Ecthyma
Ecthyma is a skin disease that caused by Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes. People with any ages, male and female can be got ecthyma.
Patients with diabetes, medication, HIV, immunosuppressive and malignancy have a probability of infection or they can be affected by ecthyma.
It is similar to impetigo, but Ecthyma goes through the outer layer to the deeper layer of skin.
Causes of Ecthyma:
Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes may cause ecthyma.
The infection may start due to presents of scratches, dermatitis and insect bite. It is often appear on the legs and forearms.
Risk factors:
- Humidity and high temperature.
- Untreated impetigo.
- Crowded living conditions and Poor hygiene
- Presence of scratches, dermatitis, insect bites etc.
Signs and Symptoms:
Ecthyma begins as pustule or small blister on an affected area. The crust can remove for revealing an indurate ulcer, which can be swollen, oozing and red with pus. They may more large to a sore of diameter in 1-3.5 cm. Mostly the thighs, ankle, buttocks and feet are affected by Ecthyma.
Diagnose of Ecthyma:
A culture may be done of the lesion for diagnose of ecthyma. Physical examination and a complete history are helpful for healthcare provider to diagnose of ecthyma.
When to seek medical advice
If one feels signs and symptoms of Ecthyma, go the health care providers immediately.
Treatment:
Topical antibiotics:
Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin, fucidic, antibacterial honey, povidone iodine or crystacide are used to the areas affected with this skin disease, on the skin. Apply it. After removing crusts, the treatment should be started and check to new lesions. After healing, treatment is continuing for a few days
Soak crusted areas:
Take half cup of white vinegar and one litre of tepid water. Mix together well and soak a clean cloth in this mixture. After this apply the compress to moist areas for about10-15 minutes three times a day. This treatment is very helpful for removing the crusted areas.
Oral antibiotics:
If the infection is excess in the skin, use only oral antibiotics. Penicillin is good antibiotic for treatment of ecthyma. Usually dicloxacillin or flucloxacillin will active for Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Other measures for treatment of ecthyma include:
- Laundering and changing clothes.
- One should wash affected area with antiseptic or mild soap daily.
- One should use separate towels.
- One should use flannels for reducing spread infection.
Complications:
- Skin damage with scarring permanently.
- Spread of infection of bacteria to other parts of the body.
Prevention:
- One should cleanse all insect bites with antiseptic cleanser.
- One should encourage your child to avoid digging or scratching crusts.
- One should call your doctor immediately if you are affected with ecthyma.
Skin Problems
