The role of surgery in the management of uncommon skin infections.

BACKGROUND

Some infections do not respond readily to antibiotic therapy. In particular, fungi and mycobacteria often require prolonged treatment, which is expensive and prone to adverse effects.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the role of surgery in the treatment of skin infections.

METHODS

Literature review.

RESULTS

Infections caused by atypical mycobacteria, certain fungi, and those involving joints often respond well to surgical treatments. In several situations excision produces a higher cure rate than antibiotic treatment.

CONCLUSION

Excision, drainage, or debridement has been shown to be superior to drug therapy in several infections and a reasonable alternative in others.