Disease Pathogen Signs and Symptoms
Comedones (whiteheads, Not transmissible; clogged
blackheads); papules,
Acne Propionibacterium acnes
pustules, nodules, or
pseudocysts
Eschar at site of infection;
Anthrax (cutaneous) Bacillus anthracis may lead to septicemia and
can be fatal
Localized inflammation of
dermis and hypodermis; skin
Cellulitis Streptococcus pyogenes
red, warm, and painful to the
touch
Inflamed, swollen patch of
Erysipelas S. pyogenes skin, often on face; may be
suppurative
Small red nodules, often
Erythema nodosum S. pyogenes
on shins
Vesicles, pustules, and
Staphylococcus aureus, S.
Impetigo sometimes bullae around
pyogenes
nose and mouth
Infection of fascia and
S.
rapidly spreading tissue
Necrotizing fasciitis pyogenes, Klebsiella, Clostridium
death; can lead to septic
, others
shock and death
Itching, redness,
discomfort of ear canal,
Otitis externa Pseudomonas aeruginosa
progressing to fever, pain,
swelling
Transmission Antimicrobial Drugs
pores become infected by
Erythromycin, clindamycin
normal skin microbiota (P.
acnes)
Entry of B.
Penicillin, erythromycin, or
anthracis endospores
tetracycline
through cut or abrasion
Entry of S.
Oral or intravenous
pyogenes through cut or
antibiotics (e.g., penicillin)
abrasion
Entry of S.
Oral or intravenous
pyogenes through cut or
antibiotics (e.g., penicillin)
abrasion
Associated with other None or anti-inflammatory
streptococcal infection drugs for severe cases
Highly contagious,
Topical or oral antibiotics
especially via contact
Entry of bacteria through Intravenous broad-
cut or abrasion spectrum antibiotics
Acidic ear drops with
P. aeruginosa enters ear
antibiotics, antifungals,
canal via pool or other water
steroids

Staphylococcal scalded
skin syndrome (SSSS)
Wound infections
Disease
Fifth disease
Herpes keratitis
Oral herpes
Papillomas
Roseola (roseola infantum,
exanthem subitum) human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7)
S. aureus
P. aeruginosa, others
Pathogen
Parvovirus B19
Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)
Herpes simplex virus 1 (HSV-1)
Human papillomavirus (HPV)
Human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6),
Erythema and severe
peeling of skin
Formation of biofilm in or
on wound
Signs and Symptoms
May have initial cold-like
symptoms; “slapped cheek”
rash
Inflammation of
conjunctiva and cornea;
irritation, excess tears,
sensitivity to light; lesions in
cornea leading to blindness
May cause initial systemic
symptoms; cold sores
Common warts, plantar
warts, flat warts, filiform
warts, and others
Initial cold-like symptoms
with high fever, followed by
a macular rash three to five
days later
Infection of skin and
Intravenous antibiotics,
mucous membranes,
fluid therapy
especially in children
Exposure of wound to Polymyxin B, gentamicin,
microbes in environment; fluoroquinolones, topical anti-
poor wound hygiene biofilm agents
Transmission Antimicrobial Drugs
Highly contagious via
respiratory secretions of None
infected individuals
Direct eye contact with
discharge from herpes lesions
Acyclovir, ganciclovir,
elsewhere in the body or
famiclovir, valacyclovir
from another infected
individual
Highly contagious via direct
Acyclovir, penciclovir,
contact with infected
famiclovir, valacyclovir
individuals
Contact with infected Topical salicylic acid,
individuals cantharidin
Spread by viral and Typically none; ganciclovir
respiratory secretions of for immunocompromised
infected individuals patients