SKIN INFECTIONS

1. PRESENTED BY
MONIKA DEVI
MSC(N)
HCN, SRHU
Skin infections

2. Definition
 skin is the largest organ of your body.
 Its function is to protect from infection. Sometimes the skin
itself becomes infected.
 Skin infections are caused by a wide variety of germs, and
symptoms can vary from mild to serious. Mild infections may
be treatable with over-the-counter medications and home
remedies, whereas other infections may require medical
attention

3. Types
The following are four different types of skin infections:
1. Bacterial skin infections:-
Bacterial skin infections often begin as small, red bumps that
slowly increase in size. Some bacterial infections are mild and easily
treated with topical antibiotics, but other infections require an oral
antibiotic. Different types of bacterial skin infections include:
1. Cellulites
2. Impetigo
3. Boils
4. Leprosy

4. 1. Bacterial skin infections
Boil Impetigo

5. Cont.
Cellulites Leprosy

6. Cont…
2. Viral skin infections
Viral skin infections are caused by a virus. These infections range
from mild to severe. Different types of viral infections include:
1. Shingles (herpes zoster)
2. Chickenpox
3. Molluscum contagiosum
4. Warts
5. Measles
6. Hand, foot, and mouth disease

7. 2. Viral skin infections
Shingles Chicken pox

8. Molluscum contagiosum warts

9. Cont…
Measles Hand Foot And Mouth

10. Cont…
3. Fungal skin infections
These types of skin infections are caused by a fungus and are most likely
to develop in damp areas of the body, such as the feet or armpit. Some
fungal infections aren’t contagious, and these infections are typically
non-life-threatening.
Different types of fungal infections:
1. Athlete’s Foot
2. Yeast Infection
3. Ringworm
4. Nail Fungus
5. Oral Thrush
6. Diaper Rash

11. 3. Fungal skin infections
Yeast Infection Athlete’s Foot

12. Cont…
Ring Worm Nail fungus

13. Cont…
Oral Thrush Diaper Rash

14. Cont…
4. Parasitic skin infection
These types of skin infections are caused by a parasite. These
infections can spread beyond the skin to the bloodstream and
organs. A parasitic infection isn’t life-threatening but can be
uncomfortable. Different types of parasitic skin infections include:
1. Lice
2. Bedbugs
3. Scabies
cutaneous larva migrans

15. 4. Parasitic skin infections
Bed bug scabies Lice

16. Symptoms
The symptoms of a skin infection also vary depending on the type.
Common symptoms include:-
1. Redness of the skin and a rash.
2. Itching,
3. Pain,
4. tenderness.

17. Cont…
Signs of a severe infection include:-
1. Pus
2. Blisters
3. Skin sloughing, breakdown
4. Dark, necrotic-appearing skin, or skin that becomes
discolored and painful

18. Causes
The cause of a skin infection depends on the type of infection.
1. Bacterial skin infection:-
This occurs when bacteria enter the body through a break in the
skin, such as a cut or a scratch.
 A decreased immune system can be the result of an illness or the
side effect of medication.

19. Cont…
2. Viral skin infection:-
The most common viruses come from one of three groups of
viruses:-
1. Poxvirus
2. Human papillomavirus,
3. Herpes virus.

20. Cont…
3. Parasitic skin infection:-
Tiny insects or organisms burrowing underneath the skin and
laying eggs can cause a parasitic skin infection.

21. Cont…
4. Fungal infection:-
Fungi grow in warm, moist environments. Wearing sweaty or wet
clothes is a risk factor for skin infections. A break or cut in the skin
may allow bacteria to get into the deeper layers of the skin.

22. Diagnosis
 History collection
 Physical examination
 skin cell examination to identify the infection

23. Treatment
1. Treatment depends on the cause of the infection and the severity.
2. Some types of viral skin infections may improve on their own
within days or weeks.
3. Bacterial infections are often treated with topical antibiotics
applied directly to the skin or with oral antibiotics.
4. If the strain of bacteria is resistant to treatment, treating the
infection may require intravenous antibiotics administered in the
hospital.

