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Cellulitis secondary to web space dermatophytosis
M R Day1, R D Day, L B Harkless
1Department of Orthopedics, University of Texas, Health Science Center at San Antonio, USA.
Clinics in Podiatric Medicine and Surgery
|October 1, 1996
Summary
Lower extremity cellulitis, often caused by bacterial skin infections, can worsen with fungal infections like web space dermatophytosis. Understanding this link helps doctors choose the best initial antibiotic treatment for severe cases.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Infectious Diseases
- Microbiology
Background:
- Cellulitis of the lower extremity is a common bacterial skin infection.
- Skin integrity breaches allow opportunistic bacteria to cause infection.
- Web space dermatophytosis can alter skin and bacterial flora, predisposing to severe infections.
Purpose of the Study:
- To explore the relationship between interdigital dermatophytosis and lower extremity cellulitis.
- To understand how fungal infections impact bacterial flora and skin morphology.
- To guide empiric antibiotic selection for secondary cellulitis.
Main Methods:
- Literature review on pathophysiology of dermatophytosis and cellulitis.
- Analysis of clinical presentation and microbiological data.
- Correlation of fungal and bacterial infection patterns.
Main Results:
- Interdigital dermatophytosis alters skin barrier and microbial environment.
- These changes facilitate bacterial invasion and increase cellulitis severity.
- Specific bacterial species are often associated with co-existing fungal infections.
Conclusions:
- Knowledge of interdigital dermatophytosis pathophysiology is crucial for treating lower extremity cellulitis.
- Clinicians can optimize empiric antibiotic therapy by considering fungal co-infection.
- Targeting both fungal and bacterial elements may improve patient outcomes.