Infections of the Skin Flashcards
How does Staph A affect the skin?
Staphylococcus has receptors that allow it to bind to fibrin that is found in abundance on wound surfaces and in dermatitis
Expressed virulent factor (some strains) Panton Valentine Leukocidin
Each strain has different clinical manifestations depending on which toxins are releases
What are the skin manifestations of Staph A infection?
Ecthyma Impetigo Cellulitis Folliculitis - Furunculosis - Carbuncles Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome (SSSS) Superinfects other dermatoses (e.g. atopic eczema, HSV, leg ulcers)
How does streptococcus cause skin issues?
Strepococcus pyogenes (β-haemolytic) attaches to epithelial surfaces via lipoteichoic acid portion of fimbriae
- Has M protein (anti-phagocytic) & hyaluronic acid capsule - Produces erythrogenic exotoxins - Produces streptolysins S and O
What are the skin manifestations of streptococcus infection?
Ecthyma
Cellulitis
Impetigo
Erysipelas
Scarlet fever
Necrotizing fasciitis
Superinfects other dermatoses (e.g. leg ulcers)
What is folliculitis?
Follicular erythema; sometimes pustular.
May be infectious or non-infectious.
What folliculitis is associated with HIV?
Eosinophilic (non-infectious) folliculitis is associated with HIV.
What can cause recurrent folliculitis?
Recurrent cases may arise from nasal carriage of Staphylococcus aureus, particularly strains expressing Panton-Valentine leukocidin (PVL).
What is the treatment for folliculitis?
Antibiotics (usually flucloxacillin or erythromycin)
Incision and drainage is required for furunculosis.
What are the complications of folliculitis?
Furuncle
Carbuncle
What is a furuncle?
A furuncle is a deep follicular abscess
What is a carbuncle?
Involvement with adjacent connected follicles = Carbuncle
Carbuncle - more likely to lead to complications such as cellulitis and septicaemia
Why might people have recurrent infections?
Immune deficiency
- Hypogammaglobulinaemia - HyperIgE syndrome – deficiency - Chronic granulomatous disease - AIDS - Diabetes Mellitus
What are the main features of Panton Valentine Leukocidin?
β-pore-forming exotoxin
Leukocyte destruction and tissue necrosis
Strains that release this toxin have higher morbidity, mortality and transmissibility
What is the effect of PVL on the skin?
- Recurrent and painful abscesses
- Folliculitis
- Cellulitis
- Often painful, more than 1 site, recurrent, present in contacts
What are the extracutaneous results of PVL?
- Necrotising pneumonia
- Necrotising fasciitis
- Purpura fulminans
What are the risks of contracting PVL Staph A?
5 C’s
Close Contact – e.g. hugging, contact sports
Contaminated items , e.g. gym equipment, towels or razors.
Crowding –crowded living conditions such as e.g. military accommodation, prisons and boarding schools.
Cleanliness (of environment)
Cuts and grazes – having a cut or graze will allow the bacteria to enter the body
What is the treatment for PVL Staph A?
Consult local microbiologist / guidelines
Antibiotics (often tetracycline)
Decolonisation – often:
- Chlorhexidine body wash for 7 days
- Nasal application of mupirocin ointment 5 days)
Treatment of close contacts
What is pseudomonal folliculitis associated with?
Associated with hot tub use, swimming pools and depilatories, wet suit
What are the main features of pseudomonal folliculitis?
Appears 1-3 days after exposure, as a diffuse truncal eruption.
Follicular erythematous papule
Rarely: abscesses, lymphangitis and fever.
Most cases self-limited – no treatment required.
Severe or recurrent cases can be treated with oral ciprofloxacin
What is cellulitis?
Infection of lower dermis and subcutaneous tissue
Tender swelling with ill-defined, blanching erythema or oedema
What commonly causes cellulitis?
Most cases: Streptococcus pyogenes & Staphylococcus aureus
Who is at higher risk of cellulitis?
Oedema is a predisposing factor
Older people
What is the treatment of cellulitis?
