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Infections andInfestations oftheLower
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Extremity
Bacteria, viruses, and insects can all wreak havoc on our skin. To follow are the most common conditions encountered on the lower extremities that may result from these noxious agents.
3.1 Bacterial Infections
3.1.1 Abscess
Skin abscesses are localized soft tissue swellings usually caused by bacteria and accompanied with erythema and pain. Staphylococcus aureus is the most frequently isolated pathogen from skin abscesses and the incidence of methicillin- resistant (MRSA) strains is signicant and a major global health concern [1]. Diagnosis is usually based on history and clinical ndings although ultrasound may aid in differentiation from other soft tissue infections such as cellulitis [2]. The absence of purulent drainage does not rule abscess formation.
Abscesses in otherwise healthy individuals are best treated with incision and drainage [3]. The use of oral antibi­otics to treat uncomplicated cases is somewhat controversial and is often guided by severity of the infection, results of culture if performed, and incidence of local community­associated MRSA (Fig.3.1).
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3.1.2 Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a frequently encountered bacterial infection that has a propensity to affect the lower legs. Common pathogens are group A streptococcus and staphylococcus aureus; how­ever, the majority of cases are nonculturable and the underly­ing pathogen is unidentied [4]. The diagnosis is usually based on history and physical examination which reveals localized erythema and swelling associated with warmth and tenderness. More severe cases may be associated with fever.
© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022 T. C. Vlahovic, S. M. Schleicher, Atlas of Lower Extremity Skin Disease, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-07950-4_3
Fig. 3.1 Painful ankle abscess that required drainage and systemic antibiotics
Predisposing factors are obesity, diabetes, tinea pedis, and advancing age [5]. The condition may result from incidental trauma such as a supercial abrasion.
Empiric treatment of cellulitis often includes a 5-to-7-day course of oral antibiotics active against both streptococci and staphylococci [6]. To prevent recurrence, underlying factors such as lymphedema and tinea pedis should be addressed as well (Fig.3.2).
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3 Infections andInfestations oftheLower Extremity
Fig. 3.3 Erythrasma is a bacterial condition that uoresces under a Wood’s light
Fig. 3.2 The lower legs are the most common site of cellulitis
3.1.3 Erythrasma
Erythrasma is a supercial infection of the intertriginous areas. On the foot the condition is localized to the digital interspaces. Erythrasma presents as a scaly rash that may be asymptomatic or macerated, pruritic, and malodorous. It is most commonly associated with Corynebacterium minutis- simum which is a member of the normal skin ora capable of invading the stratum corneum given a warm, moist environ­ment [7]. Corynebacterium produces porphyrins that uo­resce coral-red under the Wood’s lamp in contrast to Pseudomonas, which uoresces green. This procedure is best performed in a darkened room.
Differential diagnoses include interdigital tinea pedis, candida infection, and contact dermatitis. Treatment typi­cally consists of topical erythromycin, clindamycin, or Whiteld’s ointment (Fig.3.3).
3.1.4 Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an inammatory reaction that involves hair fol­licles. The result is either a pustule or an erythematous pap­ule. Friction, occlusion, and perspiration are contributing factors and the thighs and buttocks are commonly involved
Fig. 3.4 Folliculitis is an inammation of hair follicles
sites. Most cases are caused by Staphylococcus aureus including both methicillin-sensitive and methicillin-resistant strains [8]. Hot tub folliculitis is due to pseudomonas colonization of hair follicles. The eruption associated with this disorder typically develops within 48h of exposure to a contaminated water source. Pityrosporum or malassezia fol­liculitis is a yeast infection that uncommonly occurs on the lower extremities [9].
Folliculitis is usually self-limiting and resolves without therapy although recurrence is not uncommon and may be minimized by use of antibacterial soaps. Severe or persistent cases may warrant topical and/or oral therapies directed at the causative agent (Fig.3.4).
3.1.5 Impetigo
Impetigo is a common skin disorder in children but may occur at any age [10]. The condition is highly contagious and predominately affects the lower legs and face. The majority
3.2 Viral Infections
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of cases are caused by Streptococcus pyogenes or Staphylococcus aureus and cuts and abrasions are common
bacterial entrance points. Contact sports such as wrestling and football predispose to transmission.
Impetigo is classied as either nonbullous or bullous. Nonbullous impetigo begins as an erythematous macule that quickly vesiculates and ruptures. Dried serous uid contrib­utes to the honey-combed, crusted appearance. Rubbing and scratching lead to spread of lesions. Bullous impetigo pres­ents with supercial, fragile bullae varying in size. Onset is rapid and spontaneous drainage produces a collarette of scale and crusts.
