Medicine Lines

Tinea Barbae

2012-10-19T18:50:00.002-07:00

Tinea Barbae: The picture show fungal infection of the beard area.

Tinea Barbae

Tinea barbae is the superficial fungal infection of the beard and moustache area in men. It is characterized by the appearance of a swelling over the surface of the skin.

Mode of Transmission

The most common route for the transmission of tinea barbae infection is directly from man to man by sharing contaminated stuffs like towels, which occurs usually at the barber shop. Tinea barbae affects animals as well; so it may be transmitted to those dealing with these infected animals.

Symptoms

The symptoms of tinea barbae include the development of a kerion-like lesion over the surface of the skin with the overlying hair very loose. Sometimes, it is presented by a well-defined red and dry scaly patch over the surface of the skin. And, the overlying hair appears lusterless and easily broken-off. Tinea barbae may appear very similar to furuncles or boils. However, it is much less painful.

Treatment

The treatment of tinea barbae is similar to that of other superficial skin fungal infections. It depends mainly on topical and systemic anti-fungal medications to kill the fungi. Topical anti-fungal ointments such as miconazole (Monistat) are usually effective when accompanied with systemic anti-fungal drugs such as Griseofulvin (Grifulvin). It is recommended that the treatment last for six to ten weeks to eradicate the infection completely.

Tinea Capitis

2012-10-19T18:44:00.001-07:00

Tinea Capitis with focal loss of Hair
Source: PubMed

Tinea Capitis

Tinea capitis is the superficial fungal infection of the scalp caused by tinea or dermatophytes. It affects mainly children; however, adults may be also affected. There are four types of tinea Capitis. Each has its characteristic appearance and symptoms. Tinea capitis may lead to hair loss, so it should be treated properly as soon as possible.

How can one get infected?

Tinea capitis may be transmitted via different routes of transmission. Any infected person or animal can directly transmit the causative organism of tinea capitis directly to another uninfected person.

In other cases, it may be transmitted indirectly through sharing contaminated stuffs such as caps, combs or even beds. Rarely, tinea Capitis is transmitted through air.

Whatever the way of their transmission, these organisms can't infect a person unless there is a slight abrasion in the scalp for the fungus to be inoculated through.

Symptoms

The symptoms of tinea capitis differ according to the causative organism. There are four different types caused by different fungi. They include:

- Scaly Type

The scaly type of tinea Capitis is caused by microsporum audouinii and canis. It is characterized by well-defined patch covered by fine grayish scales with the hair around it affected. The hair appears lusterless and easily breaks-off. Sometimes, it becomes very loose, and is epilated easily leaving behind an area of complete hair loss, or alopecia areata.

In some cases, multiple lesions are present, and if they aren't treated properly, the whole scalp may be affected.

- Black Dots Type

The black dots type of tinea capitis is caused by trichophyton tonsurans and violaceum. It is characterized by presence of hairless patch doted in black. These black dots are actually hair, but broken at the surface of the skin.

- Kerion Type

Kerion, which is an abscess like swelling, is caused by animal fungi. It is characterized by the appearance of a swelling raised over the surface of the skin with loose hair overlying it. If a single hair is removed, semi-transparent discharge comes out. Sometimes, a crust may be formed. Ulcerations and sinuses may occur, as well.

In some cases, it is presented, in a different way, by a well-defined red plaque over the skin with many pus-containing papules, or pustules, above it.

- Favus Type

Trichophyton schoeleinii is the causative organism of the favus type of tinea capitis, which is characterized by the formation of a special lesion called sulphur cap or scutula. Sulphur cap is a concave yellow crust, present around the base of the hair shaft, and of mousy odor. It destroys the hair follicles, so it usually leads to hair loss.

Treatment

The treatment of tinea capitis should be started immediately, as it may end in complete hair loss. It is usually achieved by a combination of anti-fungal medications, either topical such as miconazole (Monistat) and systemic such as Griseofulvin (Grifulvin). anti-bacterial antibiotics to fight the accompanying bacterial infections. Anti-septic solutions such as k. permanganate (Chameleon mineral) are recommended in kerions to remove the crusts. The treatment of tinea capitis should last for at least six to ten weeks to completely get rid of fungi.

