$Unique_ID{BRK00461}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{Just What Causes "Super" Infections to Develop?}
$Subject{skin rash strep staph infection Infections Skin itch itching itchy
virus viruses viral secondary superimposed Streptococci staphylococci bacteria
bacterium bacterial}
$Volume{A-20}
$Log{}

Copyright (c) 1991-92,1993   Tribune Media Services, Inc.


Just What Causes "Super" Infections to Develop?


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QUESTION:  An itchy rash that appeared from nowhere, became quite red and
inflamed after I had scratched it a bit.  The doctor was very impressed and
called it a "super" infection.  He must have used a super medication to cure
it, judging by the price of it.  Just what causes "super" infections to
develop?

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ANSWER:  Our English language possess many words that often lead to more than
one interpretation, "super" being one of them.  The term in your case did not
mean "super" like in "Super Bowl", but "super" like in "superimposed".  The
situation is common enough, and always requires attention.  A small, itchy
rash develops either from contact with material that is irritating to the
skin, or because of a viral infection such as chickenpox.  The patient
scratches away at the persistent itch, and literally injects dirt and bacteria
in to the wound.  The bacteria thrive and grow, creating all the signs of
infection, heat, redness, pain and swelling.  This is called a "secondary" or
"superimposed" infection since it occurred after the initial problem had
created the rash, and the effects of the infection lay over the initial rash.
Streptococci and staphylococci are the most common offending organisms, and
can create havoc if they penetrate into the blood stream and carry the
infection to other parts of the body.  Generally local or topical antibiotic
creams are not affective and so oral medications are prescribed.  Particular
attention must be given to patients who have chronic disorders, such as
diabetes, that can complicate the treatment of any infection, and may help to
explain the use of a costly antibiotic in your case.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical
problem.