Microbial Skin Infections

The skin is the main organ protecting the body from infections. However, various microbes can cause skin infections, with symptoms ranging from mild to severe conditions, affecting not only the skin but also other tissues or the circulatory system.

Skin infections often manifest with rashes, redness, fever, and headache. Conditions such as measles, rubella, and chickenpox cause rashes, while others, e.g. warts and molluscum contagiosum, are associated with the presence of viruses on the skin.

Common Microbial Skin Infections

Impetigo

This is an extremely contagious infection, mainly in children. It causes pus, which resembles melted wax. It appears more often during the summer months and is associated with poor hygiene or itching. It is treated with topical or oral antibiotics such as cephalexin.

 

Erysipelas

A superficial infection that affects the vessels and lymphatic systems, mainly in infants and the elderly. Symptoms include painful, red patches. It is treated with penicillin or erythromycin.

 

Erythrasma

Caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum, it affects areas such as the armpits and intergluteal clefts. Treatment includes topical or oral antibiotics such as erythromycin.

 

Ecthyma

This is a bacterial infection that affects people with weakened immune systems. Initially, it causes red spots that can develop into pustules. Treatment includes mupirocin and dicloxacillin.

 

Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome

Mainly affects children and causes blisters on the skin due to exfoliative toxin from Staphylococcus aureus. Treatment is achieved with antibiotics, and in severe cases, hospitalization is required.

 

Cellulitis

An infection of the subcutaneous tissues, which can spread rapidly and cause systemic symptoms. It is treated with antibiotics such as cephalexin, and hospital monitoring is required if the condition worsens.

 

Folliculitis

Represents inflammation of the hair follicles, mainly due to Staphylococcus aureus. In most cases, treatment with topical antibiotics is sufficient.

 

Abscess

A collection of pus under the skin, usually requiring incision and drainage. It is caused by high concentrations of microorganisms entering through the hair.

 

Paronychia

An infection around the nail that is treated with incision and antibiotics such as cephalexin.

 

Felon

An infection of the fingertip pulp, which causes pain and swelling. If left untreated, it may develop into osteomyelitis.

 

Flexor Tenosynovitis

An infection of the sheath of the flexor tendons, which leads to swelling of the finger. Intravenous treatment with cephalosporins or amoxicillin is needed.

 

Pilonidal Abscess (Pilonidal Cyst)

Develops in the coccyx area and causes follicle blockage and abscesses. Treatment includes incision and drainage, while excision may be required to remove granulation tissue.

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