Skin infections in older adults

Skin infections are extremely common throughout the community in older people. Cellulitis and infected ulcers are the most common cutaneous skin infections in older adults, but various other aetiologies can be identified by community nurses and healthcare staff throughout their area's patient population. Staphylococcus aureus is common and increases morbidity so prompt identification is required. Assessment of the skin and appropriate swabbing is necessary and crucial in order to be proficient when looking after people with skin conditions and infections in the community. This article will cover the basic principles of assessment, investigation and treatment, as well as encouraging an awareness of risk, touching on the common predictors of skin infections in older people.