Medical Blog

Also known as Decubitus ulcers, there accus over pressure points between a bony Prominence and a hard surface. Eg. A bed or chair. When this occurs , blood flow to the affected area is impaired and ischaemia develops initially the skin reddens, and later as ischaemia and necrosis occur the skin sloughs and an ulcer forms that may then enlarge into a cavity. If infection occurs , this can result in septicaemia. Healing takes place by second intention.
Predisposing factors .
There may be extrinsic .eg . Pressure ,shearing forces trauma ,immobility,moisture infection
Intrinsic .eg.poor nutritional status,poor circulation , sensory impairment ,infection, old age.

INFECTIONS1)VIRAL INFECTION:a)Human papilloma virus(HPV)this causes WARTS or VERUCCAS that are spread by direct contact,e.g.from another lesions ,or another infected indiviual.there is proliferation of the epidermis and development of a small firm growth.common sites are  the hands,the face and soles of the feet.b)Herpes viruseschicken pox and shinges are caused by the herpes zoster viruses.other herpes viruses causes cold sores (HSV1) and genital herpes (HSV2).the latter causes gential warts affecting the genitilia and/or anus and are spread by direct contact during sexual intercourse.2)BACTERIAL INFECTIONA)Impetigo:this is a highly infectious condition commonly caused by STAPHYLOCOCCUS AUREUS.superfical pustules  develop,usually around the nose and mouth.it is spread by direct contact and affects mainly childrens and immunosuppressed indivuals. when caused by strepococcus pyopgenes (group A beta-heamolytic streptococcus)the infection may be complicated ,a few weeks later ,by an immune reaction causing glomerulonephritisB)Cellulitis:this is a spreading infection caused by some anaerobic microbes or by STREPTOCOCCUS PYOGENES or CLOSTRIDIUM PERFRINGENS.the spread of infection is facilitated by the formation of enzymes that break down the connective tissue that normally isolates an area of inflammation.the microbes enter the body through a break in the skin.if untreated,the products of inflammation may enter the blood causing septicaemia.in severe cases nectrotising fasciitis may occur,there is oedema and necrosis of subcutaneous tissue that usually includes the fascia in the affected area.FUNGAL INFECTIONS1)Ringworm and tinea pedis:these are superficial infections of the skin.in ringworm there is an outward spreading ring of inflammation.it most commonly affects the scalp and is found in cattle from which infection is spread .            tinea pedis(athletes foot)affects the area between the toes.both infections are spread by direct contact. 

ACNE VULGARIS:this is a common condition in adolescent that is thought to be caused by incresed levels of male sex hormones after puberty.it occurs  when sebaceous glands in hair follicles become blocked and then infected leading to inflammation and pustule formation.in serve cases permanent scarring may result.the most common sites are the face,chest and upper back.