Bacterial Skin Infections

The skin is the largest organ on our body that protects us from invading microorganisms as well as other environmental hazards. There are many microorganism that form the natural flora of our skin. You may find millions of bacteria living on just a square inch of your skin. These bacteria do not cause any infection as the skin prevents them from entering the tissues and releasing harmful toxins. However, when these bacteria gain entry into the skin due to a cut, burn or minor injury, it can lead to skin infections.

Types of Bacterial Skin Infections

There are two main bacteria that are known to cause skin infection. These include bacterial species of Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. These bacteria tend to form the normal flora of the skin. They gain entry into the body due to small break in the epidermis, punctures, scrapes and burns. Conditions like diabetes, autoimmune diseases, skin damage due to scratching or sunburn and AIDS make a person more vulnerable to skin infections. Let us have a look at bacterial skin infection symptoms according to the type of infection and its treatment.

Cellulitis
A deep bacterial skin infection that occurs on the face, arms and legs is cellulitis. This infection is caused by different Streptococcus species that gains entry through broken skin or wound. Many times animal bites, human bites and water injuries may also cause this infection. This bacterial skin infection symptoms include:

• Swelling of skin
• Pain
• Bruising
• Blister formation
• Fever
• Tenderness
• Warm skin
• Headache
• Chills
• Red streaks originating from the original site of cellulitis

This bacterial skin infection treatment includes an oral antibiotic therapy for 10 days. If the infection spreads too fast or occurs in people who are immunocompromised, they may be advised intravenous antibiotics for treatment.

Impetigo
Streptococcus species cause this superficial infection of the skin. This infection is characterized by a group of lesions with a red base. These lesions form crust that have a brownish, honey color. This is a very contagious bacterial skin infection that can spread easily. Impetigo occurs on the face, neck, arms and legs. It appears a small fluid filled vesicle that ruptures and forms crusts. The lesions may be of different sizes, shapes and one may suffer from swollen lymph nodes. Treatment for impetigo rash includes application of topical antibiotics, bathing with an antibacterial soap, use of oral antibiotics and avoiding scratching the itchy lesions.

Scarlet Fever
A common infectious skin rash in children is scarlet fever also called scarlatina. This infection is associated with Streptococcus. The rash appears like sandpaper and consists of many small red bumps. The bacteria produces toxins that are released in the blood stream, leading to a rash on skin. This rash appears on the neck, forehead, cheeks and chest. It can even spread to the arms and back. Other scarlet fever symptoms include:

• Fever
• Sore throat
• Stomach ache
• Chills
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Strawberry like tongue

This bacterial skin infection treatment involves warm saline mouth gargles, acetaminophen that helps reduce fever and increase in fluid intake. The treatment for this condition is same as strep throat.

Erysipelas
Also known as St. Anthony's Fire, this is a superficial skin infection. This infection is also caused by Streptococcus and some types of Staphylococcus. Erysipelas is commonly observed on face and lower extremities. The rash appears within 4 to 48 hours after infection. The rash is bright red in color, hot to touch, swollen and appears as a shiny patch. The rash looks like an orange peel. Other symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Anorexia
• Vomiting

Treatment includes use of oral antibiotics and in severe cases, intravenous antibiotics may be administered.

Folliculitis
The infection of the hair follicle is called folliculitis. The infected hair follicle looks like a small, yellow pustule. It may occur due to chronic friction on skin, chemicals, trauma, excessive sweating or exposure to water.

Furuncle
Furuncle is an extensive infection of the sebaceous gland. This bacterial skin infection occurs on the face, neck, armpits and on the buttocks. It will appear as a small, tender, red nodule that will soon become very painful. The furuncle will burst and drain pus after a few days of appearance. This skin infection generally resolves on its own.

Carbuncle
When many furuncles are grouped together, they form carbuncles. These carbuncles occur in deep skin layers like the subcutaneous fat. They are hot to touch, red in color and contain pus.

If you find some area of your skin turning red, painful and pus-filled, better get it examined by a doctor. Skin infections should not be taken lightly, as they may spread and lead to severe complications. Hope the above information on bacterial skin infections symptoms and treatments was a useful read for you.