Question

CASE STUDY Stephen, age 17, developed a rash and possible skin infection on his arms and torso. He has had a cold for a couple of weeks and has also had an elevated temperature at times. He was not concerned about the cold, but since he developed the rash with some draining vesicles, he has become very anxious about the problem. His mother made an appointment for him to see his primary care physician since she is worried that he has developed an infection along with the rash. 1. List some symptoms of infection. 2. What diagnostic tests might Stephen's physician use to determine if he has an infection? 2019 Cengage Learning, Inc. May not be scanned, copied or duplicated, or posted to a publicly accessible website, in whole or in part

Answer 1

1. Vesicles develop on the surface of the skin and will be swell with fluid. The skin around a vesicle keeps the fluid contained.

Vesicles tend to rupture easily and release their fluid onto the skin. When the fluid dries, it may turn yellow or cru

When a rash appears in the same place as multiple vesicles, it’s known as a vesicular rash. Heat rashes are one type of vesicular rash, occurring mainly in folds of the skin or wherever clothing can cause friction.

The vesicular rashes can be painful .

Infections, such as staph infections that have spread, can also cause vesicular rashes.

Contact dermatitis is an extremely common cause of vesicular rash. Keep the skin clean and prevent spread in case of infectious rash.

Vesicular rashes may spread quickly.

2. The doctor may ask about any recent health history and about any medical conditions that might be related to the vesicles.

They’ll also examine the skin in detail.

If thedoctor is uncertain about a diagnosis, they may recommend more tests. They may also take a sample of fluid or a biopsy of the skin tissue from the vesicle to send to a lab. The analysis of the sample will help them to confirm a diagnosis.