Cellulitis and Its Treatment

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Questions and Answers

What distinguishes erysipelas from other skin infections like cellulitis?

Presence of pus formation

Sharly demarcated borders (correct)

Shallow lesions without inflammation

Formation of blisters

What is the first-line treatment for mild cases of erysipelas?

Trimethoprim/Sulfamethoxazole

Amoxicillin or Cephalexin (correct)

IV antibiotics

Cefazolin

Which of the following may indicate a need for surgical intervention in dermal infections?

Presence of fever only

Well-defined skin eruption

Localized lymphadenopathy

Negative response to oral antibiotics (correct)

Which bacterial species is commonly associated with erysipelas?

Streptococcus or Staphylococcus Signup and view all the answers

What symptom is typically seen 48 hours before the onset of erysipelas skin lesions?

Malaise and high fever Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended course of action if a patient with cellulitis fails to respond to oral antibiotic therapy?

Administer IV antibiotics Signup and view all the answers

Which risk factor is associated with the development of erysipelas?

Venous insufficiency Signup and view all the answers

What skin characteristic is typically observed in a patient with mild impetigo?

Crusting and golden-yellow sores Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common underlying cause of Cutaneous Candidiasis?

Candida albicans yeast Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is generally used for Tinea Versicolor?

Topical agents like Selenium sulfide lotion Signup and view all the answers

What condition is characterized by hypo or hyperpigmented macules that do not tan?

Tinea Versicolor Signup and view all the answers

What should be avoided due to its long-term effects on the condition?

Long-term use of steroids Signup and view all the answers

Which area is most commonly affected by Cutaneous Candidiasis?

Intertrigous areas Signup and view all the answers

What symptom may indicate the presence of Angular Cheilitis?

Itching and burning around the nasolabial folds Signup and view all the answers

What is a common feature of Tinea Versicolor lesions?

Sharp margins Signup and view all the answers

What may be monitored during long-term antifungal treatment?

Liver Function Tests (LFTs) Signup and view all the answers

What is the first noticeable lesion in non-bullous impetigo?

A papule, 2-5 mm in size Signup and view all the answers

Which antibiotic is typically used for treating localized non-bullous impetigo?

Bactroban (Mupirocin) ointment Signup and view all the answers

What is a common symptom of dermatophytosis?

Burning sensation Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following conditions is characterized by a well-demarcated, 'moccasin' distribution?

Tinea Pedis Signup and view all the answers

What is the preferred treatment for tinea capitis?

Griseofulvin Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause behind the 'Two feet, one hand' phenomenon?

Tinea Pedis Signup and view all the answers

Which diagnostic method shows hyphae with a 'spaghetti and meatballs' appearance?

KOH Prep Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is NOT a treatment option for Tinea Unguium?

Lotrimin Cream Signup and view all the answers

What skin condition is usually indicated by distinct borders and central clearing?

Dermatophytosis Signup and view all the answers

What is the treatment for Tinea Cruris primarily focused on?

Topical antifungals and powders Signup and view all the answers

What is the main cause of Lyme disease?

Spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi Signup and view all the answers

What is the hallmark skin lesion associated with early Lyme disease?

Erythema Migrans Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended treatment duration for Doxycycline in the disseminated stage of Lyme disease?

14 days Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common age group affected by Erythema Multiforme?

Ages 10 to 20 years Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following symptoms is not associated with the early stage of Lyme disease?

Carditis Signup and view all the answers

Which test is primarily used for the diagnosis of Lyme disease in the early stage?

Clinical diagnosis only Signup and view all the answers

What skin lesion can resemble Erythema Migrans during Erythema Multiforme?

Bullseye-shaped lesion Signup and view all the answers

What is the incidence rate of Lyme disease increased by?

Duration of tick attachment for over 72 hours Signup and view all the answers

What is the treatment for Lyme disease in patients older than 8 years?

Either Amoxicillin or Doxycycline Signup and view all the answers

What proportion of ELISA tests return positive results during the late stage of Lyme disease?

100% Signup and view all the answers

What is a key treatment approach for Stevens-Johnson Syndrome (SJS)?

Remove the underlying agent Signup and view all the answers

Which of the following is characteristic of Erythema Nodosum?

Nodules are typically found on lower legs Signup and view all the answers

What systemic reaction does a severe brown recluse spider bite cause?

Rapid blood coagulation Signup and view all the answers

Which symptom is associated with Alopecia Areata?

