Minor Emergencies

Partial-Thickness (Second-Degree) Burns and Tar Burns

Presentation Partial-thickness burns can occur in a variety of ways. Spilled or splattered hot water and grease are among the most common causes, along with hot objects, explosive fumes, and burning (volatile) liquids. The patient will complain of excruciating pain,…

Impetigo

Presentation Parents will usually bring their children (most commonly aged 2–5 years, although it can occur in any age group) to be checked because they are developing unsightly skin lesions. The lesions are usually painless but may be pruritic and…

Hymenoptera (Bee, Wasp, Hornet) Envenomation

Presentation Sometimes a patient comes to a hospital emergency department (ED) or urgent care center immediately after a painful sting because of alarm at the intensity of the pain or worry about developing a serious, life-threatening reaction. Sometimes the patient…

Herpes Zoster: (Shingles)

Presentation The most common presentation is a dermatomal rash and pain. Prodromal symptoms, which occur infrequently, may include malaise, nausea and vomiting, headache, and photophobia. Less commonly there may be fever. During the prodromal stage, which can last several days,…

Frostnip, Frostbite, and Mild Hypothermia

Presentation Frostnip occurs when skin surfaces, such as the tip of the nose and ears, are exposed to an environment cold enough to freeze the epidermis. These prominent exposed surfaces become blanched and develop paresthesia and numbness but remain pliable.…

Friction Blister

Presentation After wearing a pair of new or ill-fitting shoes or having gone on an unusually long hike or run, the patient complains of an uncomfortable open or intact blister on the posterior heel or ball of the foot. Occasionally…

Fire Ant Stings

Presentation Usually the patient has experienced multiple burning stings (the so-called fire in the fire ant) and is seeking help because of local swelling, itching, and/or pain. Twenty-four hours after the initial wheal and flare at the sting site, there…

Erysipelas, Cellulitis, Lymphangitis

Presentation Erysipelas is a superficial cutaneous infection commonly found on the legs or face and generally does not have an inciting wound or skin lesion. Erysipelas appears as a painful, fiery-red induration with raised and sharply demarcated borders, at times…

Diaper Dermatitis: (Diaper Rash)

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Cutaneous Larva Migrans: (Creeping Eruption)

Presentation Patients present with intensely pruritic, thin, erythematous, serpiginous, raised eruptions on the sole of the foot, hand, or buttock ( Fig. 166.1 ). The patient may remember recently walking barefoot or sitting in the sand or soil in an…