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Ecthyma
Ecthyma is a skin infection similar to impetigo . It is often called deep impetigo because it occurs deep inside the skin.
Causes
Ecthyma is most often caused by the streptococcus bacteria. Sometimes, staphylococcus bacteria cause this skin infection.
The infection may start in skin that has been injured due to a scratch or insect bite. The infection often develops on the legs.
Symptoms
Main symptom of ecthyma is a small blister with a red border that may be filled with pus. The blister is similar to that seen with impetigo, but the infection spreads much deeper into the skin.
Blister
A vesicle is a small fluid-filled blister on the skin.
After the blister goes away, a crusty ulcer appears.
Exams and Tests
Your doctor can usually diagnose this condition simply by looking at your skin. In rare cases, the fluid inside the blister is sent to a lab for closer examination, or a skin biopsy needs to be done.
Skin biopsy
A skin lesion biopsy is when a small amount of skin is removed so it can be examined. The skin is tested to look for skin conditions or diseases. A...
Treatment
Your doctor will usually prescribe antibiotics that you need to take by mouth (oral antibiotics). Very early cases may be treated with antibiotics that you apply to the affected area (topical antibiotics). Serious infections may need antibiotics given through a vein (intravenous antibiotics).
Placing a warm, wet cloth over the area can help remove ulcer crusts. Your doctor may recommend antiseptic soap or peroxide washes to speed recovery.
Outlook (Prognosis)
Unlike impetigo, ecthyma can sometimes result in scarring.
Possible Complications
This condition may lead to:
- Spread of infection to other parts of the body
- Permanent skin damage with scarring
When to Contact a Medical Professional
Make an appointment with your health care provider if you have symptoms of ecthyma.
Prevention
Carefully clean the skin after an injury such as a bite or scratch. Do not scratch or pick at scabs and sores.
References
Millett CR, Halpern AV, Reboli AC, Heymann WR. Bacterial diseases. In: Bolognia JL, Jorizzo JL, Schaffer JV, eds. Dermatology . 3rd ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2012:chap 74.
Pasternack MS, Swartz MN. Cellulitis, necrotizing fasciitis, and subcutaneous tissue infections. In: Bennett JE, Dolin R, Blaser MJ, eds. Mandell, Douglas, and Bennett's Principles and Practice of Infectious Diseases . 8th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier Saunders; 2015:chap 95.
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Ecthyma - illustration
Ecthyma is a skin infection similar to impetigo, but more deeply invasive. Usually caused by a streptococcus infection, ecthyma goes through the outer layer (epidermis) to the deeper layer (dermis) of skin, possibly causing scars.
Ecthyma
illustration
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Ecthyma gangrenosum - illustration
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Ecthyma gangrenosum
illustration
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Ecthyma - illustration
Ecthyma is a skin infection similar to impetigo, but more deeply invasive. Usually caused by a streptococcus infection, ecthyma goes through the outer layer (epidermis) to the deeper layer (dermis) of skin, possibly causing scars.
Ecthyma
illustration
-
Ecthyma gangrenosum - illustration
Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Ecthyma gangrenosum
illustration
Review Date: 4/20/2015
Reviewed By: Chad Haldeman-Englert, MD, FACMG, Wake Forest School of Medicine, Department of Pediatrics, Section on Medical Genetics, Winston-Salem, NC. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Isla Ogilvie, PhD, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
