Diseases of Skin and Soft Tissue - Infections (57)

Question 1

Functions of the skin

Answer 1

• Physical barrier (chemicals, UV, micro-organisms)
• Homeostasis (thermoregulation, prevention of desiccation electrolyte loss)
• Immunological function (Ag pressentation and phagocytosis - Langerhan cells, lymphocytes, mononuclear phagocytic cells)

Question 2

Skin microbiology

Answer 2

Coagulase-negative staphylococci (Staph aureus, propionibacterium, corynebacterium)

Question 3

Pathogenesis - localised infection

Answer 3

• Inoculation (penetration of skin with contaminated object)

- Contamination of pre-existing breach in skin surface (athletes foot, abrasion, VZV)

Question 4

Pathogenesis - systemic/generalised

Answer 4

Chicken pox, meningitis