Flashcards
Skin Infections
Cards in this deck (12)
- 1What is cellulitis?An acute, pyogenic, spreading infection of deep subcutaneous tissue and dermis
- 2What is erysipelas?A more superficial dermal and upper subcutaneous tissue infection (often affecting the face)
- 3What are the signs and symptoms of cellulitis?- Erythema
- Dull pain/tenderness
- Warmth
- Blistering
- Erosions/ulceration
- Swelling/oedema
- Systemic symptoms including fever, rigors, N&V (any evidence of organ hypoperfusion) - 4What are risk factors for the development of cellulitis?- Previous episode(s) of cellulitis
- Venous disease (e.g. gravitational eczema, leg ulceration and/or lymphoedema)
- Current/prior injury (e.g. trauma/surgical wounds)
- Immunodeficiency
- Diabetes
- CKD
- Chronic liver disease
- Obesity
- Pregnancy - 5How is cellulitis diagnosed?Routine bloods (specifically to look at WCC/CRP), blood cultures, skin swab
If diagnosis is uncertain, may require:
Doppler US to assess for blood clots
MRI - if nec fash is suspected (although often comes apparent due to rapid progression of signs and symptoms) - 6How is cellulitis treated?Analgesia
Ensure adequate oral intake/IV fluids if required
Management of co-existing skin conditions
Marking the edge of erythema to monitor spread/regression
Antibiotics - may require IV if systemically unwell (first line = flucloxacillin unless human/animal bite or peri-anal) - 7What is necrotising fasciitis?Potentially life-threatening infection of the fascia (70% mortality rate) and a surgical emergency
- 8What is the most common bacterial cause of necrotising fasciitis?Most often due to streptococcus pyogenes
- 9What are the signs and symptoms of necrotising fasciitis?Severe local pain
Systemic toxicity
Surface may look normal even when underlying tissue is widely necrotic (disproportionate pain)
Rapidly advancing erythema, painless ulcers and black necrotic eschar (dry, black, hard necrotic tissue)
Crepitus may occur - 10What are risk factors for the development of necrotising fasciitis?- Recent wound or bite
- Diabetes
- Immuno-compromised individuals
- Alcohol XS
- IVDU
- Chronic kidney disease
- NSAIDS - 11How is necrotising fasciitis diagnosed?- Clinical diagnosis
- Gram stain exudate
- Rapid streptococcal diagnostic kit and PCR
- MRI/CT scans to delineate extent - 12How is necrotising fasciitis managed?In ICU.
Medical Management - wide spectrum Abs - benzylpenicillin + flucloxacillin + gentamicin + clindamycin + metronidazole
Surgical Management - Debridement of necrotic tissue thoroughly and immediately
Information
- Description
- Infectious Diseases Flashcards on Skin Infections, created by Jenna Paterson on 08/10/2020.
- Created by
- Jenna Paterson
- Views
- 6
- Tags
- Rating