The skin provides a remarkably good barrier against bacterial infections. Although many bacteria come into contact with or reside on the skin, they typically do not cause an infection. When bacterial skin infections occur, they can range in size from a small spot to spots or sores over the entire surface of the body. They can also range in severity, from harmless to life-threatening.
Bacterial skin infections develop when bacteria enter through hair follicles or through small cracks in the skin that result from scrapes, punctures, surgeries, burns, sunburns, animal or insect bites, wounds, and pre-existing skin disorders. People can develop bacterial skin infections after participating in a variety of activities, for example, gardening in contaminated soil or swimming in a contaminated pond, lake, or ocean.
Classification of bacterial skin infections.
Some infections affect only the skin and others also affect the soft tissues under the skin. Relatively minor infections include:
More serious bacterial infections of the skin and skin structures include:
Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome, scarlet feverand toxic shock syndrome They are complications of skin-related bacterial infections.
Causes of bacterial skin infections
Many types of bacteria can infect the skin. The most common are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.
methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus (also known as MRSA) is a common bacteria that causes skin infections in the United States. MRSA is resistant to many commonly used antibiotics because it has undergone genetic changes that allow it to survive despite exposure to some antibiotics. Because MRSA is resistant to several antibiotics that used to kill you, doctors tailor your treatment based on how frequently MRSA is found in the local area and whether it has been found resistant to commonly used antibiotics.
Risk factors for bacterial skin infections
Some people are at particular risk of developing skin infections:
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People with diabetes, who are likely to have poor blood flow (especially in the hands and feet), have high blood sugar (glucose), which decreases their ability to fight infections.
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People who are hospitalized or living in a nursing home.
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People who are older
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People who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), AIDS, other immune disorders, or hepatitis.
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People who are receiving chemotherapy or treatment with other medications that suppress the immune system.
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Children under 5 years
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Adults over 85 years of age
Inflamed or damaged skin is more likely to become infected. In fact, any break in the skin predisposes a person to infection.
Children under 5 years of age and adults over 85 years of age are at particularly higher risk of developing a bacterial skin infection.
Treatment of bacterial skin infections
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antibiotics
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Abscess drainage
Doctors prescribe antibiotic ointment for minor skin infections. They prescribe antibiotics that are taken orally (by mouth) or intravenously (intravenously) if a large area of skin is infected.
Doctors often open (make an incision) abscesses, let them drain, and surgically remove any dead tissue.
Prevention of bacterial skin infections
Preventing bacterial skin infections involves keeping your skin clean and in good condition. When the skin is cut or scraped, the injury should be washed with soap and water and covered with a sterile bandage.
Vaseline can be applied to areas where there are small open wounds or where the skin has sloughed off to keep the tissue moist and try to keep bacteria away. Doctors recommend that people not use antibiotic ointments (prescription or over-the-counter) on not infected minor wounds due to the risk of developing an allergy to the antibiotic.
