Skin and soft tissue infections

Abstract

Skin and soft tissue infections in children are an important cause for hospital visits. The main pathogens involved in these infections are Staphylococcus aureus and group A beta-hemolytic streptococci, however, enteric organisms also play a role especially in nosocomial infections. Collection of specimen from lesions should be done prior to initiating antimicrobial therapy. Increasing incidence of methicillin-resistant S. aureus poses challenges for the future. Superficial infections such as folliculitis, pustules, erysipelas, cellulitis, impetigo and bite infections, are the commonest ones seen in day-to-day practice. Deeper infections such as orbital cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis and pyomyositis require surgical intervention as well as parenteral antibacterial therapy. Hand hygiene is an important tool for the prevention and spread of skin and soft tissue infections.