I had the rare opportunity of
meeting an infection that affects lower extremities specifically the feet. Our feet, having a very thin skin can easily be penetrated by some bacteria. I have encountered a skin disease that was so aggressive that it
can spread from one part of the foot to another, in just a day.
I have observed in a home for the
aged how this infection behaved from the first day onward. The elders at the
home calls it "Matang Isda (fish eye)" because of the presentation of
the wound which appears like fish eye. It kindda started off like a pimple spot
on one of the toes and after it has erupted, it immediately oozed out pus.
There was pus all over the wound as shown in the picture below.
First day was still okay because
there were no apparent symptoms apart from
the lesion itself but as the day progress, there seems to be a buildup of pus
around the wound. What's even more disturbing is that within the same day
another pimple-like lesion again showed up until by end of the day there were
already 3 grown cuts.
Upon the appearance of the 2nd
wound, there was also an associated presence of foot swelling that was gradually progressing. At the
end of the day, the swelling has already spread in the entire foot.
2nd day was a lot worse because the swelling of the foot was already above the ankle joint. And as shown below, the lesion has fully erupted.
Management
From the onset of the infection
according to the doctor, an antibiotic has to be administered to stop the
spread of the bacteria. Typically what they prescribe for wound such as this is
Cefalexin to be taken 3 times a day (it is still best if you will consult with
your doctor). Also to be given is a topical agent such as Bactroban after cleaning the wound (make sure to have it super clean according to the doctor), again to
be applied based on your doctor's advice.
This infection lasts for days
depending on how early the intervention can be given. They say this is very
painful as well. So aside from the face, we have to focus also on taking care
of our feet as infections such as this is just around the corner... =)
