Chamandeep Thind, MRCP, Department of Dermatology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
Simone Laube, MD MRCP, Department of Dermatology, Aberdeen Royal Infirmary, Aberdeen, Scotland, UK.
Skin and soft tissue infections are an important cause of morbidity and mortality in older adults. Decreased immunity, changes in skin anatomy, and comorbidities contribute to an increased susceptibility to infections. Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus is an increasingly common problem in both the community as well as hospitals. Clinical features and management of some common skin infections encountered in this population are reviewed here. Local microbiological guidelines and drug susceptibilities should be taken into account in the treatment.
Key words: bacterial skin infections, cellulitis, MRSA, fungal infection, scabies.
