Skin and soft tissue infections

Skin and Soft Tissue Infections
Synonyms	N/A
Pronounce	N/A
Specialty	N/A
Symptoms	Redness, swelling, pain, warmth
Complications	Abscess, sepsis
Onset	N/A
Duration	N/A
Types	N/A
Causes	Bacterial infection
Risks	Diabetes, immunosuppression
Diagnosis	N/A
Differential diagnosis	N/A
Prevention	N/A
Treatment	Antibiotics, drainage
Medication	N/A
Prognosis	N/A
Frequency	N/A
Deaths	N/A

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are infections that occur in the skin, subcutaneous tissue, fascia, or muscle. These infections can range from mild to severe and can be caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses, or fungi.

Types

SSTIs can be classified into several types based on the depth and severity of the infection:

• Cellulitis: A common bacterial skin infection that causes redness, swelling, and pain in the affected area.
• Impetigo: A highly contagious skin infection that mainly affects infants and children, characterized by red sores on the face.
• Necrotizing fasciitis: A severe infection that spreads rapidly and destroys the body's soft tissue.
• Abscess: A collection of pus that has built up within the tissue of the body.

Causes

SSTIs are most commonly caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. These bacteria can enter the body through cuts, abrasions, or other breaks in the skin.

Risk Factors

Several factors can increase the risk of developing SSTIs, including:

• Diabetes
• Immunosuppression
• Chronic venous insufficiency
• Obesity
• Poor hygiene

Symptoms

Common symptoms of SSTIs include:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Pain
• Warmth in the affected area
• Fever

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of SSTIs is typically based on clinical examination. In some cases, laboratory tests such as blood cultures or wound cultures may be performed to identify the causative organism.

Treatment

Treatment of SSTIs depends on the severity and type of infection. Options include:

• Antibiotics: Oral or intravenous antibiotics are used to treat bacterial infections.
• Incision and drainage: Surgical intervention may be necessary to drain abscesses.
• Supportive care: Pain management and wound care are important aspects of treatment.

Prevention

Preventive measures include:

• Maintaining good hygiene
• Proper wound care
• Managing underlying conditions such as diabetes

Complications

If left untreated, SSTIs can lead to serious complications such as:

• Sepsis
• Osteomyelitis
• Gangrene

See also

• Infectious disease
• Antimicrobial resistance

External links

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
• World Health Organization