Skin Infections

Skin infections are diseases caused by the penetration and proliferation of pathogenic microorganisms in the skin. When the workplace facilitates contact with the infectious agent and the resulting condition is influenced, aggravated, or maintained by present risk factors, it is referred to as an occupational skin infection.

The occupations at highest risk for infections include healthcare workers, especially laboratory personnel, veterinarians, slaughterhouse workers, livestock farmers, etc.

Infections are classified based on the type of pathogen responsible:

• Bacterial infections: Caused by bacteria, single-celled microorganisms that release toxins and multiply rapidly. This is the most common type of infection.
• Viral infections: Caused by viruses, microscopic agents that reproduce within the cells they infect. They have a very simple structure consisting of genetic material.
• Fungal infections: Triggered by spores spread by fungi.
• Parasitic infections: Result from parasites, microorganisms that live and reproduce in the host, from which they also obtain nutrients.

Some of the most common occupational skin infections include:

• Bacterial skin infections:
• Anthrax: Affects animals and people who work with them, such as livestock farmers, veterinarians, and breeders.
• Erysipeloid of Rosenbach: Occurs in butchers and workers handling fish, seafood, and poultry.
• Paronychia: Found in chemists, laboratory workers, painters, shoemakers, farmers, mechanics, or carpenters.
• Cutaneous tuberculosis: A risk for butchers, veterinarians, pathologists, and surgeons.
• Brucellosis or Malta fever: Also affects animals and professionals who work with them.
• Viral skin infections:
• Herpes simplex: The most common occupational viral infection. Seen in dentists, dental technicians, and healthcare personnel.
• Common warts: Very frequent in meat handlers, butchers, and slaughterhouse workers.
• Orf virus or contagious ecthyma: Affects sheep and goats, making it common among livestock farmers and veterinarians.
• Fungal skin infections:
• Dermatophytosis, onychomycosis, or ringworm: Affects individuals who work in close contact with animals.
• Candidiasis: Common in jobs involving factors that disrupt skin balance, such as irritant substances, animals, sugary products, or high humidity.
• Sporotrichosis: Frequent in gardeners, farmers, forestry workers, and miners.
• Athlete’s foot: Very common among athletes, trainers, and sports instructors.
• Parasitic skin infections:
• Scabies: Occurs in hospitals, nursing homes, and elderly care facilities.
• Leishmaniasis: Found in forestry and laboratory workers.
• Swimmer’s itch: Affects divers, lifeguards, and workers at docks, lakes, and ponds.

The prognosis of infections varies depending on their nature and the patient’s pre-existing health status, though they are generally not severe.

Symptoms

Each skin infection presents with its own specific symptoms. However, there are common signs shared by most skin infections:

• Redness
• Inflammation
• Papules (small raised bumps)
• Ulcers
• Abscesses
• Discharge
• Pain, burning, or itching in the affected area

In some cases, depending on the severity of the infection, non-cutaneous symptoms may also occur:

• General discomfort
• Fever
• Muscle pain
• Headache
• Nausea or vomiting

Causes

Infections occur due to the transmission of pathogenic agents, which can happen through direct contact with infected individuals or animals, airborne transmission via suspended particles, or through a contamination vector—meaning contact with surfaces where the germ is present. In occupational settings, microorganisms often enter the skin through untreated wounds or sores.

Risk Factors

Certain professions have a higher risk of contracting skin infections, as previously mentioned. Additionally, some individual risk factors increase susceptibility to infection:

• Immune system disorders
• Diabetes
• Obesity (skin folds favor microorganism accumulation)
• Circulatory problems
• Malnutrition
• Presence of skin lesions, wounds, or sores
• Presence of dermatitis

Complications

Complications from skin infections are uncommon, as they typically respond well to treatment. However, if left untreated, particularly in individuals with chronic or underlying immune disorders, the infection may spread throughout the body. In some cases, bacterial infections can lead to endocarditis. Additionally, some infections can trigger sepsis, a dysregulated immune response that may result in multi-organ dysfunction or septic shock, which can be life-threatening.

Prevention

The following measures should be taken to prevent skin infections:

• Maintaining proper personal hygiene, including frequent handwashing
• Wearing gloves and a face mask in the workplace
• Keeping skin well-hydrated
• Proper wound and skin lesion care, including cleaning with soap and water, applying antiseptics such as alcohol or hydrogen peroxide, and protecting with sterile gauze

What doctor treats skin infections?

Occupational skin infections are diagnosed and treated in the occupational medicine unit and by dermatology specialists.