Content - Volume 88, Supplement

Staphylococcus aureus is a key pathogen in skin and soft-tissue infections, and controlling it is crucial in treating these conditions. The principal antibiotics used for ambulatory treatment of S. aureus skin infections are beta-lactams, macrolides, aminoglycosides, tetracyclines, mupirocin and fusidic acid. In choosing an antibiotic, ideally the following characteristics should be met: adequate ...

"Topical antibacterial therapy is an important component in managing skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs). Fusi­dic acid, a narrow-spectrum antibiotic active against Staphylococcus aureus, has shown good skin permeability and low allergenic potential. The resistance rate in S. aureus remains low, as shown in a study of Canadian hospitals from 1999 to 2005. In treating primary skin infectio ...

"Staphylococcus aureus infection plays an important role in atopic eczema (AE) because of its ability to produce virulence factors such as superantigens. Epicutaneous application of superantigens induces eczema. Super­antigens also induce corticosteroid resistance, and subvert T-regulatory cell activity, thereby increasing AE severity. Increased binding of S. aureus to skin is driven by underlyin ...

"Infection with Staphylococcus aureus is common in all forms of eczema. Production of superantigens by S. ­aureus increases skin inflammation in eczema; antibacterial treatment is thus pivotal. Poor patient compliance is a major cause of treatment failure; combination preparations that contain an antibacterial and a topical steroid and that work quickly can improve compliance and thus treatment ...

In eczema, many factors influence treatment success. This interactive session included discussion of two case histories, illustrating the range of diagnostic procedures and treatment options available in eczema, and the variety of solutions that individual clinicians might choose. When inflammation and infection are both present, a topical treatment that combines anti-inflammatory and anti-infecti ...