Tuberculosis of the skin (Skin TB)

2012-10-19T18:39:00.002-07:00

Tuberculosis of the Skin: The picture shows positive tuberculin test

Tuberculosis of the skin (Skin TB)

Tuberculosis of the skin or skin TB is a part of TB disease that affects most of the body organs and systems. Tuberculosis is caused by a certain species of bacteria called mycobacterium tuberculosis. There are different forms of skin TB. However, the commonest type is Lupus Vulgaris (L.V.).

TB bacteria affect mainly the respiratory system. Lungs are the main target of m. tuberculosis. So, how do TB bacilli reach the skin?

TB bacteria reach the skin either directly through direct contact with stuffs contaminated by TB bacteria such as mucous secretions of TB patients, tissues or etc. They can also the skin from the underlying infected joints of glands. In rare cases, TB may spread by blood.

Symptoms

The symptoms of skin TB or Lupus Vulgaris include the development of well-defined reddish brown skin patches formed of small yellowish brown nodules, known as apple jelly nodules. Tuberculosis of the skin tends to appear on the face, limbs or the buttocks.

Complications

Tuberculosis is a serious health condition that usually leads to serious complications. The complications of skin tuberculosis include disfigurement due to extensive scarring and great tissue destruction. If these disfigurements occur near the eye, nose or mouth, other serious complications other scaring occur. Ectropion, or outward turn of the lower eyelid, nose destruction and microstomia, or small mouth, are examples of these complications.

In other cases, skin tuberculosis may complicate with frequent attacks of erysipelas or even tumor development.

Treatment

Tuberculosis of the skin is not treated alone. It must be treated as a part of the treatment of the systemic TB. There are many treatment regimens available for TB. The doctor decides the best treatment regimen. DOTS is one of the most famous treatment regimen for TB, and it should be continued for at least uninterrupted three months.

The Thyroid Gland

2012-10-19T17:34:00.000-07:00

The Thyroid Gland

The thyroid gland is a small structure located in the front of the neck. It looks like a butterfly, as it is formed of two lobes connected together with a small fleshy part called the ismuth. It secretes a hormone called thyroxin hormone or the thyroid hormone directly into the blood. Thyroxin hormone is very essential for life.

Thyroxin

Thyroxin is the hormone synthesized by the thyroid gland, and then it is secreted into the blood to be distributed to the whole body. It is a very important hormone for life. The level of thyroxin hormone in the blood is controlled through various factors. Any disturbance to this level either by increase or decrease, leads to significant changes in the body.

Thyroxin hormone plays great role in facilitating the metabolism process, the process that converts the foods we eat into energy to be utilized by the cells in the various biological operations. Therefore, any change in the level of thyroxin leads to significant change in or BMR, or basic metabolic rate which refers to the amount of calories utilized by every square meter of the body surface area. This makes the thyroid hormone influences the weight of the body significantly to the degree that makes laboratory assessment of the level of it in the blood a routine test in all cases of obesity or sliming.

Thyroxin also increases the breakdown of proteins and the utilization of glucose by the body cells. In addition, the action of several hormones especially adrenaline, are affected by the level of thyroxin. Our cells tend to be more sensitive to adrenaline if thyroxin is secreted in high levels.

Disorders of Thyroxin

Any change in the level of Thyroxin inside our bodies leads to significant disturbance in our metabolism. If its levels are increased, a condition called thryo-toxicosis occurs. And, if it is decreased, Goiter occurs.

Topical Skin Preparations

2012-10-19T17:28:00.002-07:00

Topical Skin Preparations

Topical skin preparations are present in many forms. These preparations are applied directly on the skin to do their actions exclusively on the particular injured or diseased part without the need of administrating them systemically, either via a blood vessel or Intra-venous or through mouth (parenteral). This provides direct and rapid effect on the injury.

Each topical preparation is formed of two main ingredients, the active ingredient which do the job and a vehicle that facilitates the delivery of the active ingredient to the injured skin. According to the type and the characters of the vehicle come the different forms of topical preparations.

There are different types of vehicles available nowadays. Each of them has its characteristic features that make it suitable for specific types of injuries. There are five main categories of vehicles, liquids, creams, powder, ointment and gel.