24. Cont…
5. Antifungal sprays and creams to treat a fungal skin infection.
6. If the condition doesn’t improve, with oral or topical creams.
7. In addition, apply medicated creams to skin to treat parasitic
skin infections.
8. Doctor may also recommend medications to reduce discomfort
like anti-inflammatory drugs.

25. Conclusion
1. The prognosis for a skin infection varies depending on the cause.
2. Most types of bacterial infections respond well to medications.
3. Certain strains of bacteria, such as methicillin-resistant
staphylococcus aureus (MRSA), are resistant to common
antibiotics and are more difficult to treat.

26. Prevention
There are several ways to reduce the chances of developing a skin
infection.
1. Frequent hand washing is one of the best ways.
2. Skin infections can vary from mild to severe.
3. Make an appointment with doctor if you have a skin condition
that’s causing discomfort. Your doctor will be able to provide the
necessary treatment for recovery.

27. Dermatosis

28. Dermatosis
 Dermatosis is a term that refers to diseases of the integumentary
system. This classification includes everything on the surface of
the body: skin, nails, and hair.
 Any condition affecting the skin could be categorized a
dermatosis.
 This doesn’t include skin conditions that involve inflammation
(that would be dermatitis).

29. Cont…
 Skin is the largest organ on your body. Thousands of documented
conditions can affect the skin, hair, and nails.
 Skin has several layers, including the epidermis, the dermis, and
the subcutaneous tissue.
 A dermatosis may involve changes in any or all of these skin layers.
Terms may hear to describe dermatosis of the skin include:

30. Cont…
To describe dermatosis of the skin include:
1. Rash:- A wide variety of skin conditions that are red and raised
2. Lesion:- An area of skin that is abnormal
3. Macule:- A change in color or consistency of the skin
4. Papule:- A bump on the skin smaller than 1 cm in diameter

31. Cont…
 Nodule:- A bump on the skin larger than 1 cm in diameter
 Plaque: - A large area of affected skin with defined edges that may
flake or peel
 Vesicles and bullae:- Raised bumps that are filled with fluid
 Lichenification:- A thick discoloration of skin, such as lichen on a
tree
 Pustules:- A bump that contains pus, possibly due to infection

32. Common skin conditions
There are thousands of different skin conditions. Some of
the most common forms of dermatosis include:
 Acne :- When the oil glands in skin cause pimples and
scarring
 Impetigo:- A skin infection caused by bacteria
 Melanoma:- The most serious form of skin cancer
 basal cell carcinoma:- The most common form of skin
cancer that strikes in the top layer of the epidermis

33. Cont…
 Moles: - Dark growths on the skin
 Actinic keratosis:- Crusty pre-cancerous growths caused by sun
damage
 Erythema nodosum: - Inflammation of fat under the skin of the
shins, resulting in red lumps
 Lupus erythrematosus:- An autoimmune disease that may create a
“butterfly” rash on the face
 Morphea:- Localized scleroderma, or hardened patches of skin

34. CONT…
 Vitiligo :- white of patches of skin
 Tinea :- Fungal infection of skin that leaves round marks
 Nail clubbing :- When nails curve around the fingertips due to low
oxygen levels in the blood
 Spoon nails (koilonychia):- An indication of iron deficiency or
liver condition called hemochromatosis

35. CONT…
 Onycholysis :- When the fingernails become loose and separate
from the nail bed
 Beau’s lines:- Indentations that run across the nails
 Yellow nail syndrome:- A discoloration of the nails
 Alopecia areata :- Hair loss in round patches
 Head lice:- Miniscule parasitic insects that live on the scalp
 Wrinkles:- The influence of aging on skin

36. causes
Dermatosis is caused by a number of different reasons. Still, the
origins of some skins conditions are unknown. The most common
causes of dermatosis include:
 Autoimmune disorders:- This occurs when a person’s body starts
to attack itself and can cause skin conditions to develop such as
vitiligo, lupus, and alopecia areata.
 Bacteria: -The bacteria Staphylococcus
aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes can cause skin infections
such as impetigo.

