Skin and Soft Tissue Infections

Abstract

The skin and its appendages, and the subcutaneous tissue, deep fascia and muscle, can all develop infections under various circumstances. Patients with skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) often initially present to family physicians. The signs and symptoms of SSTIs may overlap, making a comprehensive diagnosis difficult. 1,2 Early clinical presentation may be deceptively innocent. 3 Furthermore, at presentation it is often difficult to assess the depth, severity and specific structures or tissues involved. All SSTIs represent a continuum of symptoms and should be considered collectively: • Erythema, warmth, oedema, skin discoloration and localised pain are common presenting signs in the case of superficial, complicated or deep infections. Epidemiology SSTIs are common bacterial infections seen by family practitioners and surgeons. They account for a substantial portion of Skin and soft-tissue infec tions The early clinical presentation of soft-tissue infections may be deceptive.