Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Flashcards
What is the most superficial skin infection?
Impetigo
How does impetigo present?
Multiple vesicular lesions on an erythematous base
Golden crust highly suggestive
Most commonly on extremities, face and scalp
Most common in children aged 2-5
What are the common causative organisms of impetigo?
Staph aureus (most common) Strep pyogenes
What are the predisposing factors for impetigo?
Skin abrasions Minor trauma Burns Poor hygiene Insect bites Chickenpox Eczema Atopic dermatitis
How is impetigo treated?
Topical antibiotics alone if only small area affected
Oral antibiotics plus topical antibiotics if large are
What is erysipelas an infection of?
The upper dermis
How does erysipelas present?
Painful, bubbly, raised, red area with no central clearing. Rash usually has distinct elevated borders
Associated fever
Regional lymphadenopathy
Lymphangitis
Most cases affect lower limb but can affect face too
What is the most common causative organism for erysipelas?
Strep pyogenes
When is erysipelas most common?
In areas of pre-existing lymphoedema, venous stasis, obesity, paraparesis or diabetes
What is infected in cellulitis?
Deep dermis
Subcutaneous fat
How does cellulitis present?
A spreading erythematous area with no distinct borders
Fever
Regional lymphadenopathy
Lymphangitis
What are the most common causative organisms of cellulitis?
Strep pyogenes
Staph aureus
What are the predisposing factors for cellulitis?
Diabetes mellitus
Tinea pedis
Lymphoedema
How are erysipelas and cellulitis treated?
Combination of anti-staphylococcal and anti-streptococcal antibiotics
What are the common hair-associated infections?
Folliculitis
Furunculosis
Carbuncles
What is folliculitis?
Circumscribed, pustular infection of a hair follicle
How does folliculitis present?
Small red papules that are up to 5mm in diameter
Central area of purulence that may rupture and drain
Lesions are typically found on the head, back, buttocks and extremities
What is the most common causative organism of folliculitis?
Staph aureus
How is folliculitis treated?
Treatment rarely required
Topical antibiotics
What is furunculosis?
Involves furuncles
A single hair follicle-associated inflammatory nodule that extends into the dermis and subcutaneous tissue
Most common on face, axilla, neck and buttocks
What is the most common causative organism of furunculosis?
Staph aureus
What are the risk factors for furunculosis?
Obesity Diabetes mellitus Atopic dermatitis Chronic kidney disease Corticosteroid use
How is furunculosis treated?
Treatment rarely required
Topical antibiotics
Oral antibiotics if condition won’t improve
What are the features of carbuncles?
Occur when infection extends to involve multiple furuncles
Often on back of neck, posterior trunk and thigh
Present as multiseptated abscesses and purulent material can be expressed from multiple sites
Systemic symptoms common
Treatment involves admission, surgery and IV antibiotics