The diagnosis of impetigo is usually made clinically. Lesions should be lightly cleansed to remove supercial crusting. Topical mupirocin is used to treat isolated lesions [11]. Oral antibiotics that cover both S aureus and S pyo- genes may be instituted to decrease duration and extent of disease (Fig.3.5) [12].
3.1.6 Pitted Keratolysis
Pitted keratolysis is a supercial bacterial skin infection characterized by malodor and crateriform pitting that affects the pressure-bearing areas of the soles [13]. The condition occurs worldwide but is most prevalent in tropical countries. Those at highest risk are athletes, military personnel, and industrial workers and the disorder is most common in male adolescents and young adults. Causative agents include
Kytococcus sedentarius, Dermatophilus congolensis, and Corynebacterium [14]. These organisms produce proteases
that dissolve the stratum corneum and result in pits. Secreted sulfur compounds contribute to the malodor. Most lesions are asymptomatic and itching, burning, and pain on ambula­tion are infrequently noted.
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Fig. 3.6 Pitted keratolysis manifests as pits of the soles accompanied by malodor
Diagnosis of pitted keratolysis is based on the clinical appearance and accompanying odor. Preventative measures include the use of cotton socks, frequent sock changes, cleaning and drying of the feet after exercise or bathing, and minimizing use of occlusive shoes. Successful treatment is usually achieved with topical antibiotic therapies such as clindamycin, erythromycin, fusidic acid, and mupirocin [15]. Nightly application of a drying agent such as aluminum chloride hexahydrate may help prevent recurrence (Fig.3.6).
3.2 Viral Infections
3.2.1 Hand, Foot, andMouth Disease
Hand, foot, and mouth disease is a contagious disorder that primarily affects infants and children under the age of 10. The condition is caused by enteroviruses and coxsackievi­ruses and is transmitted by fecal-oral, oral-oral, and respira­tory droplet contact [16]. The incubation period is up to 6days. A prodrome of fever and malaise is followed in short order by macules and vesicles arising on the hands and feet. Shallow ulcers appear on the buccal mucosa and tongue and these may be painful. Diagnosis is usually made clinically. Hand, foot, and mouth disease is self-limiting with complete resolution within 10days. Rare complications include asep­tic meningitis and myocarditis (Fig.3.7) [17].
Fig. 3.5 Impetigo is a bacterial infection that presents as oozing, crusted patches
3.2.2 Herpes Zoster
Herpes zoster, commonly known as shingles, is an acute, painful, blistering eruption. The condition is caused by reac­tivation of the varicella zoster virus acquired as a sequela of chicken pox infection. The virus remains latent in the sen-
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3 Infections andInfestations oftheLower Extremity
Fig. 3.7 Hand foot and mouth disease is a self-limited viral infection (Courtesy of Lawrence Schiffman, DO)
sory ganglia until triggered by a defect in immune surveil­lance [18]. Precipitating factors include immunosuppressant medications and malignancy. Incidence of herpes zoster is highest in the elderly.
Herpes zoster presents as a painful skin rash in a dermato­mal distribution. Shortly thereafter grouped vesicles arise and these gradually resolve over the course of two to 3weeks. Pain that persists greater than 30 days is referred to as postherpetic neuralgia and this dreaded sequela may be intense and incapacitating. The adjuvanted, recombinant varicella zoster virus (VZV) vaccine (Shingrix) has demon­strated high efcacy as a preventative of shingles and is rec­ommended for adults aged 50 and above (Fig.3.8) [19].
3.2.3 Molluscum Contagiosum
Molluscum contagiosum is a common skin disorder caused by a poxvirus [20]. Close contact transmits the virus and autoinoculation results in spread. Preschool and elementary school children are predominately affected [21]. Characteristic lesions are dome shaped, esh to pink colored papules with umbilicated centers. In healthy patients, infec­tion is generally self-limited and resolves within several months. Spontaneous resolution may be accompanied by an
Fig. 3.8 Herpes zoster presents as painful blisters on an erythematous base (Courtesy of Alan Weisman, DPM)
inammatory, eczematoid reaction termed the BOTE sign (short for, beginning of the end) [22].
Treatment with curettage or liquid nitrogen hastens reso­lution but ablative therapies may be somewhat traumatic to a child and can result in hyperpigmentation (Fig.3.9).
