Lupus rash on black skin: Symptoms and treatment

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disorder that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue in the body. Many people with lupus may experience a malar rash that extends over the face in the shape of a butterfly.

Lupus is an autoimmune disease that affects at least 5 million people worldwide. However, the condition is more common in African American people. Females are also more likely to get lupus than males, and it occurs most often in those aged between 15–45 years.

Lupus can cause many symptoms, including skin rashes, joint swelling, and headaches. Another common symptom is a malar rash, or butterfly rash, on the face. Lupus may also cause sores to appear on the skin.

This article explores the symptoms and prevalence of lupus on black skin, along with causes and treatment options.

Symptoms of lupus may include:

• malar rash, which appears as a butterfly-shaped red or different color rash across the cheeks and nose, that may feel painful or itchy
• a raised, scaly rash on the skin
• sores in the nose or mouth
• pain and swelling of joints
• fatigue
• anemia
• fever
• flu-like symptoms
• chest pain when breathing deeply
• unexplained hair loss, particularly on the scalp
• Raynaud’s disease, where toes or fingers change color, such as turning paler or purple, due to cold or stress
• rash or feeling sick after sun exposure

In some people with lupus, inflammation may affect the blood and organs, which could lead to:

• heart disease
• kidney disease
• lung problems
• digestive issues

Lupus nephritis

If a person has a kidney issue due to lupus, doctors may refer to it as lupus nephritis. With this condition, people may experience:

• foamy urine
• swelling due to fluid retention in the legs, feet, ankles, and sometimes the hands or face
• high blood pressure

Lupus can also increase the risk of cardiovascular disease. If people with lupus experience unexplained chest pain, they should seek immediate medical help.

People of all genders, races, and ethnicities can develop lupus. According to the Lupus Foundation of America:

• lupus is more common in females than males: 9 out of 10 people with the condition are female
• African American females are three times more likely to develop lupus than white females
• African American females are more likely to develop more severe cases of lupus, and at a younger age
• lupus affects 1 in 250 African American females in the United States

The main form of lupus, systemic lupus erythematosus, is more common among people of African heritage.

There is currently no clear reason why lupus commonly affects people of African descent. Researchers believe it may have a link to:

• genetics
• hormones
• environmental factors

Other racial and ethnic groups are also at higher risk for developing lupus. These include:

• Asian American
• Hispanic
• Latinx
• Native American
• Pacific Islander

Race and ethnicity can also affect complications of lupus. African Americans, Hispanics, Latinos, and Asian Americans are at higher risk of developing lupus nephritis than white people.

As well as race, ethnicity, and gender, risk factors for lupus may include a history of lupus in the family, or another autoimmune condition.

There is no known cause for lupus. However, possible causes may include genetics, environmental factors, and immune system factors. Stress, certain medications, and sunlight can also trigger lupus symptoms, known as flares. However, lupus is not contagious.

There are four different types of lupus:

• Systemic lupus erythematosus: This is the most common type of lupus.
• Cutaneous lupus: This type of lupus only affects the skin. The most common type to affect black skin is discoid lupus, which presents as a rash, usually on the face, neck, and scalp.
• Drug-induced lupus: This occurs when certain medications cause symptoms similar to lupus.
• Neonatal lupus: A rare condition that affects infants.

Diagnosing lupus can be difficult, as there is no specific test for the disease, while many of its symptoms overlap with other conditions. A doctor will use a combination of laboratory tests and symptom assessments to diagnose the condition.

These tests may include:

• Blood and urine tests: Antinuclear antibody tests can indicate if a person’s immune system is likely to make autoantibodies of lupus. Roughly 97% of people with lupus show positive test results for these autoantibodies.
• Tissue biopsy: A doctor may take a sample of skin or kidney tissue to check for signs of autoimmune disease.
• Physical exam: To check for rashes or other physical symptoms of lupus.
• Medical and family history: To keep track of any symptoms and investigate any family history of autoimmune disease.

There is a set criteria list of 11 symptoms and test results for diagnosing lupus. If people meet four or more out of the 11, they may have the condition.

As different lupus symptoms can develop over time, it can be beneficial to keep track of any health issues that people experience over the years. It is also important to know if any relatives have had lupus or autoimmune disease.

There is currently no cure for lupus, although people can work with their healthcare team to develop a treatment plan to help manage the condition.

