Folliculitis
Characterized by the inflammation of this part of the skin, that is found at the centre of each lesion (KEY TO DIAGNOSIS)
Hair follicle (therefore found everywhere)
Furuncles & carbuncles are a progression of folliculitis; where carbuncles have this particular quality
Contagious
Children
Red flag symptoms
Fever & painful, scarlet-coloured skin
Infection of superficial epidermis (aka ____), dermis and/or subcutaneous tissues (aka____)
Erysipelas; cellulitis
Usually caused by this bacteria
Staph. aureus
Very uncommon in this age group
children
It is a superficial staph/strep infection of any exposed skin, with these particular risk factors
Broken skin (insect bites, abrasions, dermatitis); warm/humid climates
Most common in people of this age range
Children under 6 years old
Most common SSTI in ERs; high fever, severe pain, >50% limb/torso; risks septic shock
Methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA)
What sensations does this rash give to the patient?
May be pruritic/tender
Risk factors
Puberty, immunosuppression, diabetes, friction
It appears as a a papule, then vesicle or bulla that ruptures into this characteristic clinical presentation
Honey coloured crust on shallow erythetamous base
Clinical presentation includes this sign - where the top layer of skin slips away from the lower layer when rubbed; along with widespread flaccid bullae
Nikolsky sign
Characteristic streaking of draining lymphatic vessels; often occurs with erysipelas & cellulitis
Lymphangitis
The appearance is _____ on an erythetamous rim
Pustules
Main features of the pathophysiology
Walled off collection of pus, lymphadenopathy & systemic symptoms
Patient may experience this sensation
Itching
Progression includes these two things
Sepsis & respiratory distress
Destruction of fascia & fat; polymicrobial; severe pain; blue-gray skin color
Necrotizing fasciitis
Most common diagnostic test
Culture (to reveal/confirm causative agent)
Diagnostic test & important considerations
Gram stain & culture to rule out MRSA & isolate causative agent
Dianostic testing includes these two things
Gram stain positive & regional lymphadenopathy
Biopsy
In children, ___ is the most common bacteria; in adults ____ & ____
haemophilus influenza B; group A strep/S. aureus