Skin Infections and Treatments Quiz

Gram-positive bacteria commonly causing skin infections.

Topical treatments are suitable for localized, mild infections. Systemic medications are employed when topical treatments prove ineffective or for more severe bacterial infections.

Incision and drainage are critical for MRSA abscesses, followed by wound care, hygiene, and follow-up. Culture and sensitivity testing guide antibiotic selection.

Podophyllin (Podocon-25, Podofilm) is a resin mixture that inhibits DNA synthesis and mitosis, leading to wart cell death and erosion.

Podophyllin is highly caustic and can be absorbed systemically, causing toxicity. It's contraindicated in pregnancy and lactation.

Bichloroacetic acid (BCA) and trichloroacetic acid (TCA) chemically coagulate warts, destroying them.

Imiquimod (Aldara, Zyclara) boosts the immune response to HPV, promoting interferon-alpha, TNF, and interleukin production. It does not directly fight the virus.

Imiquimod can cause local irritation such as erythema, erosion, flaking, itching, burning, and pain but has minimal systemic absorption.

Inhibits mitosis, a cellular process for replication, preventing the growth of HPV-related genital warts.

A topical medication used to treat genital warts, it's caustic and can irritate the local area. It's not safe for pregnant women or those breastfeeding.

This medication's exact mechanism for fighting genital warts is not completely understood, but it's thought to act by inhibiting telomerase and causing cell death.

While generally safe for topical use, it can cause local irritation. It also has limited systemic absorption, but it's advised to use it with caution in pregnancy and certain health conditions.

A group of antifungal medications that are the go-to treatment for most skin infections.

Inhibit the synthesis of ergosterol, a vital component of fungal cell membranes, leading to cell death.

Systemic Azoles are typically used for infections like tinea capitis (scalp) and tinea unguium (nail) infections.

Inhibit fungal cytochrome P450, an enzyme important for the synthesis of vital fungal molecules.

A type of medication used to treat moderate to severe acne. It works by reducing sebum production, shrinking sebaceous glands, and lowering inflammation. It also affects keratinization, which helps to prevent the formation of comedones.

A topical medication used for treating acne. It helps to unclog existing pores, prevent new ones from forming, and reduce inflammation. It also works by modulating the growth and development of cells in the hair follicles.

A group of medications containing a combination of estrogen and progestin, often used for birth control. They are also approved for treating acne in women. They work by suppressing androgen production and increasing sex hormone-binding globulin, which helps to reduce sebum production.

A bacterium often found in skin pores, particularly in areas where acne develops. It contributes to the inflammation associated with acne by releasing active oxygen.

The process of removing the outer layer of dead skin cells from the epidermis.

The condition characterized by an overproduction of sebum, an oily substance produced by the sebaceous glands in the skin.

A type of acne that involves large, inflamed, pus-filled nodules under the skin's surface.

A process that involves substances released by cells that cause redness, heat, swelling, pain, and tenderness.

Ointments are thick, greasy, and often Vaseline-based, ideal for dry skin or thick areas like soles of feet. They trap moisture, promoting healing.

Creams are oil-and-water mixtures, less thick than ointments but thicker than lotions. They're good for hydrating and providing a protective barrier.

Lotions are mostly water-based and thinner than creams, offering light hydration without heavy greasiness. They're typically more refreshing and quickly absorbed.

Solutions are water-based, quickly absorbed, and used for dry lesions. They're less occlusive than ointments but more than gels.

Gels are typically a solution with added thickening agents and alcohol. They dry quickly, are less occlusive, and often used for acne due to their light texture.

Long-term topical steroid use can cause skin thinning, bruising, stretch marks, dilated blood vessels, acne, excess hair growth, and eye problems like cataracts or glaucoma.

Children should use topical steroids for a week, while adults can use them for two weeks. This helps prevent potential side effects.

Low-potency steroids are used on sensitive areas like the face and where skin folds, such as under the breasts, belly, and thighs. High-potency steroids are used on extremities and the torso.

Amoxicillin is the first-line treatment for AOM in children who haven't received it recently, have no eye infection, and aren't allergic to penicillin.

If a child has received amoxicillin within the past month, has a concurrent eye infection, or has had recurrent AOM that didn't respond to amoxicillin, then amoxicillin-clavulanate is recommended.

Antibiotics are not always necessary for AOM, as most cases will resolve on their own within a week.

Fluoroquinolone eardrops are the standard treatment for acute otitis externa, as most cases are bacterial. These drops may be used with or without a steroid.

Selected fluoroquinolone eardrops can be used for AOE if the eardrum is ruptured, as they have minimal systemic absorption from the ear canal.

Oral pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen are effective for pain relief when the eardrum is ruptured, as topical analgesics are not recommended in this case.

Topical otic steroids reduce inflammation and swelling, helping to relieve pain in AOE.

Topical otic steroids are not recommended if the eardrum is ruptured, as they can increase the risk of complications.

Spironolactone, also known as Aldactone, is a medication primarily used for treating acne, especially in women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and those past their teenage years. It works by blocking steroid receptors, including those for aldosterone and sex hormones. This mechanism accounts for its use as a diuretic in heart failure and its effectiveness for acne in women.

Spironolactone is contraindicated in patients with high potassium levels (hyperkalemia), Addison's disease, and when used with eplerenone. Some medications can increase potassium levels, leading to potential interactions with Spironolactone. These medications include ACE inhibitors, ARBs, NSAIDs, heparin, trimethoprim, lithium, digoxin, cholestyramine, and acetylsalicylic acid.

Topical treatments, such as benzoyl peroxide, are generally considered safe for acne during pregnancy. However, certain treatments are contraindicated. These include Differin (adapalene), oral contraceptives (COCs), and Spironolactone (Aldactone). Systemic treatments are generally avoided in the first trimester.

Antibiotics like penicillins, cephalosporins, erythromycin, and other macrolides are generally considered safe for acne during pregnancy. However, tetracyclines and tretinoins are contraindicated.

Depending on the type of acne treatment, the timeline for improvement varies. First-line topical treatments, like benzoyl peroxide, retinoids, and topical antibiotics, typically show significant improvement within 4-6 weeks. Oral antibiotics, such as tetracyclines, clindamycin, and erythromycin, may take 6 weeks for noticeable effects as skin needs to turnover. Oral contraceptives may take 4-6 months to show noticeable improvement.

Initially, topical metronidazole, also known as Flagyl or Metro-Gel, is the preferred treatment for acne rosacea. If this fails, other topical or oral antibiotics may be considered, including oral metronidazole.

Topical treatments are applied directly to the skin and are generally preferred for localized, mild infections, while systemic treatments involve medications taken orally or intravenously and are used when topical treatments are not effective, for severe infections, or when the infection is widespread.

The first-line non-medication approach for acne involves gentle daily face washing with a mild soap, avoiding oil-based products, using earbuds when talking on the phone, and changing pillowcases regularly. These practices help minimize oil exposure and reduce acne development.