3.2.4 Plantar Verruca
Plantar verrucae are caused by the human papillomavirus (HPV). The virus can be found on oors, socks, and sporting equipment and enters the skin through minor trauma. Upon entrance into the epidermis HPV inoculates keratinocytes and continues to replicate [23]. Lesions present as well­dened papillomatous growths with overlying hyperkerato­sis. Mosaic warts refer to groups of verrucae clustered together. Pinpoint bleeding upon debridement and disruption of normal skin lines differentiate warts from a plantar callus. Further, lateral compression on a wart induces pain, whereas a callus is most painful with direct pressure.
Preventative measures include avoidance of walking barefoot in public areas such as swimming pools, locker
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Fig. 3.9 Dome-shaped papules are classic for molluscum contagiosum
Fig. 3.10 Plantar verruca are persistent and often require multiple
treatment sessions
rooms, gymnasiums, and public showers. Treatment may prove challenging. Most lesions will eventually resolve spontaneously but patients often seek treatment due to discomfort or cosmesis [24]. Home remedies include wart solutions containing salicylic acid and duct tape. Variable results have been reported with topical agents includ­ing cantharidin, imiquimod, and 5-uorouracil. Liquid nitrogen cryosurgery and laser ablation are ofce based destructive therapies that usually require multiple ses­sions (Fig.3.10).
3.3 Infestations
3.3.1 Bed Bugs
Bed bugs are bloodsucking ectoparasites that are members of the Cimicidae family [25]. The insects feed throughout the night targeting exposed areas of skin such as the arms and legs. Once feeding has ended, bed bugs will relocate to the crevices of a bed or couch. Unengorged insects have at, reddish-brown oval shaped bodies.
Skin lesions manifest as erythematous papules and are extremely pruritic. Bites are often grouped in a linear array of three, the pattern descriptively termed “breakfast, lunch, and dinner” [26]. Individual bites respond to topical steroids and typically resolve within several days. Steam cleaning or treatment with insecticides is usually necessary for complete eradication (Fig.3.11).
3.3.2 Fleas
Fleas (Siphonaptera) are bloodsucking ectoparasites and over 2500 species are found worldwide [27]. Domestic cats and dogs are the primary intermediaries to humans. The body of eas is studded with pointed bristles that facilitate movement within fur. Fleas cannot y but are impressive
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Fig. 3.11 Bed bug bites in groups of threes, referred to as breakfast, lunch, and dinner
Fig. 3.12 Fleas are often transmitted to humans by their pets
3 Infections andInfestations oftheLower Extremity
Fig. 3.13 Scabies is a contagious skin condition caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei
3.3.3 Scabies
Scabies is an intensely pruritic skin infestation caused by the host-specic mite Sarcoptes scabiei var hominis. The condi­tion is most commonly encountered in institutions such as nursing homes and prisons [29]. The most prominent clinical feature is intense itching especially worse at night. The pru­ritus is the result of a delayed type-IV hypersensitivity reac­tion to the mite, feces, and eggs [30]. Classic ndings are burrows and small erythematous papules replete with exco­riations and hemorrhagic crusts. A dark triangular structure can be visualized on dermoscopy. The most common sites of involvement are the nger and toe webs, wrists, buttocks, genitals, and the breasts in women. Norwegian scabies is a clinical variant that manifests thick crusts that are most prominent on the hands and feet. Immunocompromised and debilitated, elderly individuals are at greatest risk.
Successful treatment requires eradication of the mites and may be accomplished with topical or oral anti-scabetic agents [31]. Close contacts should be treated simultaneously (Fig.3.13).
jumpers with hind legs allowing them to leap up to 150 times their body length. Flea-bite dermatitis is an allergic reaction caused by substances in their saliva [28]. Cat eas have a predilection for biting ankles. Bites present as erythematous papules that are often excoriated.
Fleas can transmit a number of illnesses including bubonic plague, spotted fever rickettsiosis, and murine typhus. Ridding a home of eas entails treating pets, washing bed­ding, and vacuuming carpets (Fig.3.12).
3.3.4 Ticks/Lyme Disease
Lyme disease is a tick-borne illness caused by Borrelia burg­dorferi, a spirochetal bacterium. Cases are primarily located
in northeastern and mid-Atlantic states and are most frequent between the months of May and September [32]. History usually includes recent outdoor activity in a wooded area with development of a rash following a tick bite. The annular
References
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Fig. 3.14 The characteristic rash of Lyme disease, erythema migrans, resembles a “bull’s eye”
erythematous patch with central clearing, termed erythema migrans, occurs at the site of the bite and is found in approxi­mately 80% of cases. At least 24h of attachment is required for disease transmission [33] and the incubation period ranges from 3 to 20days.
