| Abstract: | The cutaneous alterations produced during old age favor skin infections, especially among nursing home residents, due to the coexistence of frail individuals and diverse pathological agents in this setting. Among viral cutaneous infections, the most important is herpes zoster. Old age confers a greater probability of developing post-herpetic neuralgia. Specific antiviral therapy should be started early. Skin infections are mainly produced by Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. In the latter, methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains have been produced and in Spain are found in 29% of S. aureus cultures.The most frequent forms of infection in nursing homes are erysipelas and cellulitis. In this setting, candidiasis is the most frequent mycotic skin infection. Treatment should be combined with subsequent preventive interventions to avoid recurrence.Frequent hand washing is the most important preventive measure to avoid the transmission of skin infections. Specific preventive and isolation measures must be adopted in MRSA infections according to the characteristics of each case and patient. Currently, scabies is an unusual infestation in Spain. However, this diagnosis should be considered in nursing homes if several residents begin to show inexplicable pruritus. |
