Scientific Names for Skin Infections
The scientific term for skin infections is "skin and soft tissue infections" (SSTIs), which encompasses various types of infections affecting the skin and underlying soft tissues. 1
Classification of Skin Infections
Skin infections are classified into several categories based on depth of involvement, causative organisms, and clinical presentation:
1. Primary Pyodermas
These are primary cutaneous infections including:
- Cellulitis
- Ecthyma
- Impetigo
- Folliculitis
- Furunculosis
- Erysipelas
These infections are commonly caused by a narrow spectrum of pyogenic bacteria, primarily:
- Staphylococcus aureus
- Streptococcus pyogenes (Group A Streptococcus) 1
2. Secondary Infections
These are often extensions of pre-existing lesions such as:
- Traumatic wounds
- Surgical wounds
- Ulcers
Secondary infections are frequently polymicrobial (mixed aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms) involving subcutaneous tissue 1
3. Necrotizing Infections
These include:
- Necrotizing fasciitis
- Necrotizing cellulitis
These life-threatening infections can be caused by streptococci, MRSA, or Klebsiella species, and often require immediate surgical intervention 1
Anatomical Classification
SSTIs can also be classified according to anatomical tissue layers involved:
- Superficial infections: Located at the epidermal and dermal layer (erysipelas, impetigo, folliculitis)
- Deep infections: Extend below the dermis involving subcutaneous tissue, fascial planes, or muscular compartments 1
Causative Organisms
Bacterial Pathogens
- Gram-positive: Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, other streptococci
- Gram-negative: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, Klebsiella species
- Anaerobes: Various species in polymicrobial infections 1, 2
Viral Pathogens
- Herpes simplex virus
- Varicella-zoster virus
- Human papillomavirus 3
Fungal Pathogens
- Dermatophytes causing tinea infections
- Candida species 3
Clinical Relevance
The scientific classification of skin infections is important for determining appropriate treatment:
- Primary pyodermas: Often require antibiotics targeting gram-positive organisms like cephalexin 4
- Polymicrobial infections: May require broader spectrum antibiotics
- Viral infections: May require antivirals such as acyclovir for herpes infections 5
- Necrotizing infections: Require immediate surgical debridement and broad-spectrum antibiotics 1
Diagnostic Approach
For most uncomplicated SSTIs, cultures are not indicated when treated in outpatient settings. However, cultures become important in:
- Hospitalized patients
- Patients requiring surgical intervention
- Immunocompromised hosts
- Cases of treatment failure 1
Tissue biopsies are more valuable than surface cultures for chronic wounds, as surface cultures often represent colonizing microbes rather than the true pathogenic organisms 1.
Understanding the scientific classification of skin infections helps guide appropriate diagnostic workup and treatment selection to reduce morbidity and mortality associated with these common infections.