A useful piece for aesthetic nurses who are clinically treating the skin, reinforcing the importance of recognising any signs of possible infection, that may contradict treatment or potentiate complications. The author gives a concise overview of common skin infections, with background statistical data demonstrating a rise in prevalence. Bacterial skin infections, such as impetigo, folliculitis, carbuncles, abscesses and erysipelas are discussed, including symptoms and treatment protocols. The author incorporates a useful table summarising the conditions, symptoms and treatments. Fungal and viral skin complaints, such as dermatophytes, warts and herpes simplex are also explored. Most treatment recommendations are underpinned by robust evidence from the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), with emphasis placed on timely referral with presentations of uncertain diagnosis, or those that do not respond to an initial treatment regimen. Aesthetic nurses are potentially well placed to diagnose and treat some of the more commonly occurring skin infections. The recommendations and management guidelines are useful in aesthetic practice, although it may have been useful to incorporate more clinical images of the infections, to assist the reader with recognition.
Recognition and treatment of common skin infections
Reviewed by Anna Baker
Recognition and treatment of common bacterial, fungal and viral skin infections.
