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Common skin infections.
1Department of Dermatology, Royal Newcastle Hospital, New South Wales.
Australian Family Physician
|June 1, 1991
Summary
This article discusses common skin infections encountered in general practice. Early clinical diagnosis allows for prompt treatment initiation, often before laboratory confirmation.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- General Practice
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Skin infections are a frequent presentation in primary care settings.
- Clinical assessment is often sufficient for initial diagnosis of common skin infections.
- Timely initiation of therapy can improve patient outcomes.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review common skin infections seen in general practice.
- To highlight the role of clinical diagnosis in managing these infections.
- To provide guidance on initiating therapy based on clinical presentation.
Main Methods:
- Review of common dermatological conditions presenting as infections.
- Emphasis on clinical diagnostic criteria.
- Discussion of evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
Main Results:
- Common bacterial, fungal, and viral skin infections are prevalent.
- Clinical diagnosis is reliable for many common skin infections.
- Treatment can often commence effectively based on clinical suspicion.
Conclusions:
- General practitioners can effectively diagnose and manage many common skin infections.
- Clinical skills are paramount for timely and appropriate treatment.
- Further laboratory investigations may be reserved for complex or refractory cases.