Objective: Skin and soft tissue infections (SSTIs) are prevalent among pediatric patients. This study examines the etiological factors, clinical features, disease progression, and prognosis of children hospitalized for SSTIs over a year, alongside their clinical and laboratory data upon admission.

Materials and Methods: Patients admitted to the Pediatric Infectious Diseases Department due to SSTIs from January 1, 2023, to January 1, 2024, were retrospectively reviewed using the hospital’s information management system. Their characteristics were recorded for analysis.

Results: A total of 144 patients were analyzed. Of these, 70 (48.6%) were female, and 74 (51.4%) were male. When divided by age, 24 (16.7%) were 0-2 years old, 72 (50%) were between 2 and 10 years old, and 48 (33.3%) were older than 10. Eleven patients (7.6%) had chronic diseases. A history of trauma was found in 65 (45.1%) cases. The most common symptoms at admission were fever in 121 (84%) cases, swelling in 132 (91.7%), warmth in 111 (76.4%), redness in 95 (66%), pain in 106 (73.6%), rash in 49 (34%), and itching in 22 (15.3%). Among cellulitis and abscesses, 49 (34%) cellulitis and 40 (27.8%) abscesses were located in the lower extremities. Cervical lymphadenitis was observed in 42 (29.2%) cases. Pathogens were isolated from blood cultures in 14 (9.7%) cases and from wound/abscess cultures in 51 (35.4%) cases. Among the 65 (45.1%) culture-positive cases, the most common gram-positive pathogen was community-acquired methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (CA-MRSA), while the most frequent gram-negative pathogen was Enterobacteriaceae species. All patients received empirical parenteral antibiotics, and 58 (40.3%) underwent drainage and/or surgical intervention. A comparison of the demographic and laboratory characteristics of patients with positive blood and wound cultures showed a significant correlation between sedimentation rate and hospitalization. During follow-up, no residual sequelae, functional impairment, or deformities secondary to SSTIs were observed.

Conclussion: Based on the literature review and local epidemiology, this study offers valuable insights for hospital-based management of common skin and soft tissue infections in pediatric patients.