What’s Ecthyma?

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Ecthyma is a serious bacterial infection that causes painful lesions and blisters to appear on the skin. Most cases are caused by streptococci from skin exposure, but many other bacteria, including staphylococci, can also cause symptoms. An infection typically starts as a small, red sore that quickly forms, hardens, and crusts over. The blisters may go away on their own for several months, but an untreated case can cause permanent scarring and spread to the skin. Doctors usually prescribe oral antibiotics at the first signs of ecthyma to promote quick healing.

When bacteria enter the skin through an open wound or insect bite, they burrow into the tissue and cause inflammation. Most infections stay in the surface layers of the skin and cause less painful and persistent blisters, a condition called impetigo. Ecthyma occurs when bacteria make their way into deeper layers of skin tissue. Infections are usually seen on the legs, buttocks, or arms, but the infection can potentially occur anywhere on the body. Developing lesions can be itchy, but doctors encourage patients not to scratch to avoid further irritation and reduce the chances of spreading bacteria to other areas of the skin.

A number of genetic and environmental factors can contribute to the development of ecthyma. Many patients diagnosed with ecthyma have a personal history of dermatitis, eczema and allergies. The elderly and children are more susceptible to infections in general due to their weak immune systems, as are adults with immunosuppressive disorders such as HIV. Additionally, people who live in crowded areas with poor sanitation have a higher risk of developing the condition.

A dermatologist can usually diagnose ecthyma by carefully inspecting the lesions and asking about symptoms. He or she may decide to scrape a small sample of infected tissue to test it for specific bacteria. After determining the cause, the dermatologist can explain the treatment and prevention measures.

Small, isolated lesions are often treated with topical antibiotics and dressed in protective bandages. If crusting is a concern, your doctor may debride the sores before applying bandages. After office care, the patient is usually written a prescription for penicillin or another oral antibiotic to take every day for about two weeks.

In order to prevent recurring episodes of ecthyma and spreading the infection to others, patients are educated on the importance of proper hygiene. An individual should wash healing lesions with antiseptic soap regularly, change bandages frequently, and avoid sharing towels, bedding, and clothing with others. Most cases of ecthyma clear up within two to six weeks with antibiotics and home care.

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