Skin Infections Flashcards
Define Impetigo?
Infection of the epidermis
Define Erysipelas?
Infection of upper dermis
Define Cellulitis?
Infection of the deep dermis & Subcutaneous fat
Define Folliculitis?
Infection of one hair follicle
Define Furunculosis?
An infection of one follicle that spreads to surrounding tissue aka a boil
Define a carbuncle?
An abscess of several follicles with multiple draining points (advances furuncle)
What organisms cause the main surface skin/hair infections?
Staph Aureus
Strep Pyogenes
What can cause impetigo?
Abrasion Trauma Burns Poor Hygiene Insect Bites Chickenpox Eczema Atopic Dermatitis
Basically any skin break
How does impetigo present?
Multiple vesicular lesions on an erythematous base.
Its a golden crusty look on the face/extremities/scalp and mainly in children.
How would you treat impetigo?
Topical Abx, if its too large for topical use oral Abx e.g. flucloxacillin
What are the risk factors for erysipelas/cellulitis?
Pre-existing lymphoedema
Venous stasis
Paraparesis
Obesity
DM
Prior Episodes
Ulcers/wounds
Tinea Pedis
How does erysipelas present?
Erysipelas is a distinct form of superficial cellulitis with a raised, sharply demarcated edge distinguishing it from uninvolved skin.
Comes with associated fever and regional lymphadenopathy & lymphangitis
How does lymphangitis look and what cause sit?
Red lines following the path of lymph vessels, it can lead to fever, chills, malaise and some severe complications.
Comes with erysipelas and cellulitis.
How does cellulitis present?
- A spreading red area with diffuse borders
- Warmth & swelling
- Fever & constitutional symptoms
- Regional Lymphadenopathy & Lymphangitis
How do hair infections present?
Folliculitis - small red papules with a central purulence that may rupture
A Carbuncle appears like sepsis with constitutional symptoms
