Skin and Soft Tissue Infections Flashcards
What is the main composition of normal skin flora on epidermis?
staphylococcus epidermidis
What bacteria is commonly associated with acne?
propionibacterium
What is a macule?
a flat lesion that cannot be palpated, like a freckle
How does a vesicle form?
accumulation of fluid under the epidermis
What is a papule?
a raised lesion resulting from accumulation of material in the dermis
What is a pustule?
a pus-filled raised lesion on the skin, results as a buildup of the cellular debris of inflammatory cells under the epidermis
What skin rash is characterized by “large papule that travels deeper into the skin, not visible”
nodule
What is a bullae?
a large fluid filled vesicle, will rupture easily and create a portal of entry, the skin is NOT raised
What skin rash is the start of necrotizing fasciitis?
bullae
Which skin rash is characterized by “often referred to as “hives”, due to allergies, raised, itchy area of the skin”?
Wheal
What is a plaque?
- a large, raised area that forms a plateau
- autoimmune disease, psoriasis
- sharp edges
Which skin rash is typically due to an autoimmune disease such as psoriasis?
plaque
How are plaques typically treated?
topical corticosteroids
What are some sampling techniques for skin and soft tissue infection?
- skin scraping
- biopsy and needle aspiration (pus and tissue)
- swabs useful is sample contains suspected pathogen (deep inside)
What is the most common way skin infections arise?
exogenous penetration (trauma, surgery, bite)
Which bacteria colonizes the nasopharynx, axillae, rectum, skin?
staphylococcus aureus
What infections do staphylococcus aureus cause?
- heart valves, kidneys, brain, bacteremia, food poisoning
Which group of bacteria colonizes the nasopharynx and skin and is beta-hemolytic?
Group A streptococcus
What type of infections does GAS cause?
- strep throat, scarlet fever, rheumatic fever, glomerulonephritis
What infection is characterized by “pain, tenderness, and localized edema, with lesions that vary in size and may scar despite resolution”?
folliculitis
What pathogens cause Folliculitis?
S. aureus, pseudomonas aeruginosa, candida albicans
How long does it take for folliculitis to resolve?
1-2 weeks
What are furuncles (boils), and how do they come about?
large, painful, raised nodular lesion - extension of folliculitis into surrounding hypodermis (from people trying to squeeze)
- grows larger and more painful (5-7 days) before it develops a yellow white tip that then ruptures and drains
What do multiple furuncles turn into?
carbuncle, occurs in areas where skin is much thicker, deep infection of multiple hair follicles, sometimes associated with fever
What skin infection is associated with those under 5 years old, the elderly and the immunocomprimsed?
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome