What’s the Diagnosis #18

An elderly patient with hypertension, hypothyroidism, and dementia is sent from the nursing home by ambulance for evaluation of a rash to her scalp. The patient’s nurse had noted the rash that afternoon while putting the beret in the patient’s hair and is sure that the rash wasn’t there two days ago when she last cared for the patient. The patient was reportedly sleeping more than usual the day prior to her transport. The nursing director at the nursing home was concerned that the patient had developed shingles to her scalp. A picture of the patient’s rash is to the right (unfortunately, not the best clarity).  What’s the diagnosis and what is the treatment for this condition? Scroll down for the answer. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . Answer: Acute Lipstick Misapplication The “rash” happened to be the same color as the patient’s lipstick. There were initially two spots. Both were removed with an alcohol wipe. Treatment: Discharge with close follow up. Wait … not so fast. Upon learning of the patient’s imminent return, the nursing director from the nursing home called back the emergency department and stated that no one had addressed why the patient had slept more than usual. After all, the patient reportedly slept past breakfast the day prior to her transport. There was a bit of a discussion between the nursing director and the emergency department nurse which then escalated to a discussion between the nursing director...
Source: WhiteCoat's Call Room - Category: Emergency Medicine Doctors Authors: Tags: Patient Encounters What's the Diagnosis? Source Type: blogs