Warning: Eczema Herpeticum (HSV superinfection) can present with fever, malaise, and a sudden eruption of painful, uniform vesicles or ‘punched-out’ erosions on eczematous skin. It requires urgent antiviral therapy.
Note: Standard questions about smoking, alcohol, and recreational drugs are less relevant here unless there’s a specific reason to suspect substance use impacting the child or home environment (e.g., parental smoking as an irritant). Focus on factors directly impacting the skin condition and its management in this child’s context.
Note: TCS = Topical Corticosteroid. Abx = Antibiotic. prn = as needed. QID = 4 times daily. TDS = 3 times daily. BD = twice daily. OD = once daily.
Medication Class | Drug Name | Dosage | PBS Status | Monitoring Requirements | Comments |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Topical Abx | Mupirocin 2% Ointment | Apply TDS for 5-7 days | PBS Listed | Clinical response | Good first-line for localised impetiginisation. |
Fusidic Acid 2% Cream/Oint. | Apply TDS for 5-7 days | PBS Listed | Clinical response | Alternative; consider resistance potential. | |
Systemic Abx | Flucloxacillin | 12.5-25mg/kg (max 500mg) QID for 5-7 days | PBS Listed | Clinical response | First-line for Staph aureus (no penicillin allergy). |
Cephalexin | 12.5-25mg/kg (max 500mg) QID for 5-7 days | PBS Listed | Clinical response | Alternative if mild penicillin allergy. | |
Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole | 4+20mg/kg BD for 5-7 days | PBS Listed | Clinical response | Consider if MRSA suspected/confirmed. | |
Topical Steroid | Hydrocortisone 1% Cream/Oint | Apply BD prn for flare control | PBS Listed | Skin thinning (rare) | Mild potency; face/sensitive areas or mild body flares. |
Mometasone furoate 0.1% Cream | Apply OD prn for flare control | PBS Listed | Skin thinning (low risk) | Moderate potency; body/limbs for moderate flares. Step-down treatment. |
Condition | Key Features | Specific Questions | Management Approach |
---|---|---|---|
Infected Atopic Dermatitis (Bacterial) | Chronic, relapsing itch; flexural; family history; oozing/honey-crusts. | Previous episodes? Atopy Hx? Triggers? Itch severity? | Topical/Systemic Antibiotics + Topical Steroids + Emollients + Skincare Education. |
Primary Impetigo | Honey-coloured crusts; may start as vesicles/pustules; often face/extremities. | Recent onset? Contacts? Underlying skin condition? | Topical/Systemic Antibiotics based on extent. Hygiene. |
Allergic Contact Dermatitis (+/- infection) | Well-demarcated rash corresponding to exposure; improves with avoidance. | New products/clothing? Pattern related to contact? | Allergen ID & avoidance; Topical Steroids; Treat infection if present. |
Tinea Corporis (+/- infection) | Annular lesions; central clearing; raised scaly border. | Pets? Contacts? Appearance of edge? | Topical or Oral Antifungals (confirm with scraping); Treat infection if present. |
Scabies (+/- infection) | Intense generalised itch (worse at night); burrows; papules; family Hx. | Nocturnal itch? Others itchy? Burrows visible? | Topical Scabicide (Permethrin/Benzyl Benzoate); Treat contacts; Treat infection. |
Eczema Herpeticum (Viral) | Painful vesicles/punched-out erosions; fever/malaise; underlying AD. | Sudden onset? Pain > Itch? Fever? Vesicles seen? | Urgent Referral/Assessment; Systemic Antivirals (Aciclovir); Supportive care. |