Superinfections – different localization

The skin is the largest organ in the human body and is in constant contact with pathogens and germs due to its large surface area. A superinfection of the skin can occur due to a pre-damage of the skin barrier. Such pre-infection can be caused by wounds as well as inflammatory skin diseases.

Typically, superinfections of the skin occur in patients suffering from neurodermatitis. The skin barrier weakened by the disease tends to be colonized by bacteria, which can lead to a superinfection in the case of an acute episode of neurodermatitis. In addition, an additional infection with a herpes virus can lead to a so-called eczema herpeticatum, which is characterized by fever and blisters distributed over the entire body.

More rarely, superinfections with papilloma viruses, which lead to the appearance of warts, or with fungi, in particular Trichophyton rubrum, occur. Therapy is adapted to the respective pathogen with antibiotic, antiviral or antimycotic agents. Depending on the severity of the clinical picture an in-patient therapy may be necessary.

A superinfection can also develop in the bronchial tubes. This is usually the case after previous viral damage to the bronchial tubes. Infection with the influenza virus in particular has a beneficial effect.

A bacterial superinfection can then lead to pneumonia, i.e. pneumonia. and flu vaccination People who have previously been ill with heart or lung diseases, such as patients with heart failure or COPD, are particularly at risk of developing such superinfections. Other diseases, especially cystic fibrosis, also lead to recurrent bronchial infections.

In the case of cystic fibrosis, these are also germs that are otherwise rarely encountered and show many resistances, such as Burkholderia cepacia. The paranasal sinuses can also be affected by a superinfection. This is particularly the case in chronic sinusitis, i.e. an inflammation of the paranasal sinuses.

Often this is a vicious circle. An infection that exists at the beginning leads to an acute inflammation, which in the course of time can turn into a chronic inflammation. Here, allergies and anatomical peculiarities have a favourable effect.

In the course of a chronic inflammation, bacterial superinfections can develop, which in turn further fuel the inflammation. Frequent secondary infections are infections with pneumococci or Haemophilus Influenza, more rarely with the fungus Aspergillus fumigatus. Such a superinfection is treated with antibiotics.

Aminopenicillins, such as amoxicillin, or 2nd generation cephalosporins, such as cefuroxime, are suitable. In the eye, superinfections with bacteria often develop on the conjunctiva as so-called bacterial conjunctivitis. This disease is often found in small and school children and usually develops at the base of an allergic or viral irritation of the conjunctiva.

and eye drops against an allergy In adults, contact lens wearers in particular are at risk of suffering such a bacterial superinfection. Typically, there is increased secretion from the eye, which is purulent and sticky. In the morning, yellowish crusts can also be found on the eyelids.

The sometimes highly infectious pathogens are often transmitted from person to person by smear infections. A therapy is carried out with antibiotic eye drops. If the symptoms do not improve, a new visit to the doctor should be made after one week at the latest. and Dry eyes caused by contact lenses Those affected should always use their own towels and hygiene products due to the infectiousness. In addition, contact between hands and eyes should be avoided and hands should be washed regularly.