Diagnosis of early Lyme disease is facilitated by recogni­tion of the classic rash and history of tick bite in endemic areas, with conrmation established by serologic testing. First line treatment for early disease is doxycycline. Untreated, the condition may lead to arthritis, carditis, and neuropathy (Fig.3.14).
References
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2. Subramaniam S, Bober J, Chao J, Zehtabchi S.Point-of-care ultra­sound for diagnosis of abscess in skin and soft tissue infections. Acad Emerg Med. 2016;23(11):1298–306. https://doi.org/10.1111/
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3. Hammond SP, Baden LR. Management of skin and soft-tissue infection— polling results. N Engl J Med. 2008;359:e20.
4. Raff AB, Kroshinsky D. Cellulitis: a review. JAMA. 2016;316(3):325–37. https://doi.org/10.1001/jama.2016.8825.
5. Cranendonk DR, Lavrijsen APM, Prins JM, Wiersinga WJ. Cellulitis: current insights into pathophysiology and clinical management. Neth J Med. 2017;75(9):366–78.
6. Sullivan T, de Barra E. Diagnosis and management of cellulitis. Clin Med (Lond). 2018;18(2):160–3. https://doi.org/10.7861/
clinmedicine.18- 2- 160.
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8. Winters RD, Mitchell M.Folliculitis. [2021 Aug 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2021.
9. Berger RS, Seifert MR.Whirlpool folliculitis: a review of its cause, treatment, and prevention. Cutis. 1990;45(2):97–8.
10. Rubenstein RM, Malerich SA.Malassezia (pityrosporum) folliculi­tis. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2014;7(3):37–41.
11. Hartman-Adams H, Banvard C, Juckett G.Impetigo: diagnosis and treatment. Am Fam Physician. 2014;90(4):229–35.
12. Koning S, van der Sande R, Verhagen AP, van Suijlekom-Smit LW, Morris AD, Butler CC, Berger M, van der Wouden JC.Interventions for impetigo. Cochrane Database Syst Rev. 2012;1(1):CD003261.
https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.CD003261.pub3.
13. Nardi NM, Schaefer TJ. Impetigo. [Updated 2021 Aug 11]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing;
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14. Bristow IR, Lee YL. Pitted keratolysis: a clinical review. J Am Podiatr Med Assoc. 2014;104(2):177–82.
15. Fernández-Crehuet P, Ruiz-Villaverde R. Pitted keratolysis: an infective cause of foot odour. CMAJ. 2015;187(7):519. https://doi.
org/10.1503/cmaj.140809.
16. de Almeida HL Jr, Siqueira RN, Meireles Rda S, Rampon G, de Castro LA, Silva RM. Pitted keratolysis. An Bras Dermatol. 2016;91(1):106–8. https://doi.org/10.1590/
abd1806- 4841.20164096.
17. Saguil A, Kane SF, Lauters R, Mercado MG. Hand-foot-and­mouth disease: rapid evidence review. Am Fam Physician. 2019;100(7):408–14.
18. Guerra AM, Orille E, Waseem M.Hand foot and mouth disease. [Updated 2021 Sep 20]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing; 2021. Available from: https://www.ncbi.
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19. Nair PA, Patel BC. Herpes zoster. [Updated 2021 Sep 9]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing;
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20. Shingrix– an adjuvanted, recombinant herpes zoster vaccine. Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2017:59:195.
21. Trčko K, Hošnjak L, Kušar B, et al. Clinical, histopathologi­cal, and virological evaluation of 203 patients with a clinical diagnosis of molluscum contagiosum. Open Forum Infect Dis. 2018;5(11):ofy298. https://doi.org/10.1093/od/ofy298.
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25. Witchey DJ, Witchey NB, Roth-Kauffman MM, Kauffman MK. Plantar warts: epidemiology, pathophysiology, and clinical management. J Am Osteopath Assoc. 2018;118(2):92–105. https://
doi.org/10.7556/jaoa.2018.024.
26. Akhoundi M, Sereno D, Durand R, et al. Bed bugs (Hemiptera, Cimicidae): overview of classication, evolution and dispersion. Int J Environ Res Public Health. 2020;17(12):4576. https://doi.
org/10.3390/ijerph17124576.
27. Peres G, Yugar LBT, Haddad Junior V. Breakfast, lunch, and dinner sign: a hallmark of ea and bedbug bites. An Bras Dermatol. 2018;93(5):759–60. https://doi.org/10.1590/
abd1806- 4841.20187384.
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28. Iannino F, Sulli N, Maitino A, Pascucci I, Pampiglione G, Salucci S.Fleas of dog and cat: species, biology and ea-borne diseases. Vet Ital. 2017;53(4):277–88. https://doi.org/10.12834/VetIt.109.303.3.