Treatments can help keep symptoms in check, prevent the immune system from attacking healthy tissue, and protect against organ damage.

These strategies may be a combination of medications, lifestyle and dietary changes, and alternative therapies.

Medications

Medications for lupus can include:

• Anti-inflammatory drugs: These include ibuprofen to reduce pain, inflammation, and swelling in joints and muscles.
• Corticosteroids: These may help reduce swelling, tenderness, and pain. They could also calm the immune system.
• Antimalarials drugs: These drugs may help treat:
  • joint pain
  • skin rashes
  • fatigue
  • lung inflammation
• Immunosuppressants: In severe cases, doctors may suggest these to help manage inflammation and an overactive immune system.
• Anticoagulants: Many people with lupus may be at risk for blood clots. Therefore, doctors may recommend these drugs to prevent a stroke or heart attack.

People can discuss the potential side effects of any medication with their doctor. Healthcare professionals will carefully monitor a person taking lupus medication to check for any serious adverse effects.

Lifestyle and diet changes

Lifestyle and dietary changes may include:

• Protection from sun exposure: People with lupus should try to wear sunscreen all year round, cover up, and stay out of the sun at peak times. Lupus can cause the skin to become more sensitive to the sun and trigger flare-ups.
• Eating a healthy, balanced diet: Eating plenty of vegetables, fruits, and foods low in salt, sugar, and fat may help manage symptoms.
• Regular exercise: Moderate, low-impact exercise can help maintain strength and energy levels.
• Rest: Excessive activity may trigger a lupus flare, so alternate active periods with rest and get quality sleep.
• Avoiding smoking and second-hand smoke: Cigarette smoke chemicals can worsen lupus symptoms.

People can contact their doctor if they have a temperature above 99.6°F (37.5°C). A high temperature could indicate a lupus flare or infection.

Lupus can also cause depression, so it is important that people reach out to a healthcare professional if they are experiencing mental health issues. Connecting with a support network may help people manage their condition and positively affect health.

Alternative therapies

Alternative therapies, such as acupuncture, tai chi, and massage therapy, may help alongside other treatments to relieve pain and ease stress. However, more research is necessary to confirm their effectiveness.

If people are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, they can talk with their doctor. Healthcare professionals consider lupus pregnancies as high risk, and people will need to follow a plan to ensure they and their baby stay safe.

Lupus is an autoimmune condition that causes the immune system to attack healthy tissue. This can result in a range of mild to severe symptoms, which can include skin rashes.

Gender, race, and ethnicity may play a role in who is more likely to have lupus. The condition more commonly affects females and people of African heritage. Possible reasons for this include genetics, hormones, and environmental factors.

Although there is currently no cure for lupus, a combination of treatments can help control symptoms and improve quality of life. People can see their doctor for diagnosis and a treatment plan to help manage the condition.

Diseases Mimicking a Burn – Outcome and Treatment

Ann Burns Fire Disasters. 2005 Sep 30; 18(3): 130–132.

Published online 2005 Sep 30.

Language: English | French

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Author information Article notes Copyright and License information Disclaimer

Burn care is not reserved uniquely to burns. Several diseases have the symptomatology, clinical presentation, complications, treatment requirements, and outcome of burns. Such diseases are: 1. Stevens-Johnson disease; 2. Lyell’s syndrome; 3. bacterial fasciitis; 4. skin necrosis combined with coagulation disturbances; 5. pemphigoid; and 6. subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus.

Keywords: diseases, mimicking, burn, treatment

Les soins des brûlures ne sont pas limités uniquement aux brûlures. Il y a plusieurs maladies qui possèdent la symptomatologie, la présentation clinique, les complications, les exigences de traitement et les résultats des brûlures. Ces maladies sont les suivantes : 1. maladie de Stevens-Johnson ; 2. syndrome de Lyell ; 3. fasciite bactérienne ; 4. nécrose cutanée unie à des troubles de la coagulation ; 5. pemphigoïde ; 6. lupus érythémaeux cutané subaigu.

