Anti Aging Skin Care » Skin Infections » Bacterial Skin Infection

Bacterial Skin Infection

1. Ecthyma
   The same bacteria that cause impetigo cause Ecthyma. The bacteria causing ecthyma is S aureus or S pyogenes. The symptoms of ecthyma include the painful lesions with adherent crusts. It generally appears on the legs. The lesions may subsequently become purulent, poorly healing ulcers. These lesions tend to be deeper seated than those of impetigo. There is more chance of occurrence of ecthyma in persons having diabetes.

   Treatment for ecthyma includes an oral antistaphylococcal antibiotic coupled with warm compresses. Take it three to four times a day.

2. Folliculitis, Furunculosis (furuncles), and Carbunculosis (carbuncles)
   The bacteria S aureus cause folliculitis, although exposure to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in hot tubs or swimming pools may lead to folliculitis. The symptoms of folliculitis include the yellowish pustules at the base of hairs, particularly on the scalp, back, legs and arms. Persons having diabetes are more susceptible to this infection. To treat folliculitis makes frequent use of soap and water. Its treatment also includes the topical antibiotic agents (such as mupirocin or bacitracin - Neosporin, Polysporin). Occasionally, the a systemic antistaphylococcal agent is required.

   Hot-tub folliculitis: It is a special form of folliculitis and caused by Pseudomonas. It occurs due to the use of poorly maintained hot tubs. Its infection can progress to a serious illness in immunocompromised persons. Discontinue the use of hot-tub, if the lesions do not resolve within five days of discontinuing hot-tub use, antibiotics such as ciprofloxacin (Cipro) is used to treat it.

   Furuncles, or boils: They are the more aggressive forms of folliculitis. Its symptoms include a painful, often fluctuant swelling in a non­weight-bearing area, most commonly areas of friction, the nasal area or the external ear. Treatment for furuncles includes the drainage of the lesion. Antibiotic therapy is used if there is evidence of surrounding cellulitis or lymphadenitis, or if the lesion is on the face.

   Carbuncle: It is a collection of furuncles. It generally appears on the back of the neck in middle-aged and older men. Treatment for carbuncle includes the drainage of the lesion and antibiotics. Occasionally surgical drainage and resection of the lesions is necessary.

   Hidradenitis suppurativa: which is related to furuncles often affects persons with concurrent acne conglobata, but also may occur in other persons as well. Its symptoms include chronic and recurrent episodes of multiple furuncles in the axillae, scrotum, mons pubis, labial or inguinal areas. Treatment for hidradenitis suppurativa includes drainage and antibiotics. Also the hormonal treatment with leuprolide (Lupron) and cyproterone acetate (not available in the United States) are used. The use of isotretinoin (Accutane) also benefits the paitient.

3. Erysipelas
   Its symptoms include the skin redness, pain and swelling. The infection generally appears on the legs but may appear on face as well. The patient may look systemically ill, with increased temperature and an elevated white blood cell count. Treatment for erysipelas includes an oral antibiotic (penicillin). Hospital admission should be considered if the sepsis occurred in patient or the significant systemic signs and symptoms occurs in patient.

4. Cellulitis
   Cellulitis is caused by a variety of organisms such as, group A streptococci, Haemophilus influenzae, S. aureus, and, in coastal areas, halophilic Vibrio species. It is a skin infection, but can cause a deep infection under the skin also.

   Symptoms of cellulitis includes tenderness, swelling bruising, warm skin, blisters, headache, and fever. Although each individual may experience different symptoms.

   Treatment for cellulitis includes immobilization and elevation of the affected area, and antibiotics (such as beta-hemolytic streptococci or S. aureus). Also a oral doxycycline twice daily for 10 days and intravenous ceftazidime (Ceptaz, Fortaz, Tazicef) every eight hours for five days is suggested.