Skin and soft tissue infections

Abstract

The skin and its appendages, and the subcutaneous tissue, deep fascia and muscle, can all develop infections under various circumstances. Patients with skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) often initially present to family physicians. The signs and symptoms of SSTIs may overlap, making a comprehensive diagnosis difficult. Early clinical presentation may be deceptively innocent. Furthermore, at presentation it is often difficult to assess the depth, severity and specific structures or tissues involved.