Really Bad Rash

[ilovemarkb]

My father in law has just visited. Cant believe the state of his skin. We.ve just made him go to a emergency walk in centre. It started about 6 weeks ago on his back. It started the day after he had a knee replacement done. It now covers his entire body and is now inside his mouth (so affecting his eating). He has seen his gp who has prescribed various creams which havent helped. He has been referred to skin specialist but dont know how long this will take. The appearance of the skin is similar to that of infected dermatitis. His hands are so bad that they are swollen. There is also a strange odour coming from him. The doctor has told him he has a low red blood count too. I think he needs admitting on to a ward to have various blood tests done and maybe an IV antibiotic. wondered if sqad or any other medical abbers might know whats going on????? thanks in anticipation

[Sqad]

I agree....it certainly needs sorting out and indeed sounds like an infected dermatitis as you suggest.

The anaemia also needs identifying as if it is iron deficiency,then this will also need treating before one can hope to clear the skin condition.

Pernicious anaemia also comes to mind.

I agree....he needs admitting to a ward for evaluation.

[ilovemarkb]

Thanks Sqad do you think it could be linked to the surgery? of just coincidence? i am a newby nurse and feel like he,d benefit from iv acyclovir.

[Sqad]

I can't really think of a connection between the knee replacement and the rash, but it can't be discounted.

I think it would be improper to use intravenous acyclovir or for that matter any antibiotic until the diagnosis was confirmed.

It doesn't sound viral.

[ilovemarkb]

thankyou!! and merry christmas!!!

[Sqad]

;-).......same to you.