37. CONT…
 fungus:- The fungus can cause skin infections, such as Athlete’s
foot.
 genetic susceptibility:-
 viruses:- The HIV/AIDS virus is a common cause of ashy
dermatosis.

38. Less common example of dermatosis
Some less common examples of dermatosis include:
 Transient acantholytic dermatosis (Grover’s disease):-
chronic, itchy blistering triggered by heat or sweating
 Acute febrile neutrophilic dermatosis (Sweet’s syndrome):-
red, swollen rash with fever and papules filled with white blood
cells
 Ashy dermatosis:- gray or bluish-brown colored macules that
develop on the body

39. Cont…
 Rheumatoid neutrophilic dermatosis:- A skin manifestation of
rheumatoid arthritis
 Dermatosis papulosa nigra:- Many small, benign, dark skin lesions on
the face, often in dark-skinned people
 Dermatosis neglecta:- Wart-like plaque caused by inadequate washing of
a patch of skin
 Linear lichenoid dermatosis:- skin condition in children that results in
small, scaly papules

40. Cont…
 Pigmented purpuric dermatosis:- reddish-brown patches of skin that
may look like individual dots, caused when capillaries leak,
 Digitate dermatosis:-finger shaped psoriatic rash at the side of your
waist
 Contagious pustular dermatosis:- papules caused by direct contact
with sheep affected with sheep pox
 Juvenile plantar dermatosis:- when the soles of the feet in children
begin to crack and peel

41. Diagnosis
 History collection
 Physical examination
 Skin biopsy
 Patch test are used in the allergic contact dermatitis

42. Treatment
Steroid creams or ointments. These topically applied creams or
ointments help soothe the rash of contact dermatitis. A topical
steroid may be applied one or two times a day for two to four
weeks.
 Oral medications. In severe cases oral corticosteroids is
prescribed to reduce inflammation,
 hydrocortisone
 Antihistamines to relieve itching
 Antibiotics to fight a bacterial infection.

43. Cont…
 Treatments for dermatosis are often specific to the underlying
condition.
 The treatments for hair loss related to alopecia are understandably not
the same as those for acne.
 However, there are guidelines to keep in mind when a dermatosis-
related skin condition.
Good, general treatment practices include:
 Avoid rubbing, itching, or picking at the affected area
 wash hands regularly to avoid transmitting bacteria, fungus, or viruses
to others.

44. Cont…
 avoid sharing personal care items, such as razors, towels, hairbrushes, or bed
linens, with others to avoid transmitting a condition to another.
 keep the affected area clean and dry
 wash the skin regularly with an antibacterial soap that doesn’t have harsh
fragrances or dyes

45. Dermatitis

46. Introduction
 Dermatitis is a general term for skin inflammation.
 The skin will typically appear dry, swollen, and red.
 The condition can have many causes, but it’s not contagious.
 Dermatitis can be uncomfortable for some.
 Itchy skin may range from mild to severe.
 Certain types of dermatitis can last a long time, while others may flare up,
depending on the season, exposures, or stress.
 Some types are more common in children, and others are more common in
adults.

47. Causes
 The causes of dermatitis vary depending on the type of dermatitis:
 Contact dermatitis occurs when a person come in direct contact
with an irritant or allergen.
 Common things that cause allergic reactions include detergents,
cosmetics and poison.

48. Causes
 Eczema is caused by a combination of factors like dry skin, environmental
setting, and bacteria on the skin. It’s often genetic, as people with eczema
often have a family history of eczema, allergies, or asthma.
 Seborrheic dermatitis is likely caused by a fungus in the oil glands. It
tends to get worse in the spring and winter. This type of dermatitis also
appears to be genetic for some people.
 Stasis dermatitis occurs due to poor circulation in the body, most
commonly the lower legs and feet.

49. Risk factors
 Certain things can trigger dermatitis and cause symptoms to flare,
such as
 stress
 hormonal changes
 the environment
 irritating substances
 Some types, such as dyshidrotic eczema, neurodermatitis, and
nummular dermatitis may have unknown causes.