Several skin lesions present like burns. Disruption of the skin layers or its blood supply due to any reason produces similar lesions that mimic a burn injury. Some of these diseases are Stevens-Johnson disease, Lyell’s syndrome, erythema multiforme, necrotizing fasciitis, automatic skin necrosis and coagulation disturbances (purpura fulminans, coumarin-induced skin necrosis syndrome), pemphigoid, and subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus. All of these diseases affect the function and viability of skin and underlying tissues in a way resembling the loss of skin in burns. Patients suffering from any of these diseases should be admitted to a burn care unit (BCU).
^1,
2

Stevens-Johnson disease

Stevens-Johnson disease presents as a hypersensitivity erythema with a sudden onset. It is characterized by erythematous, multicentric circular lesions also called “target lesions ”, which have a positive Nikolsky’s sign. It can involve all the body surface but is usually present in the hands, feet, and mucous membranes. The cause of Stevens- Johnson disease is unknown.
³Several viruses have been suspected, such as the herpes viruses, the Epstein-Barr virus, and HIV.
⁴The presence of a connective tissue disease, lymphoma, cancer, or Wegener’s granulomatosis would seem to be a frequent feature. The administration of certain drugs
^5,
6,
7has been implicated as a cause of the disease (Figs.
,
).

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Patient suffering from Stevens-Johnson syndrome.

Lyell’s syndrome – toxic epidermal necrosis

This condition also presents as a systemic toxicity syndrome with a sudden onset. The lesions are macular and have irregular limits and a darker centre. These lesions also have a positive Nikosky’s sign. The aetiology of the syndrome is likewise unknown but has an immunological basis and is provoked by drugs
^8,
9,
10,
11(sulphonamide, anti-epileptic, allopurinol, penicillins, paracetamol), chemical agents, and Gram-positive toxins. There is a female-to-male predominance of 3 to 2 (Figs.
,
).

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Patient suffering from Lyell’s syndrome.

Erythema multiforme

Erythema multiforme presents with symmetrical, target lesions without blisters and usually involves the extremities without mucosal lesions. It develops after an upper respiratory infection, otitis, herpes, or mucoplasma.

Necrotizing fasciitis

This condition presents as a necrosis of fascia and subcutaneous tissue and may involve muscle and overlying skin.
^12,
13It is caused by Streptococcus, Staphylococcus, Enterococcus, Bacteroides, and clostridial bacteria.

Scalded skin syndrome

This is a syndrome mainly observed in infancy (Ritter’s disease) and childhood; the lesions are caused by intraepidermal splitting in the granular layer of the dermis. No epidermal necrosis is present, but it can be accompanied by blister formation with a positive Nikolsky’s sign. The cause is the exfoliative staphylococcal toxin.

Automatic skin necrosis / purpura fulminans / coumarin-induced skin necrosis

This form manifests itself with an acute haemorrhagic necrosis. It is provoked by dysfunction of the protein C anticoagulant system, antithrombin 3, and the factor V Leiden. It is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait and is idiopathic, with an incidence of 6% in our country (Greece). The causative agents are mainly drugs (non-steroid anti-inflammatory, antibiotics) or an acute severe infection (meningococci, staphylococci, streptococci, Rickettsia) (Figs.
,
).

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Automatic skin disease.

Pemphigoid

This is primarily a dermatological disease. It presents with flaccid blisters and surrounding erythema and involves the mucosa.
^14,
15Its aetiology has an immunological base, although drugs (penicillamine, captopril) and herpes virus infections have been accused.

Subacute cutaneous lupus

Skin involvement in lupus is well known. It presents with erythematous, round, scaling lesions involving the face, scalp, and mucosa; bullous lesions are rare. The aetiology is unknown, and there is a predominance of females over males.
¹⁶

Hospitalization of these patients in a BCU provides the necessary environment, temperature (30-32 oC), humidity, and infrared lamps to prevent infection. Topical therapy should be applied as in burns. Depending on the pathology, drug therapy should be stopped, as in the case of Stevens-Johnson and Lyell’s syndrome (steroids, aciclovir, azathioprine), or initiated, as in the case of necrotizing fasciitis, scalded skin syndrome, and pemphigoid. Heparin and clotting factor replacement should be given in cases of purpura fulminans. Emergency escharotomy followed by surgery is mandatory in necrotizing fasciitis
¹⁷and in all diseases that cause full-thickness lesions. Plasmapheresis has been recommended in cases of pemphigoid and Lyell’s syndrome.

In such cases, high mortality and morbidity can be diminished by proper handling and hospitalization in a BCU. The lesions necessitate similar care to burns, along with fluid resuscitation and dietary instructions. Patients suffering from these diseases therefore benefit from admittance to a BCU, where they can receive topical and systemic therapy similar to that given to burns patients.

