(2) Treatment. No specific therapy is known: however, the following
treatment may help the condition. Give barbiturates to help control tension and
nervousness associated with neuralgia. Apply soothing powders or lotions to the skin
lesions. Calamine lotion may be applied liberally and covered with a protective layer of
cotton. An analgesic or codeine may be given for pain.
c. Verrucae (Warts).
(1) Description/characteristics. These are common contagious, benign
epithelial tumors that are classified by either shape or location. No age group is
immune to these tumors. They are most frequently seen in children and young adults.
Usually, there are no signs or symptoms.
(2) Treatment. Warts can be easily removed, but they often recur at the
same or a different site. It is often better to leave a single inconspicuous wart alone.
These treatment techniques can be followed. Apply trichloroacetic acid to the wart
every three to four days. When the wart whitens, apply phenol neutralized by alcohol.
Nitric acid and silver nitrate may also be applied to the wart. In some moist anogenital
warts, applying 25 percent podophyllum resin in benzoin tincture at weekly intervals is
effective. Cryotherapy is used. Chemosurgery (destruction of tissue through the use of
chemicals) is sometimes performed. The wart can be removed surgically. Electric
desiccation (drying up) of the wart is sometimes performed.
4-4.
BACTERIAL INFECTIONS OF THE SKIN
a. Impetigo.
(1) Description/characteristics. Impetigo is an inflammation of skin marked
by isolated pustules. These skin lesions become crusted and ruptured. The causes of
impetigo include minor skin injuries such as scratches, insect bites, mosquito bites, etc.,
which become infected with staphylococcal or streptococcal (group AB--hemolytic)
infections. Initial lesions have vesicles, bullae, and pustules on the face and
extremities. The lesions rupture, becoming red erosions. Ecthyma (ulcerated impetigo)
is usually present. Impetigo is very contagious and often found in infants and young
children. The organism staphylococcus is the most common cause of impetigo, but
streptococcus occasionally causes the disease.
(2) Treatment. Begin by washing the affected area with soap and water
three times a day. Scrub gently to remove crusts. Administer erythromycin 250 mg by
mouth four times a day for 10 days.
b. Furuncle (Boil)
(1) Description/characteristics. A furuncle or boil is an inflammation of
subcutaneous layers of skin gland or hair follicle. Causes include chronic diseases,
staphylococcal organisms, or trauma to the skin such as shaving or squeezing. The
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