50. Risk factors
Factors that increase the chances of getting dermatitis include:
 Age
 Environment
 A family history of dermatitis

51. Symptoms
The symptoms of dermatitis range from mild to severe and will look
different depending on what part of the body is affected. Not all
people with dermatitis experience all symptoms.
 In general, the symptoms of dermatitis may include:
 Rashes
 Blisters

52. Cont…
 Dry, cracked skin
 Itchy skin
 Painful skin, with stinging or burning
 Redness
 Swelling

53. Types
Here are the most common types of dermatitis:
 Atopic dermatitis, or eczema, is usually inherited and develops during
infancy. Someone with eczema likely has rough patches of dry, itchy skin.
 Contact dermatitis occurs when a substance touches the skin and causes an
allergic reaction or irritation. These reactions can develop further into rashes
that burn, sting, itch, or blister.
 In dyshidrotic dermatitis, the skin can’t protect itself, resulting in itchy,
dry skin, often with small blisters. This occurs mainly on the feet and hands.

54.  Seborrhic dermatitis, also known as cradle cap in babies, is most
common on the scalp. It can cause scaly patches, red skin, and
dandruff, and it can also occur on other areas of the skin, such as the
face or chest.
Other types of dermatitis include the following:
 Neurodermatitis involves an itchy patch often triggered by stress
or something irritating the skin.
 Nummular dermatitis involves oval sores on the skin and often
occurs after injury to the skin.
 Stasis dermatitis involves skin changes due to poor blood
circulation.

55. Diagnosis
 History taking
 Physical examination
 Skin parch test for causative organism

56. Treatment
 Treatments for dermatitis depend on the type, severity of
symptoms, and the cause.
 Skin may clear up on its own after one to three weeks. If it doesn’t,
dermatologist may recommend:
 Medications to reduce allergies and itching, such as the
antihistamine diphenhydramine
 Phototherapy, or exposing affected areas to controlled amounts of
light
 Topical creams with a steroid like hydrocortisone to relieve itching
and inflammation

57. Cont….
 creams or lotions for dry skin
 oatmeal baths to relieve itching
 Antibiotics or antifungal medications are usually given only if an
infection has developed. Infections can occur when the skin is
broken due to intense scratching.
 Dermatitis can sometimes flare up when stressed. patient may
look into alternative therapies like acupuncture, massage, and
yoga to reduce stress.
 Taking dietary supplements, such as vitamin D and probiotics,
may help you manage the symptoms of eczema,

58. The role of the nurse in Treating common skin
problems
 The nurse has an important role in the management of patients with skin
disorders :-
Multi-faceted role:-
 Patient-oriented role: explain, reassure, help with social and psychological
consequences
 Public health role: educate patients and public about eczema, psoriasis,
acne and skin cancer; also duty to inform health authority of any notifiable
disease.
 Audit: ensure a high standard of care
 Research: increase knowledge of the aetiology and mechanism of skin
disease and current treatments.

59. Cont…
 Outlines a simple plan of treatment and gives information
 Makes a follow-up appointment to check correct implementation
of treatment and reinforce advice
 Informs patient sensitively that in the treatment of eczema and
psoriasis, control and care are the goal5
 Encourages patient to keep a diary of treatment and progress.

60. Prevention
 Awareness is the first step in avoiding dermatitis.
 Avoid contact with allergens or substances that cause rashes, such
as poison ivy.
 If the patient have eczema, which isn’t always preventable, than
the best option is to prevent a flare-up of symptoms.
 Avoid scratching the affected area. Scratching can open or reopen
wounds and spread the bacteria to another part of your body.
 Another way to prevent excess dry skin is by taking shorter baths,
using mild soaps, and using warm instead of hot water. Most
people also find relief by moisturizing frequently.

61. summary

62. Conclusion
 While dermatitis isn’t considered a serious medical condition,
excessive scratching can lead to open sores and infections. These
can spread, but they rarely become life-threatening.
 People can prevent or control potential flare-ups with treatment.

63. References
 Brunner and Suddarth’s. Textbook of Medical Surgical Nursing
12th Edition

64. Thank You