Infections and Infestations Flashcards
What is cellulitis
Spreading bacterial infection of the skin involving deep SC tissue
What is Erysipelas
Acute superficial form of cellulitis and involves the dermis and upper SC tissue
Causes of cellulitis
Strep pyogenes and staph aureus
Risk factors for cellulitis
Immunosuppression, wounds, leg ulcers, toeweb intertrigo, and minor skin surgery
Presentation of cellulitis
Most common in the lower limbs, local signs of inflammation, systemically unwell
How to differentiate cellulitis from erysipelas
Erysipelas has a well-defined red raised border
Management of cellulitis
Abx of flucloxacillin or benzylpenicillin, supportive care of rest, leg elevation, sterile dressings, analgesia
Complications of cellulitis
Local necrosis, abscess and septicaemia
What is staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome
Production of circulating epidermolytic toxin from certain staphylococci
Time course of SSSS
Develops within few hours to few days
Who is SSSS commonly seen in
Infancy and early childhood
Where can SSSS present worse
Face, neck, axillae or groins
Presentation of SSSS
Scald-like appearance followed by large flaccid bulla, perioral crusting is typical, intraepidermal blistering in this condition, painful
Recovery of SSSS
Within 5-7 days
Management of SSSS
Abx of systemic penicillinase-resistant penicillin, erythromycin or appropriate cephalosporin, analgesia
