Abstract

Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are clinical entities of variable presentation, etiology and severity that involve microbial invasion of the layers of the skin and underlying soft tissues. SSTI is a common health-care problem in the pediatric patient population. Children, especially those under 3 years of age, appear to be particularly vulnerable to these infections. Methodology: This study was conducted at Microbiology department of tertiary care centre for a period of 18 months. 250 children who visited the IPD and OPD at Pediatric Surgery Department and those were less than one year of age were included for the study. Clinical features suggested skin and soft tissue infection. Result: Most common risk factor in this study was daily massage with oils (94.8%). Other risk factors were trauma (79.6%), body piercing (19.2%) and previous hospitalization (14%). None of the case had history of attending day care centre, diabetes or presence of some other risk factor. Conclusion- The initial assessment of any child with a skin or soft tissue infection involves taking a thorough but focused history. Details such as the onset of signs and symptoms, progression of disease, previous hospitalization, association with trauma, body piercing, bite injuries and systemic symptoms can help clarify causative organisms as well as the treatment approach.

Description