What percentage of children are affected by eczema?
15-20%
Eczema is becoming more common among children.
At what age does eczema typically present?
Before 2 years
Around 50% of children clear eczema by 5 years of age.
What percentage of children clear eczema by 10 years of age?
75%
This indicates a significant improvement as children grow older.
List the features of eczema.
These features help in identifying eczema in children.
What should be avoided in the management of eczema?
Irritants
Avoiding irritants is crucial for effective management.
What is the recommended amount of simple emollients to be prescribed for eczema?
250g / week
Emollients should be prescribed in a ratio of 10:1 with topical steroids.
When using topical steroids, how should emollients be applied?
Emollient first, wait 30 minutes before topical steroid
This ensures better absorption and effectiveness.
Which type of cream soaks into the skin faster: creams or ointments?
Creams
This can influence the choice of formulation for treatment.
How can emollients become contaminated?
Fingers inserted into pots
Many brands offer pump dispensers to prevent contamination.
What is wet wrapping in the context of eczema management?
Large amounts of emollient (and sometimes topical steroids) applied under wet bandages
This method can enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.
In severe cases of eczema, what medication may be used?
Oral ciclosporin
This is typically reserved for more severe cases.
What is scarlet fever a reaction to?
Erythrogenic toxins produced by Group A haemolytic streptococci (usually Streptococcus pyogenes)
It is more common in children aged 2 - 6 years, with peak incidence at 4 years.
How is scarlet fever spread?
Especially during sneezing and coughing.
What is the incubation period for scarlet fever?
2-4 days
Symptoms typically present after this period.
List the typical symptoms of scarlet fever.
The rash generally appears first on the torso and spares the palms and soles.
What does the rash in scarlet fever often feel like?
Rough ‘sandpaper’ texture
It is often more obvious in the flexures.
What is the management for scarlet fever?
Children can return to school 24 hours after commencing antibiotics.
True or false: Scarlet fever is a notifiable disease.
TRUE
This means that cases must be reported to health authorities.
What is the most common complication of scarlet fever?
Otitis media
Other complications include rheumatic fever and acute glomerulonephritis.
When does rheumatic fever typically occur after scarlet fever infection?
20 days after infection
It is a serious complication that can arise from untreated scarlet fever.
When does acute glomerulonephritis typically occur after scarlet fever infection?
10 days after infection
This is another potential complication of scarlet fever.
What are some invasive complications of scarlet fever?
These are rare but may present acutely with life-threatening illness.
What is the medical term for Osgood-Schlatter disease?
tibial apophysitis
This condition is commonly seen in sporty teenagers.
What are the symptoms of Osgood-Schlatter disease?
These symptoms typically occur in active adolescents.