chapter 15

Abscesses

• Localized collection of pus in infected tissue

• ØCan be limited to epidermis (e.g., impetigo) or involve subcutaneous fat (e.g., cellulitis)

• Result in death of infected tissue

• Can spread with alarming rapidity along muscle surfaces; interrupted blood flow

˜Spreading infections

• Localized collection of pus in infected tissue

• ØCan be limited to epidermis (e.g., impetigo) or involve subcutaneous fat (e.g., cellulitis)

• Result in death of infected tissue

• Can spread with alarming rapidity along muscle surfaces; interrupted blood flow

˜Necrotizing infections

• Localized collection of pus in infected tissue

• ØCan be limited to epidermis (e.g., impetigo) or involve subcutaneous fat (e.g., cellulitis)

• Result in death of infected tissue

˜Necrotizing infections

• Localized collection of pus in infected tissue

• ØCan be limited to epidermis (e.g., impetigo) or involve subcutaneous fat (e.g., cellulitis)

• ØCan spread with alarming rapidity along muscle surfaces; interrupted blood flow

Abscesses

• ØCan be limited to epidermis (e.g., impetigo) or involve subcutaneous fat (e.g., cellulitis)

• ØDefense mechanism to prevent spread of infectious material to other areas

• Can spread with alarming rapidity along muscle surfaces; interrupted blood flow

Most common cause is Staphylococcus aureus

Exposure to Pseudomonas aeruginosa in hot tubs or pools may also be causative

Infection begins in hair follicle (folliculitis)

Collections of furuncles can fuse to form carbuncles

• ˜Furuncles (Boils)

• Cellulitis

• ˜Impetigo (Pyoderma)

• ˜S. aureus toxin

ØAcute infection of dermis and subcutaneous tissue

ØUsually caused by S. aureus, streptococci, or other bacteria

ØResults from either superficial skin lesion or trauma

ØSystemic antibiotics, local compresses, analgesics

• ˜Furuncles (Boils)

• Cellulitis

• ˜Impetigo (Pyoderma)

• ˜S. aureus toxin

ØSuperficial skin infections limited to epidermis

ØCommon in infants and children

ØPeople who play contact sports are susceptible

ØTreatment depends on age of child and severity of infections

•Includes hygienic measures, topical treatment, oral antibiotics

• ˜Furuncles (Boils)

• Cellulitis

• ˜Impetigo (Pyoderma)

• ˜S. aureus toxin

S. aureus toxin

Effects top layer of epidermis

Ritters Syndrome in infants                                  

Dehydration

Secondary infections

• MRSA Infections

• Scalded Skin Syndrome

• Staphylococcal Skin Infections

• Pyoderma

Methicillin-resistant S. aureus

Often nosocomial

Healthcare-associated MRSA (HA-MRSA)

Community-associated MRSA (CA-MRSA)

• MRSA Infections

• Scalded Skin Syndrome

• Staphylococcal Skin Infections

• Pyoderma