Bacterial Skin Infections

A bacterial skin infection often develops when bacteria enter the body through skin that has been wounded, scraped, or cut open.  This break in the skin, which is the body’s natural protective barrier, allows bacteria to enter and grow, causing the infection.

Additionally, those with certain medical conditions, such as diabetes, cancer, or AIDS, have a higher risk of developing a bacterial skin infection.

There are many common types of bacterial skin infections. These can include :

• Cellulitis – A painful, swollen, red infection that is usually tender and warm to the touch. Cellulitis is usually found on the legs, but it can appear anywhere on the body.
• Folliculitis – An infection of the hair follicles that causes red, swollen bumps (it often looks similar to pimples). One example of which is “hot tub folliculitis,” which may be acquired from improperly treated pools or hot tubs harboring specific types of bacteria.
• Impetigo – Often found in young children, this bacterial skin infection is highly contagious and causes oozing sores. The bullous form of impetigo causes large blisters while the non-bullous form has a honey-like crust appearance.
• Furuncle – More commonly known as a boil, this is a deep skin infection that starts in hair follicles. It begins as a red lump, which may be tender, and fills with pus as it becomes enlarged.>
• Erythrasma – Most often found in areas of the body where skin folds, such as under the arms, in the groin and between the toes. This common infection shows up as skin lesions of prominent pink or brown patches covered with fine scales and superficial fissures.

Keep in mind that there are many other common bacterial skin infections not included on this list. Thus, it’s important to visit a board-certified dermatologist if you think you might have a bacterial skin infection for proper diagnosis.

Some uncommon bacterial skin infections include:

• Necrotising Fasciitis – Otherwise known as a “flesh-eating” bacterial infection, this uncommon bacterial infection causes the death of tissue.
• Scarlet Fever – A rash that leaves tiny red dots covering the body.
• Toxic Shock Syndrome – A rare bacterial infection that has been linked to the use of tampons and contraceptive diaphragms.

Considering there are hundreds of different bacterial skin infections, they can take on many different forms and show a plethora of different symptoms. Thus, it’s important to visit a board-certified dermatologist for a thorough consultation and diagnosis.

Bacteria and fungi are different organisms and thus are treated differently. Antibiotics do not work on fungal infections, and antifungal medication is not effective at treating a bacterial infection.