Nonscarring hair loss in patches Signup and view all the answers

What sign indicates a positive Nikolsky's sign in conditions like Staphylococcal Scalded-Skin Syndrome?

Easy separation of the skin Signup and view all the answers

What is a common cause of Erythema Nodosum?

Certain infections Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical symptom timeline for systemic symptoms after a spider bite?

Systemic symptoms begin 4-6 hours after the bite Signup and view all the answers

Which treatment is primarily used for symptomatic relief in SJS or TEN?

IV fluids and electrolyte management Signup and view all the answers

What is one common treatment for Alopecia in its initial stages?

Topical Minoxidil Signup and view all the answers

What is a possible complication of Stevens-Johnson Syndrome?

Fluid loss and infections Signup and view all the answers

How long does spontaneous resolution of Erythema Nodosum typically take?

6 weeks Signup and view all the answers

Which characteristic is unique to Alopecia Totalis?

Hair loss over the entire body Signup and view all the answers

Which description fits the lesions caused by the brown recluse spider?

Sinking macule with a halo of tenderness Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Cellulitis

Caused by bacteria like flu, strep, staph, and other Gram(-) species.
Symptoms: redness, heat, pain, swelling; may have fever, malaise, and localized lymphadenopathy.
Imaging can help assess risk for osteomyelitis.
Treatment: rest, elevation, analgesia; amoxicillin, cephalexin, or IV antibiotics like cefazolin for severe cases.
Surgical intervention may be necessary for poor response or necrotizing infections.

Erysipelas

Superficial bacterial skin infection affecting the upper dermis and lymphatics.
Symptoms: malaise, chills, high fever before skin lesions, burning, and tenderness.
Lesions present as fiery-red, well-defined plaques with indurated borders, typically caused by streptococcus or staphylococcus.
Caused by bacterial entry via skin trauma or widespread conditions like venous insufficiency.
Diagnosis primarily clinical; treatment includes antibiotics like amoxicillin or cefazolin for severe cases.

Impetigo

Superficial infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes, presenting as either bullous or non-bullous forms.
Non-bullous impetigo more common in children; starts as a papule that crusts over.
Bullous impetigo features vesicles that burst, leading to crusting.
Treatment includes topical antibiotics for localized cases and oral or IV antibiotics for severe presentations.

Dermatophytosis

Superficial fungal infection, affecting hair, nails, and skin, referred to by the term "tinea" plus the affected area.
Presents with annular patches with distinct borders and central clearing; symptoms include itching and burning.
Tinea Pedis: affects feet, causes erythema and scaling; treated with topical antifungals.
Tinea Capitis: affects the scalp, identified by broken hair shafts; treated with oral griseofulvin.

Tinea Versicolor

Caused by Malassezia furfur yeast; results in hypo or hyperpigmented macules that do not tan.
Typically diagnosed clinically; treated with topical selenium sulfide or ketoconazole.

Cutaneous Candidiasis

Infection primarily from Candida albicans, found in intertriginous areas.
Symptoms include erythema and pruritus; treated with topical or systemic antifungals as necessary.

Lyme Disease

Tick-borne illness caused by Borrelia burgdorferi, characterized by Erythema Migrans (EM).
Progresses through early, disseminated, and late stages, each with distinct symptoms like arthritis and neurological issues.
Diagnosis relies on clinical assessment and serologic tests; treatment varies by stage, generally involving doxycycline or amoxicillin.

Erythema Multiforme & Nodosum

EM is a reaction to infections or drugs, presenting as painful lesions; treated by avoiding triggers and systemic steroids.
Erythema Nodosum presents as painful nodules, often self-limited; treatment focuses on symptomatic relief and anti-inflammatories.

Stevens-Johnson Syndrome & Toxic Epidermal Necrolysis

Severe reactions often due to drugs; characterized by widespread blistering and mucosal involvement.
Treatment involves supportive care similar to burn units, including IV fluids and possible steroids.

Alopecia

Hair loss can be androgenic, immune-mediated, or traction-induced, with treatment options varying by type.
Alopecia Areata: sudden hair loss in patches; treated with topical steroids or corticosteroids.
Alopecia Totalis: loss of all scalp hair; Alopecia Universalis includes loss over the entire body.

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Description

This quiz covers the symptoms and treatment options for cellulitis, including identification of involved organisms like flu, strep, and staph. It emphasizes the importance of outlining margins of involvement and considering imaging for osteomyelitis risk. Test your knowledge on appropriate antibiotic therapy and management strategies.