Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Flashcards
What is the largest organ of the body?
Skin
Skin is made up of several layers including the epidermis, the dermis, and the subcutaneous tissue.
What percentage of hospitalized patients are affected by Skin and Soft Tissue infections (SSTI)?
Approximately 7 - 10%
SSTIs involve microbial invasion of the skin and underlying soft tissue.
What are the cardinal signs of an SSTI?
Host inflammatory response, fever, rapid progression of lesions
These signs indicate the presence of an SSTI.
In the Emergency care setting, SSTIs are the third most common diagnosis after which conditions?
Chest pain and asthma
SSTIs are significant in emergency medicine.
How are Skin and Soft Tissue infections classified?
Based on the depth of infection
SSTIs can be bacterial, fungal, viral, or parasitic.
What are the common organisms responsible for SSTIs?
- Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Strep) * Staphylococcus aureus
These organisms are significant contributors to SSTIs.
What is Epidemic Impetigo?
Infectious epidermal eruptions of flaccid pustules that form a thick honey-coloured crust
Lesions typically occur around the mouth/nose and are highly contagious.
What is Erysipelas?
Rapid spreading infection of deeper skin layers, typically involving superficial dermal lymphatics
Caused by Streptococcus pyogenes, it may lead to systemic infection.
How would you describe the borders of Erysipelas lesions?
Well demarcated, raised, red
These characteristics help differentiate Erysipelas from other conditions.
What does the clinical term ‘Cellulitis’ refer to?
A deeper infection associated with the subcutaneous layers
It typically follows a local infection or trauma.
What are the organisms commonly associated with Cellulitis?
- Staphylococcus aureus * Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Strep) * Pseudomonas aeruginosa * Gram-negative bacilli
The specific organism depends on the site of the wound.
What is a Furuncle?
An infected sebaceous gland, commonly referred to as a boil
Always caused by Staphylococcus aureus.
What is the treatment for Furuncles?
Cloxacillin
This antibiotic is commonly used for treating Furuncles.
What is a Carbuncle?
Multiple furuncles
Carbuncles are larger and more severe than individual furuncles.
What are Bed Sores also known as?
Decubitus Ulcers
These are colonized with mixed potential pathogens and/or non-pathogens.
What is the classification of surgical wounds based on contamination?
- Clean * Clean contaminated * Contaminated * Dirty/Infected
This classification helps assess the risk of infection.
What type of specimen is taken for wound infections?
Varies based on the infection
Gram stains can help identify the causative organisms.
What should you do in case of a bite scenario?
Inform the Laboratory of the scenario
Bites may lead to cellulitis, abscess, or deep tissue infections.
What is Fasciitis?
Rapidly progressing cellulitis with extensive necrosis of the subcutaneous tissue
Caused by toxin-producing agents, primarily Group A Streptococcus.
What is the most common agent causing fasciitis?
Group A Streptococcus (Streptococcus pyogenes)
Known for causing flesh-eating disease.
What is a central theme in the diagnosis of fasciitis?
TRAUMA
Diagnosis involves rapid clinical assessment followed by Gram stain and culture confirmation.
List some diseases associated with skin infections.
- Impetigo
- Erysipelas
- Cellulitis
- Carbuncles/Furuncle
- Decubitus ulcer
- Wounds
- Bites
- Fasciitis
These conditions can vary in severity and presentation.
What is Tinea/Ringworm?
Infections in the hair, nails, and skin caused by dermatophytes
Diagnosis is typically clinical but cultures may be sent for species confirmation.
