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Some types of bacteria live on normal skin without causing problems. But, if the skin is broken, bacteria can get in the wound. This can lead to infection.
Skin breaks that can get infected by bacteria include:
| Abrasions |
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Top layers of skin scraped off |
| Lacerations |
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Tears in the skin |
| Ulcers |
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Certain types of skin sores |
| Psoriasis | Eczema |
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Skin conditions that cause scaling and swelling (psoriasis), or itching (eczema) |
Bacterial skin infections can affect a small area. Or, they can spread and affect a larger area of skin. They often don’t cause problems, but some severe cases can be dangerous.
Common bacterial infections include:
- Impetigo: Blisters and sores that become crusty and spread easily from person to person, often among children. This is one of the most common types of bacterial skin infections in youngsters. Avoid skin contact with impetigo sores to help prevent spreading it to others.
- Cellulitis: An area of the skin that becomes swollen and red, and feels warm and painful to the touch. Cellulitis tends to occur on the face and lower legs, although skin on other parts of the body can be affected.
- Folliculitis: A rash or pimples around hair follicles (the part of the skin from which hair grows). