The skin is the largest and arguably the most vulnerable organ in the human body. Scratches and scrapes, bites and puncture wounds, impetigo and erysipelas - all these disruptions can lead to pain, itching, and/or systemic symptoms. In this presentation, we will review both superficial and deeper skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs), with special focus on specific presenting concerns commonly seen in Urgent Care.
Learning Objectives:
List the layers and other anatomic features of the skin, identifying which are involved in particular infections.
Discuss how to approach infections that may necessitate bedside operative intervention (e.g., incision and drainage).
Summarize antimicrobial treatments based on suspected pathogens.
Distinguish infections that may require parenteral treatment and/or hospitalization.
Examine the role of consultants (e.g., General Surgery, Wound Care) in treating SSTIs.