All of the following skin infections are caused by S aureus, EXCEPT:
**Core Concept**
Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) is a gram-positive bacterium that commonly causes skin and soft tissue infections. These infections can range from mild to severe and are often caused by the bacterium's ability to produce toxins and invade host tissues.
**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
S. aureus is a common cause of skin infections such as impetigo, folliculitis, and abscesses. However, it is not typically associated with erythrasma, a superficial skin infection caused by Corynebacterium minutissimum. Erythrasma is characterized by a well-demarcated, scaly, erythematous plaque, particularly in the intertriginous areas.
**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
* **Option A:** Impetigo is a common skin infection caused by S. aureus, characterized by honey-colored crusting and often accompanied by lymphadenopathy.
* **Option B:** Folliculitis is a type of skin infection that affects the hair follicles and is frequently caused by S. aureus, leading to inflammation and pus formation.
* **Option D:** Abscesses are localized collections of pus that can occur in the skin or subcutaneous tissue, often caused by S. aureus, and require prompt drainage.
**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
Erythrasma can be distinguished from other skin infections by its characteristic "map-like" pattern of pigmentation and the absence of pus or lymphadenopathy.
**Correct Answer:** D.