Hormonal Medications for Acne Treatment

Study Notes

Oral contraceptives and spironolactone are effective in treating acne for female clients.
These medications lower androgen activity, leading to reduced sebum production.
Spironolactone is teratogenic; contraception is required during treatment.
Side effects of spironolactone include breast tenderness, menstrual irregularities, and hyperkalemia.
Clients should be advised against squeezing or picking at lesions.
Noncomedogenic products and water-based cosmetics should be used to avoid exacerbating acne.
Importance of follow-up treatment is stressed.

Defined as infection of the dermis and underlying hypodermis, primarily caused by group A Streptococcus or Staphylococcus aureus.
Skin breaks and alterations provide entry points for pathogens; good hygiene can help prevent infections.
Risk factors include immunocompromised states, cancer, diabetes, alcohol/drug abuse, and obesity.
Key assessment signs: Pain, tenderness, erythema, warmth, edema, fever, and skin tracking.
Severe symptoms may include chills and lymphadenopathy.
Physical examination involves checking for streaking, warmth, and the extent of redness.
Diagnostic tests include Gram stain, CBC, and blood cultures when extensive.
Interventions involve rest, warm compresses, antibacterial applications, and prescribed antibiotics.

Furuncles (boils) are deep skin infections often linked to severe acne, caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
Carbuncles involve multiple furuncles with several drainage points and significant pain.
Common manifestations include tender, pus-filled lesions primarily on the face, neck, and other friction areas.
Predisposing factors include chronic staph carriage, diabetes, obesity, and poor hygiene.
Management includes incision and drainage, topical and oral antibiotics, and promoting good hygiene.

Highly contagious skin infection caused by Group A beta-hemolytic streptococcus or Staphylococcus.
Primarily affects the face with pruritic vesicular lesions and honey-colored crusts.
Treatment options include systemic or topical medication, saline soaks, and meticulous local care.
Untreated cases risk developing glomerulonephritis.

Tinea capitis (scalp); corporis (body); cruris (groin); pedis (athlete's foot); unguium (nails).
Tinea corporis appears as ring-like erythematous lesions; tinea pedis shows interdigital scaling and rash.
Unguium presents as thick, yellowed toenails with no pain.
Treatment for tinea includes antifungals like Sporonox and Lamisil for toenail fungus, with topical options available for skin infections.

Superficial fungal infection affecting skin and mucous membranes, often presenting as oral thrush.
Risk factors: immunosuppression, long-term antibiotics, diabetes, and obesity.
Common presentation involves white patches in the mouth, painful vaginitis, and papular skin rashes.
Intervention includes maintaining cleanliness in skin folds and administering antifungal medications like Nystatin.

Highly pruritic ectoparasitic infection caused by Sarcoptes scabiei.
Transmission occurs person-to-person; the incubation period is about four weeks.
Symptoms include intense itching, especially at night, often more subdued in immunocompromised patients.
Diagnosis involves skin scraping; treatment options include Elimite and Kwell.
Educate patients to launder bedding in hot water to prevent re-infestation.

A manifestation of immunologic reactions, characterized by transient wheals and itching.
Lesions evolve dynamically, with new ones appearing as old ones resolve.
Assess potential triggers, including medications, foods, environmental factors, and stress.
Management includes removal of triggers and use of antihistamines for relief of itching.

Eczema refers to superficial skin inflammation; it's also known as dermatitis.
Symptoms include redness, pruritus, and the presence of small papules or vesicles.
Intensity is linked to irritant concentration and skin's barrier status, often affecting hands severely.