Liquids

Liquids or solutions are formed mainly of water or alcohol with glycerin. They may be used as solutions for cleansing the injured skin and cooling it. Another form of liquids is lotion. Lotion is formed when a powder is suspended in water, and called shaking lotions. They must be shaken well before use for this reason. When a lotion is applied to the skin, water evaporates leaving behind a thin film of powder that protects the skin. Lotions are useful in cases of inflammation due to their cooling effect. If alcohol is used instead of water in the preparation, the preparation is called then a tincture. And, when it has staining properties, it is called paint.

Powder

Powder has a great drying effect, so it is mainly used in the wet areas of the skin, especially the skin folds. Skin folds are the skin of the back of ear, the armpits, the groin, under the breast in women, and the cleft of buttocks. Powders can also reduce the skin irritation produced due to friction in these areas.

Creams and Ointments

Creams and ointments are greasy as they are formed of oil. However, there is a great difference between a cream and an ointment in both composition and usage. Creams are less greasy as they are a mixture of oil and water. While ointments contain more oils which make them suitable for the treatment of the very dry skin. Creams are used in the less severe conditions to hydrate the dry skin.

Gels

Gels are non-greasy emulsions; an emulsion is a mixture of two substances that don't blend with each other, that liquefies when becomes in contact with the skin. This makes the water in the gel evaporates leaving behind a thin film of the active ingredients over the injury. So, gels are suitable for hairy areas where creams or ointments, if used, may leave a mark.

Skin Appendages

2012-10-19T17:05:00.001-07:00

The skin Appendages
Source: Mayo Clinic

Skin Appendages

Skin appendages are the structures attached to the skin. Skin appendages present exclusively in certain areas of the skin while they are absent in another. According to the site, the function of these appendages may differ. The skin appendages include:

Hair Follicles

Hair follicles are present nearly in all parts of the skin except for small part of skin that include the palm of hand, the sole of foot. Woman's body has also hair everywhere however, they aren't obvious. Other areas of the skin such as the scalp, the beard and moustache area in men, the armpits and the groin have much more larger number of hair follicles, and known as the hairy areas.

Hair follicles are composed of three parts. The part deep in the skin is called the hair papilla, and it is responsible for the growth and maintenance of the whole hair. And, the second part, or the hair matrix, is located just under the surface of the skin. Then, the last part, which is seen over the skin, is called the hair shaft.

Sebaceous or Oil Glands

Sebaceous glands are present in the whole skin except for the palm of hand and sole of foot. In other words, sebaceous glands are present wherever hair follicles are present. Each sebaceous gland has a secretory part which produces an oily secretion, known as sebum, and a duct. Sebum is formed of lipids, and it helps lubricate the hair shaft making it supple and prevents the cracking of the skin exposed to either hot or cold climates.

Sweat Glands

There are two types of sweat glands in the skin, eccrine glands and apocrine glands.

Eccrine sweat glands are present in everywhere in the skin except for labia minora in women, and glans penis in men. They secrete the sweat that plays great role in body heat production, excretion of toxins and protection against infection (due to presence of lactic acid in it).

Apocrine sweat glands are present exclusively in certain areas of the body including the armpits, the groin, eyelids and the breast. They are sensitive to sex hormones and androgens. At puberty, they become active and begin to secrete odorless oily fluid which becomes odory by the action of normal floral bacteria giving these areas their characteristic odour.

Nails

Nails are present exclusively at the tips of fingers and toes. They are formed of three parts. The nail plate, which is the hard transparent part of the nail, is that we cut regularly. The second part is the nail bed, which is the part of skin under the nail plate that appears red due to the numerous blood capillaries in it. And, the nail fold, or the third part, is the part of skin around the nail plate. Nails grow very slowly. They grow by the rate of 0.1 millimeter everyday in hands, and the process is much slower in feet.

Streptococcal Intertrigo

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Streptococcal Intertrigo infection of the groin
Source: Derm Atlas

Streptococcal Intertrigo

Streptococcal Intertrigo is the bacterial infection of the skin folds, caused by a species of bacteria, called streptococci. The skin folds are those include the armpits, the groin, the back of ear, the under of the breast, the buttock's cleft and between fingers and toes. Obese people may have other special skin folds other than those due to thick fatty layer under the skin. Intertrigo is characterized by the presence of painful fissures at the angles of these folds.