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SPbSPMU doctors spoke about an unusual manifestation of coronavirus

COVID-19 can provoke a rash in children

Specialists of the dermatovenereology department of SPbSPMU have described dozens of cases of skin manifestations of coronavirus infection during the pandemic. Dermatovenereologist Elena Manylova told about one of the patients.

Painful rashes appeared on the hands of a 13-year-old Petersburger. The girl turned to a dermatologist at the place of residence. The doctor regarded the rash as allergic contact dermatitis and prescribed treatment, but the therapy did not bring the desired results: the situation worsened, and the child was urgently hospitalized at the clinic of St. Petersburg State Medical University.

The University of Pediatrics described the rash as “double target-like lesions with a bluish center and a bright pink rim.” In addition, there were papules and vesicles on the palms of the teenager. The girl was constantly in pain and discomfort.

Doctors from St. Petersburg State Medical University found that skin problems began at the moment when the patient’s parents and grandmother fell ill with coronavirus. At the same time, the girl did not have a fever and catarrhal phenomena; she did not take a test for COVID-19. Specialists at the Pediatric University suggested that the child had the infection asymptomatically, and a blood test for antibodies confirmed the hypothesis.

The girl was diagnosed with dermatosis similar to erythema multiforme of parainfectious genesis due to COVID-19. The patient was prescribed a course of antibacterial and antiviral therapy, physiotherapy (blood laser to stimulate the immune system) and local treatment. For 10 days, doctors managed to rid the child of the rash.

According to Elena Manylova, the skin manifestations of the coronavirus are varied.

The doctor added that up to 20% of people may experience some form of patchy rash. The most dangerous condition that specialists had to observe in the department for children with COVID-19 of the Pediatric University is staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, which occurs against the background of the coronavirus. This is acute epidermolysis caused by staphylococcal toxin. Newborns and children under five years of age are most prone to it.

Fortunately, everything ended well for the little patient.

Elena Manylova also said that the doctors of the Pediatric University collect and systematize information about all cases of skin complications of the coronavirus. At the Department of Dermatovenereology, St. Petersburg State Pediatric Medical University, active work is underway to study this phenomenon.

Patient’s skin (dermatosis due to COVID-19) before and after treatment at St. Petersburg State Medical University

Publication date: 02/14/2022

ᐈ What is pyoderma? ~【Cure】

Pyoderma is a group of pustular skin diseases that occur due to infection with various pyogenic cocci: pyococci, staphylococci, streptococci. Pyodermatoses can appear at any age, but more often in children.

Other names for pyoderma can be found in the medical literature: “pyodermatitis” and “pyosis”.

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Classification of pyoderma

Pyoderma is divided into:

• primary – develop with direct infection of healthy skin;
• secondary – provoked by damage to the skin against the background of other diseases: eczema, diabetes, scabies, etc.

Pyodermatosis may be acute or chronic, limited or widespread.

Depending on the type of causative agent of purulent inflammation, there are three types of pyoderma:

• staphyloderma;
• streptoderma;
• streptostaphyloderma.

Skin lesions in pyoderma may be superficial or deep. With a superficial lesion, the rash passes without a trace and leaves no traces. Deep damage is usually caused by a chronic and long-term course of the disease and leads to the formation of scars and age spots.

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Etiology of pyoderma

The development of pyoinflammatory reaction is caused by various staphylococci, pyococci and streptococci. Sometimes they are provoked by other microorganisms: Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus vulgaris, pneumococci, etc. But they always act in association with streptococci and staphylococci. After skin lesions, microorganisms begin to secrete exo- and endotoxins, enzymes that provoke local inflammation and suppuration.

Increase the risk of infection microtrauma: scratches, abrasions, scratches, maceration. The development of pyoderma can also contribute to additional external and internal factors:

• hyperhidrosis;
• skin pH disturbances;
• overheating;
• hypothermia;
• hypovitaminosis;
• insufficient intake of proteins;
• pathology of the gastrointestinal tract;
• chronic foci of infection;
• chronic intoxications;
• non-observance of personal hygiene rules;
• endocrine disorders: diabetes mellitus, seborrhea, etc.

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These factors reduce the protective properties of the skin and increase the likelihood of it being affected by various pathogenic and opportunistic bacteria.

Ways of infection with pyoderma

Pustular skin diseases are provoked by the introduction of bacteria into the skin. Infection can occur by contact or with the activation of opportunistic microflora against the background of a decrease in the protective functions of the skin.

