Managing skin infections in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children.

ABSTRACT

BACKGROUND: Skin infections are a cause of significant morbidity in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander populations. OBJECTIVE: This article gives an overview of some of the issues to consider when managing a patient with a skin infection. These issues may impact on completion of treatment and development of complications in the long term. DISCUSSION: Management should consist of treatment of the patient through medication and also general measures for the patient, their family and the community as a whole. There are significant health and socioeconomic burdens placed on communities as a result of the high rate of skin disease in some settings.