Symptoms

The symptoms of streptococcal Intertrigo include the presence of longitudinal fissures in the skin at the angle of the skin folds. These fissures are sometimes surrounded by red and moist skin. In some cases, crusts may be seen.

Treatment

The treatment of streptococcal Intertrigo depends mainly on the usage of anti-septic solutions. These solutions help soothe the area and remove the bacteria that cause the infection. However, sometimes systemic anti-biotics are indicated. Penicillin (Penicillin V) is the drug of choice against streptococcal infections, as it is very powerful in fighting these species of bacteria. In some patients, hypersensitivity to penicillin is present, and sometimes the bacteria themselves become resistant to penicillin. In this case, erythromycin (Erythrocin) is indicated to eliminate the infection.

Skin Bacterial Infections

2012-10-19T16:47:00.002-07:00

Skin Bacterial infection

Skin Bacterial Infections

The skin of all of us has a great number of bacteria which normally present on it without causing any harm to our skin. These bacteria are called commensals. Under certain circumstances, these bacteria may harm our skin leading to various bacterial infections of the skin. Other harmful bacteria other than Commensals may cause serious skin diseases.

There are several skin diseases caused by bacterial infections, these diseases include:

Impetigo

Impetigo is an infectious bacterial infection of the skin characterized by the appearance of fluid-filled bumps on the skin which may rupture after few days later forming a brown crust. It may affect any part of the skin, except the palms of hands and sole of foot as they are covered by thick keratinized layer. Some cases of impetigo heal spontaneously within two weeks without leaving behind any disfigurement.

Erysipelas

Erysipelas is the bacterial infection of the deeper layers of skin, the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue. It is characterized by a plaque or large well-defined area of bright red painful elevated skin. It comes mainly over the limbs, face or the abdominal wall. The lesion may heal spontaneously within three weeks leaving behind an area of slight pigmentation and scales.

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is the bacterial infection of the tissues just below the skin, or the subcutaneous tissue. Cellulitis is characterized by an ill-defined red and painful swelling of the skin. Cellulitis may lead to serious complications, if it is not treated properly.

Intertrigo

Intertrigo is the bacterial infection of the skin folds. Skin folds are those present in the back of ear, the armpits, the under of the breast in women, the groin area, the cleft of buttocks and between toes. Other skin folds may be present exclusively in obese people due to thick fat layer. Intertrigo is characterized by longitudinal painful and may be wet skin fissures at the angle of the skin fold.

Angular Cheilitis

Angular Cheilitis is the bacterial infection of the skin present at the angle of the mouth and the adjacent tissues. It is characterized by redness of that skin with exudates formation, which dries up later forming a crust.

Furunculosis or skin boils

Furuncles or boils are caused by the bacterial infection of the hair gland and the surrounding tissues. Boils are characterized by red painful bumps, which grow in size and become filled with pus. They usually appear on the face, neck and buttocks.

Carbuncles

Carbuncles are a group of boils adjacent to each other. Carbuncles are developed when a group of hair glands adjacent to each other are infected. They are characterized by red painful hard lumps, or extended bumps, that discharge pus from many openings.

Erythrasma

Erythrasma is a form of chronic bacterial skin infection caused by a certain species of bacteria, called c. minutissimum. It is characterized by red brown or brown scaly patches over the skin. Erythrasma usually affects the skin folds, such as armpits and groin.

Functions of the Skin

2012-10-19T16:44:00.002-07:00

Cross section in the human skin

Functions of the skin

Skin is the largest organ in the body. It extends to cover every part of the body. If you imagine how our bodies will look if we have no skin, we will find that our bodies will look like those in horror movies, Sticky muscles moving over our skeleton. So, skin is very important for our shapes, it makes us beautiful.

In addition to its great cosmetic role, our skins have a lot of other useful functions which include:

Providing Protection

The skin protects the body against various threats. It acts as a barrier against many environments hazards. The horny layer on top the skin prevents water loss from our bodies, and hence protecting us from dehydration. In addition, it is the barrier against the absorption of many toxins from the environment.

The skin contains melanin pigments, the pigment that gives our skin its color. The melanin pigments absorb the ultra-violet rays of the sun. UV rays can destroy the DNA, our genetic book.