Pyoderma, the causes of which are always associated with infection with various pyogenic bacteria, is not always dangerous for others. Against the background of reduced immunity and endocrine disorders, the disease can be provoked by opportunistic microorganisms and infection of healthy people does not occur. The likelihood of infection of others is present only with pyoderma caused by pathogenic pyogenic bacteria. Its risk increases significantly if personal hygiene rules are not followed: rare hand washing, sharing underwear, razors, manicure accessories, etc.

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Clinical manifestations of pyoderma

To understand what pyoderma is, a description of its various manifestations will help. Symptoms of pyoderma depend on many factors: the type of pathogen, the age and type of skin of the patient, the state of the immune system.

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Staphyloderma

Types of staphyloderma:

• Ostiofolliculitis.
  Manifested by inflammation of the mouth of the hair follicle: a white-yellow pustule (size up to a pinhead), and in the center of the pustule there is a hair. After 3-4 days, the pustule becomes covered with a yellow crust. After its discharge, a small pink spot remains on the body, which resolves over time.
• Folliculitis.
  Occurs when the entire follicle becomes inflamed. Initially, a limited painful red infiltrate appears. After 2-3 days, it transforms into a pustule with yellow contents, on top of which a hair is visible. After 5-7 days, the pustule shrinks, forms a yellow crust and gradually disappears without a trace.
• Sycosis vulgaris.
  Manifested by inflammation of bristly hair follicles in the area of ​​the eyebrows, mustache, beard, armpits or pubis. Pyoderma is manifested by pronounced infiltrates of a bluish-brown hue with pustules, erosions and purulent crusts. It often has a relapsing course. May cause pigmentation and scarring.
• Vesiculopustulosis.
  This pyoderma occurs most often in newborns after prickly heat in the form of urticaria. Infection causes suppuration of the elements of the rash, and they take the form of vesicles with white-milk content.
• Epidemic pemphigus of the newborn (pyococcal pemphigus).
  Occurs in newborns on 3-5 (sometimes 8-15) days of life. Infection occurs from persons suffering from pyoderma: mothers, medical personnel, etc. Flaccid blisters (conflicts) with cloudy contents appear on the skin of the chest, back, arms and legs. Their size varies from a pea to a hazelnut. Rashes appear for 2-3 weeks and are accompanied by fever. After their opening, erosion occurs on the skin with the remnants of the epidermis. Crusts do not form.
• Acute neonatal epidermolysis (Ritter’s dermatitis).
  Is a complicated variant of epidemic pemphigus. It often occurs in premature and debilitated children and is severe, accompanied by an increase in temperature to 40-41 ° C and can lead to a toxic-septic state or sepsis. Pyoderma begins with severe redness and cracking of the skin around the mouth or belly button. The upper layers of the skin are exfoliated, it is saturated with serous discharge, and an area similar to a second degree burn appears on its surface. In other areas, flaccid vesicles appear, which spread over the entire surface of the body in 6-12 hours. The rash opens after 8-15 days and peeling remains in its place. There are no marks left on the skin.
• Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome.
  Occurs in children from 1 month to 5 years of age, symptoms are similar to Ritter’s dermatitis. The rash progresses over 1-2 days. Their appearance varies from a scarlet-like rash to occasional large blisters followed by scaly erosions. Healing occurs in 5-7 days.
• Staphylococcal toxic shock syndrome.
  Occurs more frequently due to trauma, burns and ulcers, postpartum infections, infection of surgical wounds, or the use of tampons during menstruation. The first signs of pyoderma are punctate spots (rarely petechiae or blisters) all over the body. Usually they are more abundant in the focus of infection. The skin in the area of ​​the face, hands and feet becomes edematous, the tongue becomes raspberry. After 10-20 days, desquamation and peeling of the epidermis on the palms and soles begins. The disease is severe. Patients have muscle and general weakness, the temperature rises. There are complaints of headache, muscle aches, shortness of breath, vomiting, diarrhea, convulsions. Approximately 5% of cases are fatal.
• Furuncle.
  Accompanied by the appearance of purulent-necrotic inflammation of the hair follicle and surrounding subcutaneous fat. After maturation, the necrotic rod breaks out and an ulcer forms in its place, which becomes covered with a crust. The disease can be recurrent and last from several weeks to several years. In severe cases, scars and pigmentation form.
• Carbuncle.
  It is characterized by the formation of a conglomerate of several boils. A knot of dark red or purple color can reach 5–10 cm. After opening, a deep ulcer is formed, which, after scarring, can leave scars and pigmentation.
• Pseudofurunculosis.
  Develops in children in the first months of life. It often occurs against the background of serious diseases: anemia, pneumonia, dystrophy, etc. Purple-red-bluish nodules form under the skin. Their size can reach the size of a hazelnut. Rashes are located on the back of the head, back, buttocks or back of the thighs. A purulent core is not formed. When the rash opens, yellow-green pus is released. Small scars remain on the skin.

