Top 5 Skin Infectious Diseases

Introduction

When the skin is infected by bacteria, viruses, fungus or by other organism it is called a skin infection. It causes dermatitis and inflammation of the skin. Most of the infection of the skin can spread by direct contact or by contact with the causative organism.

Skin infectious diseases can be classified according to their prevalence and the causative agent. Let's look at the top five skin infectious diseases commonly seen.

Step 1

Impetigo

Impetigo is a type of skin infectious disease, caused by the organism staphylococcus aureus. Sometimes they are also caused by organism staphylococcus pyogenes. This disease mainly affects kids. They are commonly seen on the face or the extremities after trauma. The diagnosis of skin infectious diseases is made by the doctor after doing a skin culture test. Treatment for this disease usually involves application of topical ointments. It usually takes 2 to 3 weeks for completing the treatment. In cases where there is extensive spread of the disease over the body. It might be required to administer drugs via the systemic route.

Step 2

Folliculitis

Skin infectious diseases affecting the hair follicle is called folliculitis. This is caused by the organism staphylococcus aureus. Sometimes a pustule that is formed will become large red in color and become tender and can become quite painful. This pustule can also rupture causing discharge. Once the pustule rupture the pain also subsides. The treatment for this disease also involves administration of topical ointment containing clindamycin, erythromycin or other antibacterial agents.

Step 3

Ecthyma

This is a cutaneous skin infectious diseases which is characterized by ulceration and erosion of the skin. This is usually as a result of neglected impetigo. It is usually seen in homeless persons and people living in hot and humid climate. The pathological organism causing this disease is staphylococcus aureus or staphylococcus pyogenes. When impetigo is untreated the disease starts penetrating deeper into the skin producing a shallow crusted ulcer. This disease has characteristic vesicles that have a punched out ulceration. This disease is mostly seen in the legs. This disease is confirmed by undergoing skin culture test and by isolating the organism by a microbiologist.

Step 4

Cellulitis and Erysipelas

Skin infectious diseases characterized by an involvement of the lymphatic vessels of the skin are called Erysipelas .When the disease goes deeper into the sub cutis, it causes cellulitis. These skin infectious diseases are mostly seen in young children and the elderly. People with diabetes mellitus, history of trauma and obesity are at higher risk. This disease usually results in the formation of painful, well-defined indurated reddish plaque on the face or on the legs. In the case of the cellulitis, the skin becomes warm reddish and after few days, it can become painful. When the disease progresses to the level of cellulitis, there will be other symptoms like the regional lymphadenopathy. This disease is treated by the antibiotic penicillin.

Step 5

Candidiasis

Skin infectious diseases caused by fungal infection are called as candidiasis. The organism causing this is Candida albicans. They are commonly seen in diabetics, elderly and patient receiving antibiotics. The diagnosis of this disease is made by the clinical examination and by undergoing a fungal culture. The treatment involves application of topical antifungal ointments, and in severe case antifungal drugs are given systemically.

Tips

These are some of the top five skin infectious diseases commonly seen around the world. They are not difficult to diagnose but requires quick action on the patients behalf.

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