epidemiology: Staphylococcus aureus; normal bacterial
microbiota in up to 30% of normal humans
pathogenesis: infected skin follicle leads to formation of
an abscess;
complications - multiple abscesses (carbuncles);
"blood poisoning" (toxemia) due to systemic distribution of toxin
or bacteria; osteomyelitis
treatment:
"lance" abscess; treat with bacitracin, vancomycin or other antimicrobial
agents that are resistant to bacterial enzymes that destroy penicillins
... more info
prevention: personal hygiene; avoid contact with boils on
other people
epidemiology: Candida
albicans, this dimorphic fungus
is a member of the normal microbiota; likelihood of developing disease
is enhanced by chronic skin moisture, especially in immunosuppressed
individuals (AIDS, diabetes, etc.) ... more info ... even more
info
pathogenesis: as Candida grows on the skin, it induces a
bright red inflammation, blister-like superficial lesions or more
severe lesions all of which are perhaps related to hypersensitivity;
it sometimes occurs around the mouth (angular chelitis); complications
include systemic infection, which can lead to fulminating disease
and death
treatment: clotrimazole, miconazole or nystatin for skin
infections; oral ketoconazole for systemic infections
pathogenesis: recurrent chronic lesions (blisters) on
face, fingers, hands ... becomes latent in local nerves and exhibits
recurrence during periods of stress (physical or psychological);
herpes means "to creep"
treatment: acyclovir (zovirax) shortens episode, slows
recurrence; valtrex is a second generation version of zovirax
... works better
prevention: avoid contact with skin sores on other people