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Streptoderma

Streptoderma are divided into the following types:

• Streptococcal impetigo.
  Refers to contagious and more often detected in children. It is accompanied by the appearance of flaccid blisters with serous or purulent contents. The rash mainly affects the area of ​​the face around the nose and mouth. After their opening, erosions with purulent crusts are formed. After they fall off, no traces remain on the skin.
• Bullous impetigo.
  Manifested by rashes in the form of blisters with serous-purulent contents and a pink rim on the back of the hands and legs. After opening, leaf-shaped crusts form on them, which are rejected without leaving marks.
• Crevice impetigo (jam).
  Forms in the corners of the mouth, palpebral fissures or at the base of the wings of the nose in the form of a flaccid bubble. It opens and looks like a linear crack with a zone of erosion and maceration.
• Paronychia.
  Forms around the nail, is a superficial panaritium.
• Papulo-erosive streptoderma.
  Occurs in infants. Blue-red papules with an inflamed rim appear in the perineum, buttocks, thighs and scrotum. Flaccid blisters form on their surface, which, after opening, form erosions with crusts.
• Intertriginous streptoderma.
  Characterized by inflammation of large skin folds in the groin, armpits, neck, buttocks, behind the ears. Flaccid blisters form on reddened skin. They are opened by weeping erosions with scalloped borders. Such pyoderma often develops in children with obesity, diabetes and hyperhidrosis.
• Erysipelas.
  Accompanied by acute inflammation of the skin area. In children, the cheeks, periorbital region, head and neck, limbs are more often affected; in adults, the hands, lower legs, or the area of ​​the postoperative wound. The area of ​​inflammation turns red, becomes shiny, has clear boundaries and raised edges. The focus of this type of pyoderma can be of different sizes, be swollen and hurt when touched.
• Streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.
  Begins acutely, leading to multiple organ failure. Pyoderma occurs in the form of necrotizing fasciitis and myositis. Skin lesions occur in 80% of patients. Vesicles and blisters appear on the focus of inflammation. The patient develops hypotensive shock and renal failure. Pneumonia, myocarditis, osteomyelitis, peritonitis, and other focal infections may occur. Lethality reaches 30%.
• Acute diffuse streptoderma.
  More common in adults. Manifested by flaccid blisters that spread around the periphery and can merge. Subsequently, they form erosions with scalloped outlines and a border of exfoliated epidermis. Pyoderma lesions are more often localized on the arms and legs or in the area of ​​burns, wounds and fistulas.
• Cellulite.
  Occurs in debilitated patients with diabetes mellitus, cancer, renal failure, or cirrhosis. This acute inflammatory process of the skin often appears in the area of ​​microtrauma or in the area of ​​surgical wounds. The patient’s temperature rises and a painful bright red focus of skin inflammation appears, on which various elements of a rash and abscesses can occur.
• Ectima.
  Manifested at first as a conflict with pus. After a few days, the deep skin lesion shrinks, and a large ulcer forms under the crust with edematous edges and a bottom on which there is a necrotic plaque. After 2-4 weeks, the ulcer scars.

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Streptostaphyloderma

This type of streptostaphyloderma is manifested by impetigo streptostaphylococcal. Conflicts appear on the reddened area of ​​\u200b\u200bthe skin. These rashes usually cover large areas of the skin. Elements of impetigo persist for a week. After that, they shrink and form honey-yellow crusts.

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Features of the course of pyoderma during pregnancy

The likelihood of developing pyoderma during gestation may increase due to weakened immunity. Any purulent processes are dangerous during pregnancy. They can lead to its complicated course and intrauterine infection of the fetus or child during and after childbirth. When symptoms of pyoderma appear, a woman must definitely consult a doctor and carry out treatment taking into account the timing of gestation.

