Infected skin ulcer
What is an infected skin ulcer?
An infected skin ulcer is a sore that is caused by an infection in the skin. Skin ulcers are typically itchy or painful open sores, which can take some time to heal. They can be caused by a variety of factors, including cuts, burns, skin damage, chronic excess licking, or infection. Infected ulcers can be very dangerous, and if not treated correctly, can lead to more serious, long-term health problems.
What are the common symptoms of an infected skin ulcer?
The most common symptoms of an infected skin ulcer include:
- Pain
- Redness and swelling
- Discharge containing pus
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
What are the causes of an infected skin ulcer?
Infected skin ulcers are typically caused by a bacterial, viral, or fungal infection, such as:
- Staphylococcus aureus (staph infection)
- Pseudomonas aeruginosa (pseudomonas infection)
- Streptococcus pyogenes (strep infection)
- Mycobacterium (tuberculosis)
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
- Fungal infections, such as candidiasis (“thrush”) or Aspergillus
How is an infected skin ulcer treated?
Infected skin ulcers are typically treated with a combination of antibiotics to fight the underlying infection and topical medicines to relieve the symptoms. Your doctor may also recommend other treatments such as drain placement and debridement. If the infection is severe, you may need to be hospitalized for intravenous antibiotics.
How do you prevent an infected skin ulcer?
The best way to prevent an infected skin ulcer is to maintain skin health and practice good hygiene. This includes keeping your skin clean and dry and avoiding skin trauma or irritation. It’s also important to protect yourself from infection by avoiding contact with those who may be infected, washing your hands regularly, and promptly seeking medical attention if you develop any sores or lesions that don’t improve.