Secondarily Infected Dermatoses
Secondarily infected dermatoses develop when bacteria come in contact with broken (compromised) skin. Compromised skin results from any kind of infection, such as atopic dermatitis, allergic contact dermatitis, or psoriasis. Learn more about the following conditions that may become secondarily infected. Remember, it's important to see your doctor if you have any of these conditions, even if they haven't become infected.
Atopic Dermatitis
Atopic dermatitis (AD) is an allergic, chronic skin disease. It causes itchy, scaly, red patches on the skin. In children, it is usually found on the face, scalp, limbs and torso. In adults, it is usually found on the neck, face, wrists and forearms. People with asthma and allergies may be more likely to experience AD. AD sufferers frequently develop recurrent bacterial skin infections. These infections can also worsen the disease. Infected atopic dermatitis is treated with either topical or oral antibiotics.
Allergic Contact Dermatitis
Allergic contact dermatitis is an allergic skin reaction. It causes an itchy, scaly, red rash, similar to atopic dermatitis. The most common allergen causing this reaction is urushiol, the substance found in poison ivy, poison oak and poison sumac. Other common agents that can cause this skin reaction include nickel (found in jewelry), formaldehyde (found in clothing and nail polish), fragrances, preservatives (found in medications and cosmetics), rubber and chemicals in leather and synthetic shoes. Topical medications, such as hydrocortisone, neomycin, bacitracin, benzocaine and thimerosal may also cause allergic contact dermatitis.
Allergic contact dermatitis usually clears up in 2 to 4 weeks if the allergen is removed. It may also be treated with topical corticosteroids. In more severe cases with extensive oozing, wet to dry compresses are employed. Infected allergic contact dermatitis is treated, as any other bacterial skin infections, with topical or oral antibiotics.
Psoriasis
Psoriasis is a chronic, life-long skin disease. It causes red, scaly patches. Patients who smoke and abuse alcohol may get psoriasis more often. Psoriatic patients who abuse alcohol have a higher risk of death. Psoriasis is treated with topical corticosteroids, tar (in shampoos, creams and oils), calcipotriene, tazarotene, topical calcineurin inhibitors, ultraviolet light, methotrexate, retinoids, immunosuppressive drugs and immunomodulatory drugs, such as etanercept, alefacept, efalizumab and infliximab.
Although psoriasis is typically mild, it can get worse with a viral and/or bacterial infection. In this case, it is treated with a topical or oral antibiotic.