We use covers to protect our valuable things. The same does the skin; it covers everywhere in our bodies forming a mechanical barrier against any harm. The skin also keeps bacteria and other micro organisms away from our body. Regular peeling of the horny layer, sweat lactic acid and normal flora are all methods to fight infection.

Regulation of Heat

The skin is the main regulator of our body inner temperature, keeping it near 36.6 C. This temperature is very essential for our bodies and organs to work efficiently. Any change in this temperature affects the activity of our body enzymes making them working less efficient. The skin regulates the body temperature by two mechanisms. The sweat and dilatation of skin blood vessels increases the heat loss. In contrast, narrowing of the blood vessels of the skin decreases the heat loss, and hence preserves our bodies produced heat. The fats under the skin act as heat insulator, and prevent heat loss.

Excretion of Toxins

The skin, through the sweat, helps our bodies get rid of many toxins. Toxins like sodium chloride, when become excess, ammonia, lactic acid and many drugs can be excreted with sweat.

Vitamin D Formation

Vitamin D is very essential for Calcium absorption from the intestine and for bone formation and health. We can get vitamin D from diet, as well as our bodies can produce it. Vitamin D is produced through a multi-stage process. One of these steps occurs in the skin by the help of the Ultra-violet rays of the sun.

Sensation

The skin is part of our sensory system. It is the place where the free nerve endings are present. Thanks to our skin, we can feel cold, warm, pain and touch. Can you imagine your life without touching for example?

Body Expressions

When we are happy for example, everyone meets us always ask why you are happy. Thanks to our skin moved by the underlying muscles, our body and facial expressions are produced. If there is no skin, do you imagine how our social life will be?

Immunity

The skin contains a certain type of immunological cells called Langerhan's cells, it is different than islands of Langerhan's in pancreas. These cells play an important role of the immunological process.

Impetigo

2012-10-19T16:28:00.002-07:00

Impetigo: small pustules are shown all around the mouth.
Source: PubMed

Impetigo

Impetigo is an infectious bacterial infection of the skin. It is characterized by presence of pus-filled bumps that may drain forming a crust. It may heal spontaneously within few weeks without leaving behind any scar.

Predisposing factors

There are many factors that make one more susceptible to catch infection and have impetigo. These factors are usually related to poor skin health and weak immunity. The risk factors for impetigo include malnutrition which affects both skin health and general body immunity. Overcrowding and poor hygiene, which are the key for spread of any infectious problems. In addition, skin diseases such as scabies and pediculosis play great role in making the skin vulnerable for infection.

Symptoms

The symptoms of impetigo are mainly the presence of pus-filled bumps that rapidly rupture forming yellowish brown crusts. When the crust dries up and separates, it leaves behind a red area of skin which fades later without ending in any scar.

Impetigo, as an infection, may be also accompanied with fever and swelling of the lymph nodes near the area of skin affected.

Impetigo usually affects the face and the scalp. However, it may affect any other part of the skin except the palm of hand and the sole of foot.

Treatment

In many cases, impetigo heals on its own within two or three weeks. However, the healing process could be facilitated by the use of certain drugs. Crusts can be dissolved and removed by using olive oil. Also, septic lotions such as k. permanganate (Chameleon mineral) and topical anti-biotic such as Na-fusidate (Fucidin) are recommended to fight the infection.

In severe cases, it is recommended to take a systemic anti-biotic regimen such as erythromycin (Erythrocin) for at least 7 days to help eliminate the infection.

Furunculosis

2012-10-19T16:16:00.001-07:00

Furunculosis on the abdomen of a man
Source: Derm Atlas

Furunculosis

Furunculosis or boils is the bacterial infection of the hair glands of the skin and the tissues around it. Furuncles appear like red and painful papules around the base of the hair. These papules are filled with pus that may discharge. Furuncles may continue to appear in some patients for months or even years.

What Makes You Susceptible?

The risk factors of furuncles or boils are various. Like any other infection, factors like bad general hygiene, anemia and malnutrition increase the liability of developing boils. Other health conditions such as diabetes mellitus and seborrhea, a disease characterized by scale formation, reduce the immunity of the skin making it more vulnerable to infections. Emotional distress also can lead to formation of boils. Emotional distress elevates the level of hormones that promote the production of hair oils, on which bacteria may grow producing boils.

