W7 · Rash or skin infection
Actual Wounds and skin
Definition
Skin shows rash, redness, warmth, or pus from irritation or infection.- Bacteria
- fungus
- allergy
- poor hygiene
- scratching
- Redness
- heat
- swelling
- pus
- itching
- fever
📋 Scenario
A child has red crusted sores on his face.
Subjective (S): "These sores are spreading."
Objective (O): Child with crusted red sores on the face; itching; no fever.
Assessment tools for this scenario: CP-SKIN Skin & Wound Score CP-INFECT Infection Check
Validated scales to consider: Braden Scale, TIME wound chart, qSOFA / sepsis screen
**CarePath diagnosis:** Rash or skin infection related to bacteria, as evidenced by crusted red sores on the face and itching.
**Interventions and rationale**
| Intervention | Rationale |
|---|---|
| Wash hands. | Hand washing before and after care stops germs passing from the sores to other people and to other areas of the child's skin. |
| Clean skin. | Gentle cleaning removes crusts and bacteria, which helps medicine reach the skin and reduces spread. |
| Give medicine as ordered. | Ordered antibiotic cream or tablets treat the bacteria causing the infection, so they are given at the right dose and for the full course. |
| Prevent spread. | These sores are contagious, so separate towels and covering the sores lower the chance of passing them to others. |
| Teach hygiene. | Teaching the family about hygiene and not scratching helps stop spread and prevents the infection returning. |
**Expected outcomes**
- Sores heal within 7-10 days.
- Spread prevented.
- Handwashing taught.
**Linking the data to the diagnosis**
The parent says, 'These sores are spreading.' The child has crusted red sores on the face with itching and no fever. The sores are present, so this is an actual problem and not a risk, and the focus is on the infection and spread. The statement rests on bacteria, though redness and heat are not recorded and the evidence is better described by crusted sores and itching. The plan aims for the sores to heal within 7 to 10 days, spread to be prevented and handwashing to be taught.
CarePath diagnosis
Rash or skin infection related to bacteria, as evidenced by crusted red sores on the face and itching.
Interventions and rationale
Listed in priority order.
| Intervention | Rationale |
|---|---|
| 1. Wash hands. | Hand washing before and after care stops germs passing from the sores to other people and to other areas of the child's skin. |
| 2. Clean skin. | Gentle cleaning removes crusts and bacteria, which helps medicine reach the skin and reduces spread. |
| 3. Give medicine as ordered. | Ordered antibiotic cream or tablets treat the bacteria causing the infection, so they are given at the right dose and for the full course. |
| 4. Prevent spread. | These sores are contagious, so separate towels and covering the sores lower the chance of passing them to others. |
| 5. Teach hygiene. | Teaching the family about hygiene and not scratching helps stop spread and prevents the infection returning. |
Expected outcomes
- Sores heal within 7-10 days.
- Spread prevented.
- Handwashing taught.
Linking the data to the diagnosis
The parent says, 'These sores are spreading.' The child has crusted red sores on the face with itching and no fever. The sores are present, so this is an actual problem and not a risk, and the focus is on the infection and spread. The statement rests on bacteria, though redness and heat are not recorded and the evidence is better described by crusted sores and itching. The plan aims for the sores to heal within 7 to 10 days, spread to be prevented and handwashing to be taught.