Management of community-associated bacterial skin and soft tissue infections in children and prevention of recurrence
Year: 2026
Type: review
Abstract: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are among the most common infectious diseases encountered in children. Severity of SSTIs range from simple infections that resolve spontaneously to severe necrotizing syndromes requiring intravenous antibiotics, surgical intervention, and intensive care. Inadequate skin barrier resulting from common paediatric conditions such as eczema and skin abrasions predisposes to infection. When antibiotics are needed, their choice and duration should be guided by the most probable organisms involved, their likely susceptibility profiles, and geographical epidemiologic differences. Inappropriate treatment with overly broad-spectrum antibiotics and/or for prolonged durations is detrimental to the microbiomes of patients, increases antimicrobial-related side effects, and perpetuates colonization of resistant organisms, precipitating antimicrobial resistance. This statement provides health care providers with a toolkit for optimal management of bacterial SSTIs, including recurrent episodes. It does not comprehensively examine SSTI treatment principles in immunocompromised or burn patients due to the management complexities of both settings.
Source: Paediatrics & Child Health
DOI: 10.1093/pch/pxag060
Authors: Justin Penner, Sergio Fanella
Institution: Canadian Paediatric Society
Language: English
Subfield: Infectious Diseases
Field: Medicine
Domain: Health Sciences
Open Access status: green
OpenAlex ID: W7213501310