Makindo Medical Notes

By Location

Infectious Causes

Cause	Clinical Features	Diagnostic Tests	Management
Impetigo	Honey-colored crusting lesions, commonly found around the nose and mouth. Seen mostly in children.	Clinical diagnosis, bacterial culture if necessary.	Topical antibiotics (e.g., mupirocin). Oral antibiotics for widespread infection (e.g., cephalexin).
Cellulitis	Red, swollen, warm, and tender area of skin, often on the legs. May have systemic symptoms like fever.	Clinical examination. Blood culture, wound culture if purulent.	Oral or IV antibiotics (e.g., penicillin, cefazolin). Elevation and compression of the affected limb.
Tinea (Ringworm)	Annular, scaly plaques with central clearing. Affects various body areas (e.g., scalp, feet).	KOH preparation (scraping of lesion), fungal culture.	Topical antifungals (e.g., clotrimazole). Oral antifungals for severe cases (e.g., terbinafine).

Inflammatory Causes

Cause	Clinical Features	Diagnostic Tests	Management
Psoriasis	Well-demarcated, silvery scaly plaques, often on extensor surfaces (e.g., elbows, knees).	Clinical diagnosis, skin biopsy if uncertain.	Topical corticosteroids, phototherapy, systemic agents for severe cases (e.g., methotrexate).
Eczema (Atopic Dermatitis)	Pruritic, erythematous, dry, and scaly patches. Commonly affects flexural areas (e.g., elbows, knees).	Clinical diagnosis, patch testing if contact allergy is suspected.	Topical moisturizers, corticosteroids, antihistamines for pruritus.
Contact Dermatitis	Erythema, swelling, and blistering following contact with an irritant or allergen.	Clinical diagnosis, patch testing for allergens.	Avoidance of irritants/allergens, topical corticosteroids, antihistamines for itching.

Viral Causes

Cause	Clinical Features	Diagnostic Tests	Management
Herpes Zoster (Shingles)	Painful, vesicular rash in a dermatomal distribution. Often preceded by tingling or burning sensation.	Clinical diagnosis, PCR or direct fluorescent antibody testing for herpes zoster virus.	Antiviral medications (e.g., acyclovir). Pain management (e.g., gabapentin for neuropathic pain).
Warts (Verrucae)	Small, rough, raised lesions commonly on the hands, feet, or genitals.	Clinical diagnosis, biopsy if uncertain.	Topical salicylic acid, cryotherapy, or surgical removal.

Malignant Causes

Cause	Clinical Features	Diagnostic Tests	Management
Basal Cell Carcinoma	Pearly or waxy bump, often with visible blood vessels. Typically on sun-exposed areas like the face.	Skin biopsy for definitive diagnosis.	Surgical excision, Mohs surgery for high-risk areas (e.g., face), topical treatments for small lesions.
Squamous Cell Carcinoma	Firm, red nodule or flat sore with a crusted surface. Typically found on sun-exposed areas.	Skin biopsy for definitive diagnosis.	Surgical excision, cryotherapy for small lesions, radiation therapy for advanced cases.
Melanoma	Irregular, dark-colored lesion with asymmetry, border irregularity, colour variation, diameter >6mm, evolving shape (ABCDE criteria).	Excisional biopsy for definitive diagnosis, dermoscopy for initial assessment.	Wide surgical excision with appropriate margins. Sentinel lymph node biopsy if indicated. Immunotherapy or targeted therapy for advanced cases.

Other Causes

Cause	Clinical Features	Diagnostic Tests	Management
Actinic Keratosis	Scaly, rough patches on sun-exposed skin, considered precancerous for squamous cell carcinoma.	Clinical diagnosis, biopsy if needed for confirmation.	Topical 5-fluorouracil, cryotherapy, photodynamic therapy.
Lichen Planus	Pruritic, purple, polygonal, flat-topped papules, often on the wrists, ankles, or genitalia.	Clinical diagnosis, skin biopsy if uncertain.	Topical or systemic corticosteroids, antihistamines for pruritus, phototherapy for severe cases.