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Features of pyoderma in children

Pyoderma often occurs in childhood due to imperfect immunity and frequent non-observance of personal hygiene rules. In adolescents, the tendency to purulent rashes increases due to hormonal fluctuations.

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Complications of pyoderma

Lack of treatment and severe cases of the disease can lead to various consequences of pyoderma:

• abscesses;
• scars;
• inflammation of the lymph nodes;
• vascular thrombosis;
• metastatic purulent foci: pneumonia, meningitis, myocarditis, osteomyelitis, etc.;
• sepsis.

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Diagnosis of pyoderma

If purulent rashes appear, you should consult a dermatologist. After studying the patient’s complaints, anamnesis of the disease and examination, various studies are prescribed:

• complete blood count;
• bacteriological culture of the discharge with determination of the sensitivity of the pathogen to antibiotics;
• dermatoscopy.

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If background diseases are detected or if the course is complicated, the diagnosis of pyoderma is supplemented with consultations of an immunologist, endocrinologist, surgeon and other specialized specialists. If necessary, additional tests are prescribed:

• blood sugar test;
• immunogram;
• Ultrasound of internal organs;
• radiography;
• blood tests to detect infection, etc.

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Treatment of pyoderma

Treatment of pyoderma depends on its type, severity and presence of comorbidities. The need for hospitalization and isolation is determined individually. If necessary, the underlying cause of pyoderma is treated.

During treatment, it is not recommended to wet the affected areas of the skin. Squeezing or opening and combing of purulent foci is strictly prohibited.

Antiseptic solutions, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, wound healing ointments and liniments, topical corticosteroids are prescribed for local therapy. If necessary, the patient is prescribed antibiotics or sulfonamides, multivitamin preparations. In severe cases, immunomodulators, staphylococcal toxoids and antigens, glucocorticoids are prescribed.

The results of drug therapy can be improved by prescribing physiotherapy to children and adults:

• UHF;
• UV exposure;
• laser therapy;
• UFOK.

The need for surgical treatment of pyoderma arises in its complicated course and deep lesions. The purpose of the operation is to open and remove abscesses. If necessary, they are drained.

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Prevention of pyoderma

To prevent the development of pyoderma, you must:

• observe the rules of personal hygiene;
• eat a balanced diet;
• timely treatment of diseases that contribute to the development of pyoderma;
• treat injuries and microdamages with antiseptics in time.

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Question-Answer

Is it possible to wash or swim in the sea with pyoderma?

Pyodermas are pustular skin lesions. It is better to exclude any water procedures for these diseases (bathing in a bath, pool, sea and other bodies of water). It is undesirable to wet pyoderma, since if moisture gets on the affected skin, the infection can be transferred to healthy areas. A dermatologist will help establish a type of pustular-inflammatory skin disease, prescribe adequate treatment. A pediatric dermatologist diagnoses pyoderma in children.

How to quickly cure pyoderma?

Treatment of pyoderma should be carried out exclusively by specialists – dermatologists. A complex of therapeutic measures will help to quickly cure pyoderma, which includes:

• taking medications – antibacterial agents, glucocorticosteroids, hepato- and angioprotectors, cytostatics, etc.;
• external therapy – ointments and antiseptic solutions;
• restoration and strengthening of immunity;
• diet therapy;
• physiotherapeutic procedures for children and adults.

How to treat pyoderma at home?

An additional tool in the treatment of pyoderma is its treatment at home. The most widespread local application of special ointments, brilliant green, etc. Common folk methods for the treatment of pustular-inflammatory lesions include taking dandelion infusion, celandine ointment, and raw potato compresses. An important component of the treatment of pyoderma is to strengthen the immune system. With the development of pustular skin lesions in children, it is necessary to make an appointment with a pediatric immunologist.

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The article is for informational purposes only. Please remember: self-medication can harm your health.

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The author of the article:

Aleksey Shmatkov

Dermatologist, pediatric dermatologist of the highest category

Which doctor treats pyoderma?

To find out which doctor treats pyoderma at the MEDIKOM clinic, call center operators will help you. Pyoderma can be treated with the help of professionals. In our clinic, children are treated by a pediatric dermatologist, if necessary, consultations of a pediatric immunologist are held. Contact us and we will help you quickly eliminate pyoderma and prevent its complications.

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02/23/2021 11:40

Andrey Tushinin

Respect to the author, he decided to make an appointment with a doctor.