Symptoms

The symptoms of furuncles or boils include the presence of red and painful papules located at the base of the hair. These papules usually tend to grow rapidly in pustules, which are pus-filled papules. These pustules may discharge pus then.

Boils usually develop on the face, neck, arms and buttocks. They may also appear around the genital area. This area is usually covered by thick hairs.

Furuncles, sometimes, continue to develop for many months or even years in some patients. They are called chronic patients.

Treatment

The treatment of boils usually begins with the treatment of the predisposing factors that lead to the problem, and then comes the role of anti-biotics to treat the boils themselves and fight infection. A combination of topical and systemic anti-biotics is usually recommended. Topical anti-biotics such as sodium fusidate (Fucidine) are very effective against boils when applied for three times daily , along with a systemically-administrated anti-biotic such as Penicillinase resistant Penicillin (Bactocil).

If the boils are large and contain large amount of pus, surgical incision and surgical drainage of pus are always recommended.

Erysipelas

2012-10-19T14:17:00.000-07:00

Erysipelas on the cheecks.
Source: PubMed Health

Erysipelas

Erysipelas is the bacterial infection of the deeper layers of the skin including the dermis and the upper part of the subcutaneous tissue. The bacteria usually reach that depth through a wound or a minor abrasion in the skin. Erysipelas may fade spontaneously without any treatment within one to three weeks with some pigmentation left behind.

Symptoms

The symptoms of erysipelas include the presence of well defined red and painful swelling of the skin extending over a big area, called a plaque. Fever and rigors are usually present in patients with erysipelas, similar to any deep bacterial infection.

In some cases, it may be accompanied with bleeding, especially in elder patients. Erysipelas usually occurs in the face and limbs. The abdominal bacterial wall may be also affected.

Treatment

Erysipelas can heal, in some cases, on its own without any medical treatment within one to three weeks. But, it leaves behind an area of minor pigmentation.

The treatment of erysipelas includes rest to allow the skin to heal. Anti-pyretic medications such as paracetamol (Paracetamol) are very powerful in relieving both pain and fever.

Anti-biotic therapy is very effective against erysipelas. Penicillin (Penicillin V) is very powerful against the organism. Sometimes, penicillin is contra-indicated as some patient may be sensitive to penicillin. And, in other cases, the organism is resistant against penicillin. In this case, erythromycin (Erythrocin) is indicated.

Cellulitis

2012-10-19T14:09:00.000-07:00

Cellulitis Erysipelas Infection
Source: Derm Atlas

Cellulitis

Cellulitis is the bacterial infection of the subcutaneous tissue, which is the fatty layer present under the skin that contains the blood vessels and the nerves supplying the skin. Cellulitis is characterized by the presence of ill-defined red and painful swelling in the skin. Cellulitis isn't a serious health problem; however if not properly treated, it may lead to serious complications.

Symptoms

The symptoms of cellulitis include the presence of poorly defined swelling of the skin which is painful, red and tender, tender means it causes pain on touch. Similar to any other bacterial infection, cellulitis is usually accompanied with fever and swelling of the neighbor lymph nodes.

Cellulitis may become severe and leads to serious complications. These complications include suppuration, which means formation of pus, tissue necrosis, which means focal death of the tissues, or even gangrene, which means complete death of certain part of the body that should be amputated. If cellulitis affects the skin around the eye orbit, the adjacent brain and meninges may be affected.

Treatment

The treatment of cellulitis should be started as soon as possible to prevent the occurrence of its serious complications. The treatment of cellulitis includes rest and anti-pyretic medications to relieve the associated fever and pain.

Anti-biotic drugs such as penicillin (Penicillin V) are very powerful in fighting cellulitis. Penicillin is considered the drug of choice for case of cellulitis. However, in some cases where the is a sensitivity toward penicillin or the organism is resistant, erythromycin (Erythrocin) is indicated.

Carbuncles

2012-10-19T14:07:00.000-07:00

Carbuncles
(illustration of skin infected with carbuncles where
you find many hair follicles are included)

Carbuncles

Carbuncle is a large abscess in the skin or a group of adjacent boils in the skin. It occurs when the bacterial infection affects an adjacent group of hair glands with the tissues between them. Carbuncles are not a serious condition, but if not properly treated, they may lead to a serious deep ulcer.

