[Bacterial skin and soft tissue infections].

Area of Science:

• Infectious Diseases
• Dermatology
• Pharmacology

Background:

• Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) encompass a range of conditions, with erysipelas and cellulitis being the most frequent community-acquired forms.
• Erysipelas is commonly caused by Streptococcus species, whereas Staphylococcus species are often implicated in cellulitis.
• Diagnosis relies heavily on clinical presentation, potentially aided by scoring systems like NEW HAvUN.

Purpose of the Study:

• To provide an overview of the diagnosis and treatment of common SSTIs.
• To highlight appropriate antibiotic selection and duration for various SSTIs.
• To emphasize strategies for preventing antimicrobial resistance through judicious antibiotic use.

Main Methods:

• Review of current literature and clinical guidelines for SSTI management.
• Analysis of etiological factors and recommended antimicrobial agents.
• Discussion of treatment nuances for specific SSTIs and patient populations.

Main Results:

• Narrow-spectrum antibiotics targeting gram-positive bacteria are the mainstay for erysipelas and cellulitis.
• Specific antibiotics like penicillin G, oxacillin, flucloxacillin, and cefazolin are frequently used.
• Broad-spectrum antibiotics are reserved for specific indications such as atypical pathogens or high-risk scenarios.
• Treatment duration typically does not exceed 10 days, often being 5-7 days.
• Necrotizing infections require urgent surgical intervention, intensive care, and combination antibiotic therapy.

Conclusions:

• Appropriate clinical judgment and targeted antibiotic therapy are crucial for managing SSTIs.
• Avoiding broad-spectrum antibiotic overuse is essential for combating antimicrobial resistance.
• Adherence to recommended treatment durations and antibiotic choices improves patient outcomes.