29. Lee SE, Johnstone IP, Lee RP, Opdebeeck JP. Putative salivary allergens of the cat ea, Ctenocephalides felis felis. Vet Immunol Immunopathol. 1999;69:229–37.
30. Chandler DJ, Fuller LC.A review of scabies: an infestation more than skin deep. Dermatology. 2019;235(2):79–90. https://doi.
org/10.1159/000495290.
31. Sunderkötter C, Wohlrab J, Hamm H.Scabies: epidemiology, diag­nosis, and treatment. Dtsch Arztebl Int. 2021;118(41):695–704.
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32. Med Lett Drugs Ther. 2021;63(1624):73–5.
33. Eisen L. Pathogen transmission in relation to duration of attach­ment by Ixodes scapularis ticks. Ticks Tick Borne Dis. 2018 Mar;9(3):535–42.
Xerotic andHyperkeratotic Disorders
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oftheLower Extremity
Skin barrier function is dependent on the integrity of the stra­tum corneum. Xerotic and hyperkeratotic disorders are the result of barrier dysfunction. Hydration and free fatty acids contribute to skin integrity. Increased transepidermal water loss causes dehydration of the stratum corneum. Loss of free fatty acids accompanies the aging process and is accentuated by frequent bathing and harsh detergents. Decreased free fatty acids and dehydration lead to cell contracture. Corneocytes curl upwards creating the clinical appearance of scale.
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4.1 Xerosis
Xerotic or dry skin may be classied as mild, moderate, or severe in presentation [1]. On the foot, xerosis can be present within the skin lines of the plantar surface or may be local­ized to scaling patches such as those seen in moccasin tinea pedis. The condition most commonly occurs in the aging population. Xerosis may be induced by environmental fac­tors such as low humidity and may accompany medical con­ditions such as thyroid disease, diabetes, and kidney failure. Pruritus is frequently an associated nding. Emollients and keratolytics are the mainstays of therapy (Figs.4.1 and 4.2).
4.2 Corns andCalluses
Corns and calluses (also referred to as clavi, heloma, tyloma, and keratoma) are hyperkeratotic lesions that arise in areas of mechanical stress [2]. Corns refer to lesions on the dorsum of the foot, whereas calluses describe plantar foot lesions. Intractable plantar keratosis (IPK) refers to a focal hyper­keratotic plantar lesion that is a conical thickening of the stratum corneum. The cone points deep into the foot. Both mechanical trauma and genetic predisposition may play roles in causality [3].
Fig. 4.1 Mild xerosis with scale visible within skin lines
Treatment of dorsal and hyperkeratotic lesions of the foot includes sharp debridement, padding of the area to reduce pressure, insole/orthotic devices, appropriate tting shoe gear, keratolytic topical agents, and surgical correction of any underlying bony deformity contributing to the corn/cal­lus formation [3] (Fig.4.3).
© The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2022 T. C. Vlahovic, S. M. Schleicher, Atlas of Lower Extremity Skin Disease, https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-031-07950-4_4
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Fig. 4.2 Severe plantar xerosis
4 Xerotic andHyperkeratotic Disorders oftheLower Extremity
Fig. 4.3 Punctate keratoses on the plantar foot
4.3 Asteatotic Eczema (Erythema Craquele)
Asteatotic or xerotic eczema is a common form of dry skin encountered on the lower extremities. It is also termed
Fig. 4.4 Asteatotic eczema on the medial aspect of the leg
eczema craquelé due to a similar appearance to the ne lines seen in porcelain [4] and winter itch due to its increased severity in the winter months. Asteatotic eczema commonly presents on the anterior aspect of the leg as pru­ritic, annular, scaling patches that can resemble tinea infec­tion. It may also appear as ssures mimicking a dry riverbed. Treatment consists of decreasing bathing fre­quency and application of moisturizing emollients after bathing. More severe cases may warrant topical corticoste­roid steroid therapy (Fig.4.4).
4.4 Keratoderma Climactericum (Haxthausen’s Disease)
Keratoderma climactericum presents as cracking and ssur­ing of the plantar heel which may progress distally along the sides of the foot. Post-menopausal females may also develop cracking and ssuring of the heels plantarly [5]. The palms of the hands may also be involved. The condition has a strong correlation to obesity. Patients will often complain of pain with ambulation especially in the presence of heel ssures. Treatment consists of application of a keratolytic and an emollient to decrease the thickness of the skin and improve the epidermal skin barrier (Fig.4.5).