Skin and Soft Tissue Flashcards
What causes impetigo?
Most commonly S. Aureus, less commonly S. pyogenes
Describe impetigo
Superficial skin infection
Multiple vesicular lesions on erythematous base
Golden crust highly suggestive
Common 2-5yo, highly infectious
What are predisposing factors to impetigo?
- skin abrasions
- minor trauma
- burns
- poor hygiene
- insect bites
- chicken pox
- eczema
- atopic dermatitis
Describe treatment of impetigo
Small areas treated with topical abs alone
Large areas both topical and oral abs (flucloxacillin)
Describe erysipelas
Infection of upper dermis, painful, red area (no central clearing)
Associated fever
Regional lymphadenopathy and lymphangitis
Typically distinct elevated borders
What causes erysipelas?
most commonly S pyogenes
Where does erysipelas tend to occur?
Areas of pre-existing lymphoedema, venous stasis, obesity, paraparesis, diabetes mellitus
Describe cellulitis
Diffuse skin infection involving deep dermis and subcutaneous fat
Presents as a spreading erythematous area with no distinct borders
Fever is common, regional lymphadenopathy and lymphangitis
Possible source of bacteraemia
What causes cellulitis?
Most likely organisms are S.Pyogenes and S.Aureus
What are predisposing factors to cellulitis?
Diabetes mellitus
Tinea pedis
Lymphoedema
What is the treatment of erysipelas and cellulitis?
A combination of anti-staphylococcal and anti-streptococcal abs
In extensive disease, admission for IV Abs and rest
What are some hair associated infections?
Folliculitis
Furunculosis
Carbuncles
What is a folliculitis?
erythema and pustule in a single follicle
up to 5mm in diameter
present as small red papules
typically found on head, back, buttocks and extremities
What is a furuncle?
red, tender nodule surrounding a follicle with one draining point
Commonly “boils”, extending into dermis and subcutaenous tissue
Usually affects moist, hairy, friction-prone areas
Systemic symptoms uncommon
What are carbuncles?
Deep follicular abscesses of several follicles with several drainage points
Often back of neck, posterior trunk or thigh
Multiseptated abscesses, purulated material may be expressed from multiple sites
Constitutional symptoms common
What causes folliculitis and furunculosis?
Staph aureus most common
What are risk factors for furunculosis?
Obesity, diabetes mellitus, chronic kidney disease, corticosteroid use
How do you treat hair-associated infections?
Folliculitis; no treatment or topical abs
Furunculosis; no treatment or topical abs. If not improving oral abs may be req
Carbuncles; often require admission, surgery and IV Abs
Describe necrotising fasciitis
An infectious disease emergency
Any site may be affected
Rapid onset
What are predisposing conditions for necrotising fasciitis?
Diabetes mellitus Surgery Trauma Peripheral vascualr disease Skin popping
What is type I necrotising fasciitis?
Refers to mixed aerobic and anaerobic infection
Typical organisms
- strep
- staph
- enterococci
- gram -ve bacilli
- clostridium
What is type II necrotising fasciitis?
Monomicrobial
Normally associated with S Pyogenes
How does necrotising fasciitis develop?
Erythema
Extensive oedema
Severe, unremitting pain
Haemorrhagic bullae, skin necrosis and crepitus may develop
Systemic features include; fever, hypotension, tachycardia, delirium, multiorgan failure
Anaesthesia at site of infection is highly suggestive of this disease
How is necrotising fasciitis treated?
Surgical review mandatory
Abs should be broad spectrum
- flucloxacillin
- gentamicin
- clindamycin
overall mortality between 17-40%