Infections of the skin are frequently seen in primary care. The causative organisms are usually bacterial, viral or fungal.

Bacterial skin infections

The most common skin infection is usually caused by a pathogenic organism which has colonised the skin. Staphylococcus and streptococcus are the most commonly seen pathogens and are responsible for a variety of skin infections.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly infectious superficial skin infection, commonly seen in children, which can quickly spread to other members of the family or persons in close skin contact (see Figure 8.1). The causative organism is usually Staphylococcus aureus or a β-haemolytic streptococcus. Impetigo appears as localised lesions of inflamed patches which are covered in a yellow crust. Common sites are the face, limbs and hands. The blistering form of impetigo (bullous impetigo) appears as fluid filled lesions. These lesions quickly rupture to form erosions which then develop yellow crusting. Occasionally the bullous form can be severe with blood filled (haemorrhagic) lesions. Secondary bacterial infection of skin conditions such as infestations, eczema, cold sores (herpes simplex) can frequently become impetiginised (British Association of Dermatologists (BAD) 2005).