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Common Bacterial Infections of the Skin
By Mark H. Lupin, BSc, MD, FRCPC
Our skin is host to a number of bacteria, most of
which are beneficial. Including the friendly flora in
our gut, more than 200 species of bacteria reside
within the tissues exposed to the external
environment. Skin infections result from these
bacteria when the integrity of the skin breaks down
or when the immune defense system is weak.
Skin infections can occur on the skin surface or
deeper within the skin tissue. The most common
bacteria that infect the skin are Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes.
Read more about bacterial infections on
http://www.skincareguide.ca/conditions/bacterial_infections.html
TYPES OF BACTERIAL INFECTIONS:
Impetigo and Ecthyma
Impetigo begins with a redness of the skin and progresses to blisters that fill with fluid
and itch, and then produce honey-colored crusts. Lesions usually form around the nose
and face. Ecthyma is a deeper version of impetigo that usually forms on the legs. It
causes large boils, crusts, and deep sores that leave scars.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles. It produces pimplelike skin bumps and
small blisters with pus. Folliculitis occurs on the face, upper trunk, arms, and buttocks.
When the infection goes deeper, feels tender, and produces more pus, it is furunculosis.
Carbuncles are furuncles that have fused.
Abscess
An abscess is a deep infection that appears like a closed blister or an open hole with
pus. It is usually tender and becomes sore and painful as the infection progresses.
Erysipelas and Cellulitis
Erysipelas is a superficial infection that tends to occur in young children and the
elderly. It is also seen in those who have chronic swelling of the limbs, are addicted to
alcohol, have diabetes mellitus, or have experienced trauma. Erysipelas mostly occurs
on the face or legs. A fever occurs abruptly, the cheeks become red, and the skin feels
hot, tense, and swollen. Cellulitis is a deeper form of this infection.
TREATMENTS:
Bacterial skin infections are treated according to their severity. Your physician may
incise and drain deeper infections and abscesses, and recommend that you apply warm
compresses. Creams such as Fucidin® or Bactroban® are prescribed for mild stages of:
• impetigo
•
ecthyma
•
folliculitis
•
abscess
If the infection is more extensive, oral antibiotics such as Cloxacillin or Cephalexin are
used as well as those in the erythromycin family. Penicillin is often used to treat for
strep.
Antibiotic resistance is an increasing problem so it is best to have early adequate proper
treatment to minimize risk of exposure to antibiotics and lower the risk of transmission
to others
During treatment, remember to wash your hands daily with an antibacterial solution
such as Trisan®, Tersaseptic® or Hibitane®, or use a product like Safe4Hours® which
kills bacteria for four hours. Hand washing is the most important thing you can do to
minimize the spread of infection
If you suspect a bacterial skin infection, see your doctor before it becomes severe. Due
to the increase of bacterial resistance to drugs in general, it is important to take the full
course of your prescribed medicines.
About the author:
Dr. Mark Lupin is an instructor at the Department of Dermatology, Faculty of Medicine,
University of British Columbia, Vancouver, British Columbia. He has a special interest
in cosmetic and laser procedures. www.cosmedica.ca
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