Skin infections

Skin infections
Common skin and tissue infections caused by bacteria or fungi often trigger or exacerbate skin inflammations such as dermatitis, eczema and psoriasis. Moreover, a dramatic increase the number of nosocomial outbreaks of pathogens resistant to antibiotics – particularly methicilline-resistant strains of Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) and vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE) – is causing major problems for doctors and healthcare professionals – and, of course, their patients.

In addition, immunosuppressants administered during AIDS treatment or organ transplants have made many patients more vulnerable to opportunistic nosocomial fungal infections. Mycoses in these patients are often severe, progress rapidly and are difficult to treat. And many are resistant to antifungal drugs.

Treating skin infections
Depending on the causing agent, some localised cases respond well to topical antibiotics (e.g. fucidic acid, mupirocin or neomycin).

More severe cases may require systemic antibiotic treatment with one or more drugs. To avoid development of resistance, systemic antibiotic treatment should always be based on a susceptibility test.