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skin; and the serious effects on the skin of protein malnutrition. For general preventive
and control methods on such common skin infections especially for environmental
health professionals, this satellite module concentrates on the general classifications of
common skin diseases as: Bacterial, Fungal and Viral skin infections, and Skin
problems due to arthropods (scabies, leishmaniasis), acne and atopic dermatitis.
6.3 Prevention and control of Bacterial Skin Diseases
Sweat and oily secretions from the skin cause dust to stick on its surface. This clogs the
skin pores and interferes with the natural function of the skin. Moreover, bacteria can
readily breed on the surface of the skin to cause various diseases. If germs that settle
on the skin as a result of poor personal hygiene are able to multiply and invade the skin,
the barrier to protect internal organs of the body is lost and systemic infections can
possibly occur. Mostly bacteria and parasites are able to invade via broken skin or
mucous membranes; hence intact skin is an important human defense
6.3.1 Case treatment
The treatment of bacterial skin infections includes:
¾ Appropriate antibiotics
¾ Drainage of pus collection
¾ Surgical removal of dead tissues
¾ Removal of foreign bodies (eg. Sutures, wood splinters, etc.) that may be a
focus of persisting infection
¾ Treating the underlying skin diseases.
6.3.2 Personal hygiene
Hygiene is defined as conditions or practices conducive to maintaining health and
preventing disease, especially cleanliness. Parasites cause disease if the source,
susceptible host and suitable environment exist. Personal hygiene is therefore, a
measure taken at individual level to promote personal cleanliness so that transmission
of diseases from source to susceptible hosts is prevented. It can be seen the most
effective line of defense in protecting the health of communities where treatment options
are limited due to lack of health care delivery systems. Many health problems are due
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