Question

Choose a condition or disease in the dermatology chapter that interests you. Search the Internet for information about it using reputable sites. Do not copy and paste the information you find. What is the condition or disease, what causes it, how is it treated and is it curable?

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Answer 1

DISEASE CONDITION IS - IMPETIGO

IMPETIGO is a superficial infection of the skin cause by staphylococci, streptococci,or multiple bacteria .Bullous impetigo a more deep seated infection of the skin caused by S. aureus is characterised by the formation of large fluid filled blisters from original vesicles .The blisters rupture, leaving raw,red areas .Non bullous impetigo accounts for approximately70% of cases.

The exposed areas of the body , face ,hands ,neck,and extremities are most frequently involved.Impetigo is contagious and may spread to other parts of the patient's skin or to other members of the family who touch the patient or use towels or combs that are soiled with the exudate of the lesions.

Clinical manifestations- The lesions of the impetigo are most commonly seen on the face or extremities . They begin as small,red macules, which quickly become discrete, thin - walled vesicles that rupture and become covered with a loosely adherent honey- yellow crust. These crusts are easily removed to reveal smooth ,red,moist surface on which new crusts soon develop.

Medical management-

1- topical antibacterial therapy- (e.g. mupirocin , retapamulin ) is typically prescribed when the disease is limited to a small area.

The medication must be applied to the lesions several times daily for 5 to 7 days . Lesions are first soaked or washed with soap solution to remove the central site of bacterial growth, giving the topical antibiotics an opportunity to reach the infected site. After the crusts are removed , the prescribed topical antibiotic cream is applied .Gloves are worn when providing patient care.

Systemic antibiotic agents may be prescribed to treat infections that are widespread or in cases where there are systematic manifestation (e.g. fever is present).These antibiotics are effective in reducing contagious spread,treating deep infections and preventing acute glomerulonephritis( kidney infection) which may occur due to streptococcal skin disease.....Amoxicillin - clavulanate ( augmentin ) , cloxacillin ( Cloxapen ) or dicloxacilln ( Dynapen) may be prescribed.

In case where MRSA is present , antibiotic prescribed may include clindamycin, trimethoprim- sulfamethoxazole , Or vancomycin.

Nursing management-

1- the nurse educate the patient and family members to bathe at least once daily with bactericidal soap.

2- patient and family members must be educate to practice hand hygiene every time after a lesion is touched .Each person should have a separate towel and wash cloth. because impetigo is a contagious disease, infected people should avoid contact with other people until the lesions heal.

It is a curable disease.