Treatment: systemic antibiotics.
What is impetigo?
Superficial bacterial infection, stuck-on, honey-coloured crusts overlying an erosion.
What causes impetigo?
Caused by - Streptococci (non-bullous) or - Staphylococci (bullous) Caused by exfoliative toxins A & B, split epidermis by targeting desmoglein I.
Where does impetigo present?
Often affects face (perioral, ears, nares).
Top half of body
Can happen anywhere
What is the treatment for impetigo?
Treated with topical +/- systemic antibiotics.
What is impetiginisation?
When it happens in the context of atopic eczema
Occurs in atopic dermatitis
- Gold crust
- Staphylococcus aureus
What is Ecthyma?
Severe form of streptococcal impetigo
Thick crust overlying a punch out ulceration surrounded by erythema
Usually on lower extremities
In who is staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome most common in?
Neonates, infants or immunocompromised adults
Toxin builds up
In neonates, kidneys cannot excrete the exfoliative toxin quickly
What are the main features of SSSS?
Due to exfoliative toxin
Infection occurs at distant site (ie conjunctivitis or abscess
∴ Organism cannot be cultured from denuded skin.
What are the symptoms of SSSS?
→ Diffuse tender erythema that
→ Rapid progression to flaccid bullae,
→ Wrinkle and exfoliate, leaving oozing erythematous base
What does SSSS resemble?
Clinically resembles Stevens-Johnson syndrome / toxic epidermal necrolysis
What is toxic shock synrome?
Febrile illness due to Group A Staphylococcus aureus strain that produces pyrogenic exotoxin TSST-1
Associated with extended tampon use
What are the symptoms of toxic shock syndrom?
Fever >38.9°C Hypotension Diffuse erythema Involvement of ≥ systems: – Gastrointestinal – Muscular – CNS - Renal - Hepatic
What is Erythrasma?
Infection of Corynebacterium minutissimum
Well demarcated patches in intertriginous areas
- initially pink
- Become brown and scaly
What is an intertriginous area?
Places where skin meets skin e.g. armputs
What is pitted keratolysis?
Pitted erosions of soles
Caused by Corynebacteria
Treated with topical clindamycin
What is Erysipeloid?
Erythema and oedema of the hand after handling contaminated raw fish or meat.
Extends slowly over weeks.
Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae
What is Anthrax?
Painless necrotic ulcer with surrounding oedema and regional lymphadenopathy (with pain in lymph nodes) at the site of contact with hides, bone meal or wool infected with Bacillus anthracis.
What is blistering distal dactylitis?
Rare infection caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus
Typically - young children
1 or more tender superficial bullae on erythematous base on the volar fat pad of a finger
Toes may rarely be affected
What is Erysipelas
Infection of deep dermis and subcutis
Caused by β-haemolytic streptococci or Staphylococcus aureus
What are the syndromes of Erysipelas?
Painful
Prodrome of malaise, fever, headache.
Presents as erythematous indurated plaque with a sharply demarcated border and a cliff-drop edge
+/- blistering
Face or limb
+/- red streak of lymphangitis and local lymphadenopathy.
What is the treatment of Erysipelas?
Portal of entry must be sought (e.g. tinea pedis).
Treat systemic symptoms (fever, malaise).
Treated with intravenous antibiotics.
What are the main features of Scarlet Fever?
Primarily a disease of children
Caused by upper respiratory tract infection with erythrogenic toxin-producing Streptococcus pyogenes
What is the disease progression of scarlet fever?
Preceded by sore throat, headache, malaise, chills, anorexia and fever
Eruption begins 12-48 hours later
- Blanchable tiny pinkish-red spots on chest, neck and axillae
- Spread to whole body within 12 hours
- Sandpaper-like texture
What are the potential complications of scarlet fever?
Complications: otitis, mastoiditis, sinusitis, pneumonia, myocarditis, hepatitis, meningitis, rheumatic fever, acute glomerulonephritis