23 Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Minejima Flashcards
What is Impetigo?
Highly contagious infection of epidermis. Typically transmitted through direct contact. Occurs in children ages 2-5 years old. Spontaneous resolution without scarring usually occurs within several weeks if left untreated
What are the two types of Impetigo?
Nonbullous (~70% of cases). Bullous
What is Nonbullous Impetigo?
Single red macule/papule that rapidly develops into a vesicle that ruptures easily to form an erosion and contents dry to form characteristic gold-colored crusts that may be pruritic
What is Bullous Impetigo?
Superficial vesicles develop to form rapidly enlarging, flaccid bullae with sharp margins and no surrounding erythema. Usually affects neonates
What often causes Bullous Impetigo?
Caused by toxin-producing S. aureus. Localized form of staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
What are the predisposing factors of Impetigo?
Group A Strep skin colonization (10 days before appearance of impetigo) or S. aureus nasal colonization. Hot, humid summer weather. Areas with poor hygiene and in crowded living conditions. Minor trauma (insect bite, abrasion)
What are the causative organisms of Impetigo?
Staphylococcus aureus. Group A Strep/Streptococcus pyogenes
What does the treatment of Impetigo depend on?
Number of lesions, their location (face, eyelid, mouth) and the need to limit spread of infection to others
What are the treatment options for Impetigo?
Topical therapy (Mupirocin apply to lesions TID). If numerous lesions or not responding to Mupirocin: PO antibiotics active against both S. pyogenes and Staph aureus
What are the PO antibiotics active against both S. pyogenes and Staph aureus often used for Impetigo?
Dicloxacillin 250mg po QID. Cephalexin 250mg po QID, Augmentin 875/125mg po BID. B-lactam allergy: Erythromycin 250mg po QID, Clindamycin 300-400mg po TID
What is Folliculitis?
Pyoderma located within hair follicles and apocrine regions. Small (2-5mm), erythematous (sometimes pruritic papules) usually covered by central pustule
What are the causative organisms of Folliculitis?
S. aureus (most common), P. aeruginosa (swimming pools, hot tubs, whirlpools), Candida spp (prolonged antibiotics or corticosteroids)
What is the treatment for Folliculitis?
Saline compresses (promotes drainage), topical therapy with antibacterials or antifungals sufficient
What are Furuncles (Boils)?
Deep inflammatory nodule that typically develops from preceding folliculitis. Occurs in skin areas subject to friction, perspiration, and contain hair follicles (neck, face, axillae, buttocks)
What is the treatment for Furuncles?
Application of moist heat to promote drainage
What are Carbuncles?
When infection extends to involve several adjacent follicles producing a coalescing inflammatory mass with pus draining from multiple follicular orifices. Typically found at nape of neck, back, or on thighs. Fever and malaise usually present
What are the predisposing factors for Furuncles and Carbuncles?
Diabetes, obesity. Inadequate personal hygiene. Close contact with others with furuncles. Anterior nares colonization with S. aureus (recurrent cases)
What is the causative organism of Furuncles and Carbuncles?
S. aureus
What is the treatment for Furuncles and Carbuncles?
Incision and drainage (I&D). Systemic antibiotics rarely required unless extensive surrounding cellulitis or fever occurs
What is Cellulitis?
Acute, spreading infection of skin that involves subcutaneous tissues. Edema, redness, heat +/- lymphagitis and inflammation of regional lymph nodes. Vesicles, bullae, and cutaneous hemorrhage in form of petechiae or ecchymoses may develop on inflamed skin
What are the systemic manifestations of Cellulitis?
Fever, tachycardia, confusion, hypotension, leukocytosis
What are the predisposing factors for Cellulitis?
Previous trauma (laceration, puncture wound). Conditions that cause skin to be more fragile or local host defenses less effective (obesity, previous cutaneous damage, edema (from venous insufficiency or lymphatic obstruction), surgical procedures (saphenous venectomy, axillary node dissection for breast cancer, gynecologic malignancy operations))
What is the location of Cellulitis?
Commonly on lower legs
What is Cellulitis diagnosis like?
No routine diagnostic test. Given the low yield, tests are not useful unless patients with diabetes, malignancy, unusual predisposing factors such as immersion injury, animal bites, neutropenia, immunodeficiency