Lecture on Skin Infections and Immunity

Herpes Virus and Related Infections

• HPV (Human Papillomavirus)

  • Likely a reference to a family of viruses known as papillomaviruses.

• Other Fungal Infections:

  • Tinea fetus

  • Caris corpus

  • Cutaneous candidiasis

Types of Herpes Virus

• Types of Herpes:

  • Herpes Simplex Virus: Two main types:

  • HSV-1: Commonly causes oral herpes.

  • HSV-2: Primarily associated with genital herpes.

  • Chickenpox (varicella): Different from herpes viruses.

  • Shingles (herpes zoster): Reactivation of varicella, presenting different lesions.

• More than 30 different herpes viruses exist, affecting various parts of the body including the eyes.

Surgical Preparations and Topical Anti-Infectives

• Preventive Measures:

  • Use of topical solutions to minimize bacterial entry at surgical sites.

• Hibiclens (Chlorhexidine):

  • A chlorhexidine-based surgical scrub used frequently before surgical procedures.

• Surgical Scrubs:

  • Types include Hibiclens, commonly for patient preparation.

Corticosteroids

• Common corticosteroids include:

  • Triamcinolone

  • Methylprednisolone

  • Hydrocortisone

• Uses:

  • Treatment of dermatitis, eczema, psoriasis, insect bites, and burns.

  • Notable mention of severe sunburn risks and appropriate protective measures including high SPF products for sensitive areas like lips, nose, and ears.

Antisoriatics and Skin Treatments

• Antisoriatics:

  • Treatments for psoriasis to reduce the size of plaques on the skin.

• Choloninase:

  • Topical enzyme that assists in removing necrotic tissue from wounds.

• Keratolytics:

  • Enzymes that cause destruction of keratin, involved in treating:

  • Warts

  • Calluses

  • Corns

• Seborrheic Keratosis:

  • Overgrowth of keratin causing hardening of the skin.

Anesthetics

• Types of anesthetics include:

  • Lidocaine

  • Milocaine

  • Cocaine

• Mechanism:

  • Temporarily inhibits nerve impulses, acting as a topical anesthetic.

• Viscous Lidocaine:

  • Used for gastrointestinal pain; has a numbing effect.

• Caution:

  • Must avoid eating and drinking for at least 30 minutes post-application due to the risk of choking.

Topical Administration Guidelines

• Rotate application sites if possible.

• Clean previous topical applications before new applications.

• Use of heat can increase absorption, but caution is advised.

Vaccination and Immunity

• Cell-Mediated Immunity:

  • Achieved by injecting parts of the virus (dead or weakened) to trigger an immune response.

• Types of Immunity:

  • Active and passive immunity;

  • Specific mention of MMR (Measles, Mumps, Rubella) vaccinations.

• Vaccination Risks:

  • Elevated risk of allergic reactions within the first 30 minutes.

• Common Symptoms of Vaccination:

  • Flu-like symptoms including headaches, muscle aches, and possible fever.

Adverse Reactions and Precautions

• Contraindications for Vaccination:

  • Avoid administering vaccines to those with febrile illness or compromised immune systems.

  • Not recommended for individuals on immunosuppressive medications.

• Reye’s Syndrome:

  • Associated risks if aspirin is given with the varicella vaccine, particularly in children.

Vaccine Documentation Requirements

• Must record:

  • Date of administration

  • Healthcare provider information

  • Vaccine lot number for traceability in case of recalls

  • Expiration date

Summary of Vaccine Administration Observations

• Waiting period of at least 30 minutes post-vaccination for monitoring allergic reactions.

• Noteworthy anecdotal reference to a friend's reaction to vaccination, emphasizing the psychological aspects of needle fear and physical responses (e.g., fainting) that can occur in response to needles or vaccinations.

• Guillain-Barré Syndrome:

  • Mentioned as a rare reaction; awareness essential for safety during vaccinations.