Predisposing Factors

The risk factors for carbuncles are the same as those for boils. Carbuncles are a boils adjacent to each other. So, anything that causes the development of boils can cause carbuncles if an adjacent group of hair follicles is infected.

Malnutrition, anemia and poor hygiene promote the occurrence of bacterial infections in general. Health problems such as diabetes mellitus and prolonged steroid therapy weaken one's immunity increasing the liability of developing infection.

Symptoms

Carbuncles of the leg

The symptoms of carbuncle include the development of red, painful hard lumps; a lump is a larger bump. These lumps discharge from many openings due to affection of multiple hair glands. They usually tend to appear in the back of the neck, around the shoulder and in the hip and thighs.

Carbuncles may be accompanied with fever and general fatigue. In some cases, they are very large, so the centre of it become dead and may shed off leaving a deep skin ulcer.

Treatment

Carbuncles should be treated properly to prevent the occurrence of their complications that may leave behind a disfiguring scar.

Carbuncles are treated by Penicillinase resistant Penicillins (Nallpen) administrated both topically and systemically to completely fight the infection. Sometimes, doctor may recommend surgical incision and surgical drainage of the lump to drain pus and make the process faster.

Angular Cheilitis

2012-10-19T14:04:00.000-07:00

Angular Cheilitis
(The inflammation is obvious around the mouth angle)

Angular Cheilitis

Angular Cheilitis is the inflammation of the angle of the mouth with the adjacent area of skin. It may be due to bacterial infection or mal-nutrition, as a result of vitamin B2 deficiency. Sometimes, candida, which normally present on the skin, may cause the angular Cheilitis.

Causes of Angular Cheilitis

The inflammation of the angle of the mouth is usually enhanced by excess salivation. Saliva, if become in contact with skin for long time, may irritate the skin due to its alkalinity and the enzymes inside it. Also, ill-fitting dentures and debilitating diseases, which affect the muscle power, also worsen the problem. In some cases, angular Cheilitis is caused as a result of a deficiency in vitamin B2.

Symptoms of Angular Cheilitis

The symptoms of angular Cheilitis include the presence of redness, ulceration with exudates formation on the angle of the mouth and the skin adjacent to it. When this exudate dries up, a crust is formed.

Treatment of Angular Cheilitis

The first step in the treatment of angular Cheilitis is the correction of the predisposing factor that lead to the problem. If there is a problem with teeth or saliva, it should be corrected. If the problem is caused by deficiency of vitamin B2, a supplementation of vitamin B2 is recommended. Even if there is no deficiency of vitamin B2, it is also recommended to receive supplemental vitamin B2 as it promotes the healing of the inflamed tissues.

The standard treatment for angular Cheilitis is a combination of steroid, anti-biotic and anti-fungal medications, beside the other mentioned measures.

Erythrasma

2012-10-19T12:58:00.001-07:00

The Structure of the Skin
Source: PubMed

Erythrasma

Erythrasma is a chronic bacterial infection of the surface of the skin caused by a species of bacteria called C. minutissimum. It usually appear as a well-defined red to brown patches that may itch. It is more common in adults than in children.

Predisposing Factors

Erythrasma is more common to appear in areas of humidity and high temperature. Hotness and humidity is the most suitable climate for C. minutissimum infections to develop. Also, obesity may make erythrasma more liable. Obese people have deep skin folds which are always moist. General health problems such as diabetes mellitus weaken self immunity and hence facilitate infection.

Symptoms

The symptoms of erythrasma include the development of chronic red to brown or brown scaly patches over the skin surface. These patches are sometimes itchy. Erythrasma affects mainly adults.

Erythrasma is usually tend to appear in the areas of the skin folds such as the armpits, under the breast in women, the groins, the cleft of buttocks and between toes.

Treatment

The treatment of erythrasma is similar to this of other skin bacterial infections. It depends mainly on application of topical anti-biotics such as sodium fusidate (Fucidine) over the infected area. Systemic anti-biotics such as erythromycin (Erythrocin) or tetracycline (Panmycin) are also recommended. The treatment of erythrasma should continue for at least ten to fourteen days.

Erythrasma is a chronic infection so, it tends to recur. Further attacks of erythrasma can be prevented by keeping washing your body regularly using anti-bacterial soaps.