Comprehensive Guide to Dermatology, Infections, and Self-Care Treatments

What are the common fungal infections covered under dermatology?

Tinea capitis (scalp), Tinea cruris (groin), Tinea corporis (body), Tinea pedis (feet), Tinea unguium (nails â€" not self-care).

What are the general exclusions for self-care of fungal infections?

Unclear cause, unsuccessful first treatment, infection on nails/scalp/face/genitals, oozing from bacterial infection, severe symptoms (fever, malaise), comorbidities (diabetes, immune deficiency).

What are the first-line OTC treatments for fungal skin infections?

Miconazole, terbinafine, clotrimazole, butenafine, tolnaftate. Duration varies by infection site (2â€"8 weeks).

What causes warts and who is most affected?

Caused by HPV, peak at 12â€"16 years old, may clear on own.

What are the exclusions for self-care of warts?

Young, pregnant, breastfeeding, severe/painful warts, involvement of face/genitals/nails, warts after 12 weeks of treatment.

What are the main OTC treatments for warts?

Salicylic acid (6â€"12 weeks) and cryotherapy (dimethyl ether + propane).

What are exclusions for self-care of insect bites/stings?

Severe symptoms (hives, dizziness, breathing trouble), <2 years old, secondary infection, tick or spider bites, history of severe reaction.

What are first-line treatments for insect bites/stings?

Ice pack, repellents (DEET), topical anesthetics, antihistamines, counterirritants, hydrocortisone, skin protectants.

What are exclusions for self-care of lice?

Allergy to chrysanthemums/ragweed, infection, <2 years for pyrethrins, <2 months for permethrin, lice on eyelashes/eyebrows, pregnancy/breastfeeding.

What are the first-line treatments for lice?

Permethrin 1% (preferred), synergized pyrethrins, lice combs, permethrin preferred in pregnancy.

What are key symptoms of scabies?

Intense itching (worse at night), lesions in ≥2 areas (abdomen, wrist flexors, finger webs, genitals, etc.).

What are first-line treatments for scabies?

Permethrin 5% cream, oral ivermectin (200 mcg/kg). Treat all household members at same time.

What wounds are exclusions for self-care?

Cuts >1 inch, continue bleeding after 10 min, face/genital/joint wounds, wounds not healing in 7 days, infection, underlying conditions.

What burns are exclusions for self-care?

Chemical, electrical, inhalation, deep partial/full thickness, >3 inches, face/genitals/joints involvement, infection, >7 days to heal.

What is the ABCDE of melanoma?

Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter >6mm, Elevation.

What SPF is recommended for sunscreen?

SPF 30+, broad spectrum, reapply every 2 hours.

What are exclusions for self-care of atopic dermatitis?

Severe symptoms, <1 year old, on face or body folds.

What is first-line pharmacologic therapy for atopic dermatitis?

Topical hydrocortisone (≥2 years), emollients for maintenance.

What are exclusions for self-care of diaper dermatitis?

Lasts >7 days, severe, chronic, secondary infection, underlying conditions.

What are first-line treatments for diaper dermatitis?

Skin protectants (zinc oxide, lanolin, mineral oil). Avoid talc/cornstarch.

What are exclusions for self-care of acne?

Severe acne, rosacea suspicion, medication-induced, mechanical irritation.

What are first-line OTC treatments for acne?

Benzoyl peroxide, adapalene, salicylic acid, azelaic acid.

What types of headache are NOT self-care?

Cluster, medication overuse, undiagnosed migraines, secondary causes.

What are exclusions for self-care of headaches?

Severe, persistent >10 days, infection, last trimester pregnancy, under 8 years old.

What is the RICE method for musculoskeletal injuries?

Rest, Ice (15â€"20 min intervals), Compression, Elevation above heart.

What are exclusions for self-care of musculoskeletal injuries?

Pain >6/10, infection, pelvic/abdominal pain, <2 years old, persistent/chronic pain.

What are exclusions for self-care of allergic rhinitis?

<12 years old, pregnant, lactating, non-allergic rhinitis, infection, severe adverse effects.

What are first-line treatments for allergic rhinitis?

Second-generation antihistamines, intranasal corticosteroids for persistent/moderate-severe cases.

What are exclusions for self-care of cough?

Shortness of breath, hemoptysis, weight loss, night sweats, <4 years old, fever, whooping cough, immunocompromised.

What are first-line OTC treatments for cough?

Dextromethorphan (nonproductive), guaifenesin (productive).

What are exclusions for self-care of colds?

Fever >100.4 F, chest pain, SOB, infants ≤3 months, advanced age, worsening condition.

What treatments are recommended for colds?

Rest, hydration, decongestants (pseudoephedrine > phenylephrine), analgesics, zinc within 24h, vitamin C (high dose).