Skin and Soft Tissue Infection Flashcards
What are the types of SSTI at the corresponding sites: epidermis, dermis, hair follicles, s/c fat, fascia, muscle
Epidermis: impetigo
Dermis: ecthyma, erysipelas
Hair follicles: folliculitis, furuncles, carbuncles
s/c fat: cellulitis
Fascia: necrotising fasciitis
Muscle: myositis
Normal pH of skin (and why) and how does it act as a chemical barrier?
pH 4-5 (acidic) -> due to production of free fatty acids from phospholipids
Chemical barrier: keeps bacteria and Candida low by regulating desquamation and resident bacteria
Is blood flow to the skin important?
Yes -> for immunity
What are 5 non-traumatic disruptions that increase risk of SSTI?
Ulcer, tinea pedis, dermatitis, toe web intertrigo, chemical irritants
What conditions predispose a person to SSTI?
Diabetes, cirrhosis, neutropenia, HIV, transplantation and immunosuppressive medications
Where should wound culture samples be collected from? Should a wound swab be done?
- deep in the wound after surface cleansed
- from the base of a closed abscess where bacteria grow
- by curettage
no wound swabs -> difficult to obtain representative sample
Progression of impetigo?
Begin as erythematous papules -> vesicles and pustules -> rupture -> dried discharge forms honey-coloured crusts
What is a furuncle and carbuncle?
Furuncle: boil
Carbuncle: cluster of furuncles
When is blood culture done for SSTI?
Immunocompromised patients or when patients show systemic symptoms (e.g. fever)
Difference between erysipelas and cellulitis?
Erysipelas affects upper dermis and has well-demarcated edges, raised, more common on face & lower extremities
Cellulitis affects s/c fat, poorly demarcated, non-elevated, more common on lower extremities
What does increased lactate levels suggest?
Tissue/organ underperfusion, possible tissue necrosis
In which condition does creatinine phosphokinase increase?
Myonecrosis, necrotising fasciitis
(CPK high means muscle, heart or brain injury)
What is the likely pathogen causing impetigo?
Staphylococci or streptococci
(bullous form caused by toxic-producing strains of S. aureus)
What is the likely pathogen causing ecthyma?
Group A Streptococci
What is the likely pathogen causing non-purulent skin conditions?
Beta-haemolytic streptococcus (Group A, B); usually Group A (Strep pyogenes)
What is the most likely pathogen causing purulent skin conditions?
S aureus, some beta-hemolytic streptococcus
What colour will S aureus look like on a culture plate?
Golden yellow
What type of bacteria are more common in skin abscesses involving the peri oral, perirectal or vulvovaginal area?
gram -ve, anaerobes
Treatment for impetigo with mild limited lesions? and duration
Topical mupirocin BD x 5 days
Treatment for impetigo and ecthyma (empiric)? and duration
PO cephalexin or cloxacillin
If penicillin allergy: PO clindamycin
Duration: 7 days