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Skin and Skin Structure Infections in Older Adults

  • Infectious Diseases in the Elderly (KS Kaye and D Kaye, Section Editors)
  • Published:
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Abstract

The aging population undergoes anatomical, physiological, and environmental changes, which puts them at increased risk for skin and skin structure infections. Skin and skin structure infections in older adults can range from simple cellulitis to life-threatening necrotizing fasciitis. Infections occur in both the community and healthcare settings. Understanding the pathophysiology of these infections, risk factors, microbiology, and antimicrobial resistance trends can help clinicians to manage effectively these infections. Antimicrobial therapy is an important component of management and is impacted by risk for methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). Early diagnosis and prevention of infection recurrences are also important components in the management of skin and skin structure infections in older adults.

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Conflict of Interest

Jisha John, Kyle Miletic, and Keith S. Kaye declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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This article does not contain any studies with human or animal subjects performed by any of the authors.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fellow in Infectious Disease, Detroit Medical Center, Wayne State University, 3990 John R, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA

    Jisha John

  2. Wayne State University School of Medicine, 320 E. Canfield, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA

    Kyle Miletic

  3. Division of Infectious Disease, Detroit Medical Center, Wayne State University, 4201 Saint Antoine, Suite 2B, Box 331, Detroit, MI, 48201, USA

    Keith S. Kaye

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  1. Jisha John
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  2. Kyle Miletic
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Correspondence to Keith S. Kaye.

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This article is part of the Topical Collection on Infectious Diseases in the Elderly

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John, J., Miletic, K. & Kaye, K.S. Skin and Skin Structure Infections in Older Adults. Curr Geri Rep 4, 70–78 (2015). https://doi.org/10.1007/s13670-014-0113-6

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