Skin and soft tissue infections

The skin and its appendages, and the subcutaneous tissue, deep fascia and muscle, can all develop infections under various circumstances. Patients with skin and soft-tissue infections (SSTIs) often initially present to family physicians. The signs and symptoms of SSTIs may overlap, making a comprehensive diagnosis difficult. Early clinical presentation may be deceptively innocent. Furthermore, at presentation it is often difficult to assess the depth, severity and specific structures or tissues involved.