Ecthyma

Ecthyma
Ecthyma
SpecialtyDermatology
SymptomsWell-defined deep ulcers with dead tissue, covered with crusts and fluid[1]
ComplicationsEcthyma gangrenosum[2]
CausesGroup A (beta-hemolytic) Streptococcus, Staph. aureus[2]
Risk factorsMalnutrition, poor hygiene[2]
TreatmentApplying antiseptics, better nutrition and hygiene,[2] soap and water[1]
MedicationAntibiotics: applying fusidic acid or mupirocin ointments, flucloxacillin or dicloxacillin by mouth[3]
PrognosisHeals leaving a scar[1]

Ecthyma is an ulcerative type of impetigo.[4] It typically presents as well-defined deep ulcers with dead tissue, covered with crusts and fluid.[1]

The condition is generally caused by the bacteria Group A (beta-hemolytic) Streptococcus (GAS), Staph. aureus, and sometimes both.[2] It is associated with poor hygiene and poor nutrition.[2] Ecthyma gangrenosum is a more severe type caused by Pseudomonas septicaemia.[2] The very young, elderly and those with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to ecthyma.[3]

Treatment requires antibiotics, applying antiseptics and improving hygiene and nutrition.[2] Fusidic acid or mupirocin ointments can be applied three times daily to the ulcers, after removing the crusts.[3] Crusts can be removed by applying gentle pressure for 10-minutes at a time, several times a day, with a cloth soaked in a mixture of half a cup of white vinegar in a litre of water.[3] Other options include applying antiseptics such as povidone iodine, superoxidised solution, antibacterial Manuka honey or hydrogen peroxide cream.[3] Flucloxacillin or dicloxacillin can be given by mouth.[3]

The condition occurs in all ages, and in both males and females.[3]

Signs and symptoms

  • Ecthyma
    Ecthyma
  • Ecthyma
    Ecthyma
  • Ecthyma
    Ecthyma

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 James, William D.; Elston, Dirk; Treat, James R.; Rosenbach, Misha A.; Neuhaus, Isaac (2020). "14. Bacterial infections". Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: Clinical Dermatology (13th ed.). Edinburgh: Elsevier. p. 259. ISBN 978-0-323-54753-6. Archived from the original on 2023-05-16. Retrieved 2023-06-29.
  2. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 Wakelin, Sarah H. (2020). "22. Dermatology". In Feather, Adam; Randall, David; Waterhouse, Mona (eds.). Kumar and Clark's Clinical Medicine (10th ed.). Elsevier. p. 670. ISBN 978-0-7020-7870-5.
  3. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 Ngan, Vanessa (January 2016). "Ecthyma. DermNet NZ". dermnetnz.org. Archived from the original on 2016-07-10.
  4. ↑ Stevens, Dennis L.; Bryant, Amy E.; Hagman, Melissa M. (2020). "274. Nonpneumococcal streptococcal infections and rheumatic fever". In Goldman, Lee; Schafer, Andrew I. (eds.). Goldman-Cecil Medicine. Vol. 2 (26th ed.). Philadelphia: Elsevier. p. 1873. ISBN 978-0-323-55087-1. Archived from the original on 2023-04-09. Retrieved 2023-06-29.
Classification
External resources
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