Bacterial Infections

Abstract

Most pyodermas, or bacterial skin infections, are caused by either Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) or group A Streptococcus (Strep). As Table 4-1 shows, Staph infections tend to be localized, whereas Strep infections tend to spread. Cultures from inflamed skin, e.g., infected atopic dermatitis, almost invariably yield both of these organisms. In addition to pre-existing skin disease, many other factors can lead to pyodermas, including: underlying systemic diseases, poor hygiene, occlusion, and immunologic defects, e.g., immunosuppressive therapy and immunodeficiency states. Under such circumstances, normally harmless cutaneous flora can cause clinically troublesome infections.