INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF THE SKIN

SKIN

 Intact skin is a type of non-specific host defense mechanism that serves as a physical
barrier.
 It is the body’s first line of defense.
 Very few pathogens can penetrate the skin.
 Indigenous microflora of the skin, low pH, and the presence of chemical substances such
as lysozyme and sebum are served to prevent colonization of the skin by pathogens.
 Skin infection still occurs.

List of some terms relating to skin and infectious diseases of the skin:

 Epidermis – Superficial portion of the skin.

 Dermis – Inner layer of skin; it contains blood and lymphatic vessels, nerves, and nerve
ending, glands, and hair follicles.
 Dermatitis – Inflammation of the skin.
 Sebaceous glands – Glands in the dermis that usually open into hair follicles and secrete
an oily substance called sebum.
  Folliculitis – Inflammation of a hair follicle;
the sac that contains a hair shaft.
 Sty (or stye) – Inflammation of sebaceous
gland that opens into a follicle of an eyelash.
 Furuncle – A localized pyogenic (pus-
producing) infection of the skin; it results from
folliculitis; also called as a boil.
 Carbuncle – A deep seated pyogenic infection
of the skin; it usually arises from a coalescence
of furuncles.
 Macule – A surface lesion that is neither raised
nor depressed, such as the lesions of measles.
 Papule – A firm and raised surface lesion, such
as the lesions of chickenpox.
 Vesicle – A blister or small fluid-filled sac,
such as is
seen in chickenpox and shingles.
 Pustule – A surface lesion
that is pus-filled.
 INFECTIOUS DISEASES OF THE
ORAL REGION
ORAL CAVITY

 It is a complex ecosystem that is suitable for growth and interrelationships of many types
of microorganisms.
 Studies shown that the mouth has about 300 identified species of bacteria, both anaerobes
and aerobes.
 Actual indigenous microflora of the mouth varies greatly from one person to the next.
 Many unclassified bacteria also live inside the
mouth.
 Some members of microflora are beneficial
because of the secretions that they produce,
these secretions are antagonistic to other
bacteria.
 Bacterial species such as; Streptococcus
(Streptococcus salivarius, Streptococcus
mitis, Streptococcus sanguis, and
Streptococcus mutans) and Actinomyces spp.,
protects the oral surfaces, but aside from this,
they are also involved in oral disease.
 The saliva in a healthy mouth is secreted by
salivary glands that helps control the growth
of opportunistic oral flora.
 Saliva consists of enzymes (including
lysozyme), immunoglobulins (IgA), and
buffers to control the near-neutral pH.
 Saliva continually flushes microbes and food
particles through the mouth.
 Other antimicrobial secretions and phagocytes can be found in the mucus that coats the
surfaces of the oral.
 The hard, complex, calcium tooth enamel that is bathed in protective saliva, resists the
damage caused by oral microbes.
 If the ecological balance is not maintained properly, it can cause oral disease.

Infectious Diseases of the Oral Cavity

Dental caries
 Tooth decay or cavities.
 It starts when the external surface (enamel) of a tooth is dissolves.
 Enamel can be dissolved by organic acids that are produced by masses of
microorganisms attached to the tooth dental plaque).
  After the dissolving of the enamel, there will be enzymatic destruction of protein matrix,
cavitation, and bacterial invasion.
 The most common cause of tooth decay is S. mutans., , it produces lactic acid as an end
product in the permentation of glucose.

Gingivitis
 Inflammation of the gingiva (gums)

Periodontitis
 Inflammation of the periodontium
 Periodontium is the tissue that surround and support the teeth, including the gingiva and
supporting bone.
 In severe cases, teeth loosen and fall out.

Oral infections result from a combination of the unique microbial population, reduced host
defenses, improper diet, and poor dental hygiene.

4 consequences of microbial activities

 Formation of dextran
 Acid production by lactic acid-producing bacteria
 Deposition of calculus by Actinomyces
 Secretion of inflammatory substances

 The formation of dextran is a polysaccharide from sugars by streptococci. While for the
Secretion of inflammatory substances, it is also known as endotoxin by Bacteroides
species.
 The combination of circumstances damages the teeth, soft tissues, alveolar bone, and the
periodontal fibers that attach the teeth to bone.
 Oral diseases such as gingivitis, periodontitis, and trench mouth are known as
periodontal diseases.

Periodontal diseases can be prevented by maintaining good health, proper oral hygiene (tooth
brushing, use of tartar-control toothpaste, and flossing).

Adequate diet without sugars, and regular fluoride treatments helps to control the microbial
population and prevents damaging the bacterial interactions.

Periodontist

 Specially trained dentist that treats severe gingivitis and periodontitis.

Scaling and Planing

 Techniques used by periodontist to remove tartar that accumulated on the surfaces of

tooth up to one fifth of an inch below the gum line. It is the areas where tooth brushing
and flossing cannot reach.

Chlorhexidine mouth rinse

 Used after dental surgery as an alternative for brushing and flossing as prescribed by a
periodontist.