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Skin and soft tissue infections in the military

Lucy Lamb1, M Morgan

  • 1Department of Infection and Immunity, Imperial College London, Hammersmith Hospital, London, UK.

Journal of the Royal Army Medical Corps
|October 11, 2013
PubMed

Insights

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) are common in military settings. This review details management of common and severe SSTIs, including life-threatening conditions like PVL-associated pneumonia and necrotising fasciitis.

Area of Science:

  • Military medicine
  • Infectious diseases
  • Dermatology

Background:

  • Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTI) are prevalent in military populations due to close living and training conditions.
  • While most SSTIs are uncomplicated, some can lead to severe, life-threatening conditions.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To review the most significant SSTIs affecting military personnel.
  • To provide guidance on the optimal management of these infections.

Main Methods:

  • Literature review focusing on common and severe SSTIs in military populations.
  • Analysis of management strategies for various bacterial and soft tissue infections.

Main Results:

  • Common SSTIs are typically manageable with antibiotics and infection control.
  • Severe SSTIs, such as Panton-Valentine Leukocidin (PVL)-associated Staphylococcus aureus pneumonia and Streptococcus pyogenes necrotising fasciitis, have high mortality rates (up to 65% and 30%, respectively).

Conclusions:

  • Effective management of SSTIs in military personnel requires understanding common presentations and recognizing severe forms.
  • Prompt diagnosis and appropriate treatment are crucial for improving outcomes and reducing mortality from severe SSTIs.

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