liver and eyes may also be affected
At what stage of a syphilis infection is the infection contagious?
In tertiary syphilis
What tests can be useful in diagnosing syphilis?
Serological tests (turn positive 5-6 weeks after acquiring infection)
Non-specific non-treponemal tests (VDRL)
Specific anti-treponemal antibody tests (TTPA)
How is early syphilis treated?
Through empirical antibiotics/injecting penicillin
What are the characteristics of HSV2?
Sore areas that have an erythematous base with vesicles followed by pustules and ulcerations
What virus causes both chicken pox and shingles?
Varicella-zoster virus (VZV)
