Unit 4 Flashcards
(200 cards)
What is candidiasis?
Infections caused by Candida yeast, mainly Candida albicans.
What are common types of candidiasis?
Oral Thrush (white patches in mouth), Angular Cheilitis (cracks at mouth corners), Intertrigo (rash in skin folds), Vulvovaginal Candidiasis (vaginal yeast infection).
What causes oral thrush?
Damaged mucosal barrier or weakened immunity.
What are the symptoms of oral thrush?
White/yellow plaques on cheeks, gums, tongue.
How is oral thrush treated?
Miconazole Gel (2.5 ml, hold in mouth for 7 days + 1 extra week after symptoms resolve).
What is a key caution when using miconazole gel?
Avoid if taking warfarin (increased bleeding risk).
What advice should be given to oral thrush patients?
Rinse mouth after steroid inhalers; clean dentures regularly.
What is intertrigo?
Inflamed, itchy rash in skin folds (armpits, fingers, under breasts).
How is intertrigo treated?
Topical imidazoles (e.g., miconazole); avoid terbinafine (not OTC licensed for yeast infections).
What causes vulvovaginal candidiasis (vaginal thrush)?
Candida albicans, triggered by hormonal changes, diabetes, antibiotics, or immunosuppression.
“Thrush LOVES HDAI → Hormones, Diabetes, Antibiotics, Immunosuppression.
What are the symptoms of vaginal thrush?
Itching, soreness, white ‘cheese-like’ discharge.
How do you differentiate vaginal thrush from bacterial vaginosis?
Thrush: Itching + white ‘cheese-like’ discharge. BV: No itching, malodorous discharge.
What are the treatments for vaginal thrush?
Topical azoles (creams/pessaries) OR Oral fluconazole (150 mg, single dose for women 16-60).
How is thrush treated during pregnancy?
Topical azoles (NO oral fluconazole); refer to GP.
What are symptoms of thrush in men?
Irritation, burning, white discharge at penis head.
How is thrush treated in men?
Topical azoles; recommend condom use if partner is infected.
What are the common types of bacterial skin infections?
Cellulitis and impetigo. Non-OTC-treatable cases should be referred to a GP.
What is the difference between erysipelas and cellulitis?
Erysipelas affects the upper dermis and is usually caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, while cellulitis is a deeper tissue infection caused by various bacteria.
What are the characteristics of erysipelas?
Erysipelas affects the upper dermis, usually caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.
What are the characteristics of cellulitis?
Cellulitis is a deeper tissue infection caused by various bacteria, typically affecting the skin and subcutaneous tissue.
What are the risk factors for developing erysipelas or cellulitis?
Skin breaks, wounds, venous disease, immunodeficiency.
What are the symptoms of erysipelas or cellulitis?
Rapid onset with red, hot, swollen limbs, fever; often affects the lower limbs.
What complications can arise from untreated erysipelas or cellulitis?
Can lead to abscesses, gangrene, chronic swelling, and severe infections.
How are mild bacterial skin infections managed?
Rest, elevate limb, use analgesics like paracetamol or ibuprofen.