OPTA 222 (Skin Conditions)
Psoriasis
Chronic inflammatory condition characterized by scaly raised patches of skin
Psoriasis Signs and symptoms
Lesions (red, scaly plaques) which are itching, burning, painful or even bleed ○ Papules
plaques covered by silvery sc
Lesions are areas where skin has been excessively produced and then the area becomes inflamed
Physical discomfort
Poor self image
What Causes Psoriasis?
-Cause is unclear: Can lay dormant and then be triggered by trauma, infection and certain drugs, Diagnosis is based on appearance of lesions,Symptoms can range from mild to severe
-Lesions are often on elbows, knees, sacrum, genitals and buttocks
-Also on scalp, nails, eyebrows
What Chronic Diseases are at higher risk with Psoriasis?
-Arthritis (5-30% of people with psoriasis have
arthritis) – can link with
psoriasis arthritis.
-Heart attack and stroke
-Liver disease
How to treat Psoriasis?
-No cure
-Treatments manage symptoms and decrease flare ups: Include topical treatments or for more severe cases- immunotherapy
-Flares and remissions
-Flare triggers:Stress, medication, smoking, infection, illness
-Can impact quality of life and ability to engage in occupations.
Necrotizing Fasciitis (Flesh-Eating Disease)
-Bacterial skin infection: Can be caused by many different types of bacteria,Streptococcus A is most common cause
-Kills soft tissue
-Starts in fascia and spreads to surrounding tissues
-Bacteria or toxins are often present and can spread to blood, leading to sepsis.
-Becomes very serious and can die
Signs and Symtoms of Necro Fasc
-Pain much worse than would expect from a wound
-Skin red and hot to touch
-Later symptoms: Nausea/vomiting/diarrhea,Changes in color of skin (black spots etc), Pus oozing from skin, Dizziness
-Immunocompromised people are at higher risk
-Usually begins with a wound which introduces bacteria
-Rapidly progresses so requires immediate attention:Can cause sepsis so can lead to death
-Can sometimes be prevented with good wound care
How is Necro Fasc Treated?
-Antibiotics
-Surgery – commonly leads to amputation
-Treating complications (systemic complications – sepsis)
-Amputation
Staphylococcus Aureus
-S. aureus can cause many different types of infection mild or serious.
-Resides on the skin of healthy individuals usually in nasal passages and
underarms
-Upon breaking of skin or with immunocompromised individuals, S. aureus can
cause infection
What causes Staphylococcus Aureus?
-Superficial: skin lesions or boils
-Deep infections: endocarditis (heart infection) or osteomyelitis (bone infection)
-UTI
-Nosocomial - hospital spread infection
-MRSA
-Toxic shock syndrome
MRSA
-Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA)
-MRSA can be found on common surfaces: Doorknobs, Clothing
-Can also be introduced during surgeries or other invasive procedures
-2in 100 people have MRSA (carriers)
-Can be easily spread with skin to skin contact
-Resistant to a number of antibiotics so infection can be difficult to treat
-Proper hygiene and precautions is important for prevention
-Patients swabbed to determine if a carrier: Are these people treated? – no, since it is so common and the bacteria may become resistant to the drugs.
Contact Dermatitis
-Caused by exposure to irritating substances or substances or allergens
-Redness, tenderness, swelling, warmth
-Can resemble a burn
Treatment for Dermatitis
-Sterriod Creams
-Antibiotic
When does Contact Dermatitis becomes concerning?
- Heat
- Man handling and motion
- Splints or braces
- Impaired sensation
- Clothing