Skin and Eye Infections

The skin is an important barrier to pathogens, but it can also develop infections. These raised lesions (left) are typical of folliculitis, a condition that results from the inflammation of hair follicles. Acne lesions (right) also result from inflammation of hair follicles. In this case, the inflammation results when hair follicles become clogged with complex lipids, fatty acids, and dead skin cells, producing a favorable environment for bacteria.

Image: There are many possible causes of itchy skin, including allergic reactions, skin conditions, and infection. Source: "Woman Scratching Skin" by NIAID is licensed CC BY 2.0

Upon completion of this module, you will be able to:

1. Describe the major anatomical features of the skin and eyes (Course Outcomes # C.O. 2 and 5).  
2. Compare and contrast the microbiomes of various body sites, such as the hands, back, feet, and eyes (C.O. 1, 3, and 5).
3. Explain how microorganisms overcome defenses of skin and eyes in order to cause infection (C.O. 2, 3, and 5).
4. Describe general signs and symptoms of disease associated with infections of the skin and eyes (C.O. 3 and 5).
5. Identify the most common bacterial pathogens that cause infections of the skin and eyes (C.O. 1 and 3).
6. Compare the major characteristics of specific bacterial diseases affecting the skin and eyes (C.O. 1, 3, and 5).
7. Identify the most common viruses associated with infections of the skin and eyes (C.O. 1 and 3).
8. Compare the major characteristics of specific viral diseases affecting the skin and eyes (C.O. 1, 3, and 5).
9. Identify the most common fungal pathogens associated with cutaneous and subcutaneous mycoses (C.O. 1 and 3).
10. Compare the major characteristics of specific fungal diseases affecting the skin (C.O. 1, 3, and 5).
11. Identify two parasites that commonly cause infections of the skin and eyes (C.O. 1 and 3).
12. Identify the major characteristics of specific parasitic diseases affecting the skin and eyes (C.O. 1, 3, and 5).
13. Utilize digital public health surveillance tools (e.g., CDC, WHO, KFF, state health department dashboards, or GIS mapping systems) to research, compare, and chart the frequency of the most commonly reported bacterial, viral, fungal, and parasitic skin and eye infections in your city and state (C.O. 3, 4, and 6).
14. Create and present a digital chart or graph (using tools such as Excel, Google Sheets, Tableau Public, GIS dashboards, or other data visualization platforms) that illustrates trends in the most reported skin and eye infections for your city and state, and interpret public health implications of the patterns observed (C.O. 3, 5, and 6).

To achieve these objectives: 

[Welcome to this module! To be successful, please complete the activities in the sequence listed below. Each activity is designed to build your microbiology knowledge while also strengthening essential digital, scientific, and communication skills needed for today’s workforce.]

1. Read the Module 13 Introduction: This provides the purpose of the module, key themes, and the learning outcomes you are expected to achieve by the end.  
2. Read Chapter 13 in Medical Microbiology for Nursing and Allied Health: A Louisiana Perspective
3. Complete the [following activities in order. Check off each box as you go.]

You will find the following resources and activities in this module at the Pressbooks website. Click on the links below to access or complete each item.