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Bacterial Infections

»	Which bacterium is the most common cause of skin infections?
»	What kinds of skin infections does Staphylococcus aureus produce?
»	Is Staphylococcus aureus the only bacterium that causes impetigo?
»	What does staphylococcal impetigo look like?
»	Why is staphylococcal impetigo frequently bullous?
»	How is bullous impetigo diagnosed?
»	How is bullous impetigo treated?
»	What is the difference between a furuncle and a carbuncle?
»	How do furuncles present?
»	What is the best way to treat furuncles?
»	Why do some patients develop recurrent staphylococcal impetigo or recurrent furunculosis?
»	How is staphylococcal carriage eliminated?
»	What is staphylococcal scalded-skin syndrome?
»	Describe the presentation of toxic shock syndrome.
»	Why is S. aureus frequently found in secondary infections of dermatitis and wounds?
»	What is MRSA?
»	What is the difference between HA-MRSA and CA-MRSA?
»	What types of cutaneous infections are produced by b-hemolytic streptococci?
»	How does streptococcal impetigo present?
»	What is ecthyma?
»	What is blistering distal dactylitis?
»	What is erysipelas?
»	How do you diagnose erysipelas?
»	How is erysipelas treated?
»	Describe the cutaneous manifestations of Lyme disease.
»	A patient living in an endemic area for Lyme disease reports a history of a tick bite. Should that patient receive antibiotic prophylaxis?
»	What types of skin infections does Pseudomonas aeruginosa produce?
»	How does ecthyma gangrenosum differ from ecthyma?
»	Where do you usually acquire Pseudomonas folliculitis?
»	How does Pseudomonas folliculitis present?
»	What is the best treatment for Pseudomonas folliculitis?
»	How is Wood’s light used in diagnosing Pseudomonas infections?
»	What causes tularemia? Where did the name tularemia come from?
»	Describe the skin lesions of tularemia.
»	How should tularemia be treated?
»	What is trichomycosis axillaris?

What is the best treatment for Pseudomonas folliculitis?

Most cases are self-limited and do not require treatment. Severe or recurrent cases can be treated with oral ciprofloxacin. Ultimately, the best treatment is prevention of infection. The most effective measures are frequent drainage of the hot tub or whirlpool to remove the buildup of desquamated skin cells that serve as the prime source of nutrients. Adequate chlorination and bromination are also necessary.