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Bacterial Skin Infections

Cellulitis

• Bacterial infection of the skin deep dermis
• Most commonly caused by Staphylococcus and Streptococcus

Clinical Presentation

• Warm
• Red
• Tender
• Fever/chills

Labs and Studies

• Clinical diagnosis
• Culture not very helpful

Treatment

• Oral penicillinase resistant penicillin
  • dicloxacillin or a cephalosporin
• If admitted IV cephalosporins
• Draw out the margins so you can follow the treatment

Erysipelas

• Similar to cellulitis, but more superficial.
• Erysipelas is most commonly caused by group A Strep

Clinical Presentation

• Rash often found on the face
• Warm
• Red
• Swollen
• May be very painful
• This area of infection expands over hours to days
• High fevers

Treatment

• IV antibiotics are recommended in most cases which may include dicloxacillin or first generation cephalosporins
• Treatment response is good however without treatment sepsis is likely

Impetigo

• Caused by Staph Aureus or Strep Pyoderma
• Transmitted by skin to skin contact
• Typically predicated by abrasions or bites, but may appear with very poor hygiene.

Clinical Presentation

• Groups of vesicles
• The vesicles rupture and leak production the honey colored scabs
• Bulea which will rupture causing honey colored scabs

Labs and Studies

• Clinical diagnosis
• Cultures may be useful

Treatment

• Topical antibiotic for minor infections
  • Mupirocin (Bactroban)
• Oral antibiotic for more severe infection
  • Dicloxacillin