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Ecthyma

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Ecthyma
Ecthyma
SpecialtyDermatology
SymptomsA blister, which crusts over, forming an ulcer[1]
ComplicationsCellulitis, poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis[2]
CausesGroup A (beta-hemolytic) Streptococcus, Staph. aureus[3]
Risk factorsPoor hygiene, poor nutrition, intravenous drug use, weakened immune system[3][4]
Differential diagnosisEcthyma gangrenosum, furuncle, spider bite, pyoderma gangrenosum, vasculitis, anthrax[2]
TreatmentAntibiotics (creams or pills), warm soaks, improved hygiene[4]
PrognosisHeals leaving a scar[1]
FrequencyRare[2]

Ecthyma is a bacterial skin infection that begins as a blister, which crusts over.[1] If the crust falls off, well-defined ulcers up to 3 centimeters in size may occur.[1][4] Large lymph nodes may also be present.[1] The legs are most commonly affected.[4] Complications may include cellulitis and poststreptococcal glomerulonephritis.[2]

It is generally caused by Group A (beta-hemolytic) Streptococcus (GAS) or Staph. aureus.[3] Risk factors include poor hygiene, poor nutrition, intravenous drug use, and a weakened immune system.[3][4] It can complicate insect bites or dermatitis.[4] It is a type of impetigo.[4] Other conditions that may present similarly include ecthyma gangrenosum, furuncle, spider bites, and anthrax.[2]

Treatment is with antibiotics, potentially for a few weeks, and improved nutrition.[3][4] Crusts can be removed with a cloth soaked in a mixture of half a cup of white vinegar and a liter of water.[4] Fusidic acid or mupirocin creams is then applied three times a day to the affected area.[4] Dicloxacillin or cephalexin by mouth may be used in more severe cases.[4][1] Lesions generally heal within a few weeks but leave a scar.[1]

Ecthyma is rare.[2] The condition occurs in all ages; though the very young and old are more commonly affected.[4] The term means "purulent pustules" and is from the Greek for "break out as heat or humours".[5][6] The term has been used in the English language since at least 1822.[6]

Signs and symptoms

  • Ecthyma
    Ecthyma
  • Ecthyma
    Ecthyma
  • Ecthyma
    Ecthyma

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 1.6 James, William D.; Elston, Dirk; Treat, James R.; Rosenbach, Misha A.; Neuhaus, Isaac (2020). "14. Bacterial infections". Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology (13th ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier. p. 259. ISBN 978-0-323-54753-6. Archived from the original on 2023-05-16. Retrieved 2023-06-29.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 2.3 2.4 2.5 Lawrence, Hillary S.; Nopper, Amy Jo (1 January 2018). "68 - Superficial Bacterial Skin Infections and Cellulitis". Principles and Practice of Pediatric Infectious Diseases (Fifth Edition): 436–444.e2. doi:10.1016/B978-0-323-40181-4.00068-2. Retrieved 17 October 2024.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Wakelin, Sarah H. (2020). "22. Dermatology". In Feather, Adam; Randall, David; Waterhouse, Mona (eds.). Kumar and Clark's Clinical Medicine (10th ed.). Elsevier. p. 670. ISBN 978-0-7020-7870-5.
  4. ↑ 4.00 4.01 4.02 4.03 4.04 4.05 4.06 4.07 4.08 4.09 4.10 4.11 Ngan, Vanessa (January 2016). "Ecthyma. DermNet NZ". Derm2024.org. Archived from the original on 2016-07-10.
  5. ↑ Wolfe, Scott W.; Hotchkiss, Robert N.; Pederson, William C.; Kozin, Scott H. (27 September 2010). Green's Operative Hand Surgery E-Book: Expert Consult: Online and Print. Elsevier Health Sciences. p. PT365. ISBN 978-1-4557-1136-9.
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 "ecthyma". OED. Retrieved 18 October 2024.

External links

Classification
External resources

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