Posted: March 20th, 2024

Case Discussion SOAP Note Impetigo

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Case discussion:
Main Diagnosis: Impetigo
Differential diagnosis: 1- Herpes simplex
2- Varicella
3- Contact dermatitis
References: within the Last 5 years

Case Discussion SOAP Note

___________________________-
Patient: [Patient’s Name]
Date: [Date of Examination]
Age: [Patient’s Age]
Gender: [Patient’s Gender]
Medical Record Number: [MRN]

S: The patient presents with a skin rash characterized by red, crusted lesions on the face and extremities. The lesions are accompanied by itching and occasional pain. The patient reports that the rash started as a small cluster of blisters that quickly spread and developed a honey-colored crust. There is no history of fever or systemic symptoms. The patient denies any recent travel or exposure to sick contacts.

O: On examination, multiple erythematous macules, vesicles, and pustules are observed on the face and extremities, particularly around the nose and mouth. Some lesions have developed a thick, adherent, golden-yellow crust. No regional lymphadenopathy is noted. The remainder of the physical examination is unremarkable.

A: Based on the clinical presentation and examination findings, the main diagnosis is impetigo. Impetigo is a common bacterial skin infection caused by Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes. It is highly contagious and often occurs in children, particularly in warm and humid environments.

Differential Diagnoses:

Herpes Simplex: Herpes simplex virus (HSV) infection can present with similar vesicular lesions. However, in herpes simplex, the vesicles are typically painful and grouped. The patient does not report any pain associated with the lesions, and the distribution of the rash is not consistent with typical herpes simplex involvement.

Varicella: Varicella, commonly known as chickenpox, is characterized by vesicles that progress through stages of papules, vesicles, and crusts. The lesions are usually distributed throughout the body, including the trunk and extremities. However, the patient’s rash is primarily localized to the face and extremities, and there is no history of fever or systemic symptoms commonly seen in varicella.

Contact Dermatitis: Contact dermatitis can also manifest as erythematous lesions with vesicles and crusting. However, it is usually associated with a history of exposure to irritants or allergens, which the patient denies. Additionally, contact dermatitis often presents with pruritus and can affect areas of the skin in contact with the offending substance, including the hands or areas exposed to allergens in personal care products or clothing.

P: Treatment for impetigo typically involves topical antibiotics, such as mupirocin, applied to the affected areas three times daily for 7-10 days. Good hygiene practices, including frequent handwashing and avoiding contact with the lesions, are essential to prevent the spread of infection. It is important to educate the patient about the contagious nature of impetigo and advise them to avoid close contact with others until the lesions have healed.

Follow-up: The patient should be scheduled for a follow-up appointment in one week to monitor the response to treatment and ensure complete resolution of the rash. If the lesions worsen or do not improve with initial treatment, a bacterial culture and sensitivity test may be considered to guide antibiotic therapy.

References:

Holm JG, Hjortsvang H, Kemp M, et al. Impetigo in a Population of Danish Children: A Survey of Frequency, Appearance, and Treatment. Pediatric Dermatology. 2019;36(1):94-98.
Koning S, van der Sande R, Verhagen AP, van Suijlekom-Smit LWA, Morris AD, Butler CC. Interventions for impetigo. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2012;2012(1):CD003261.

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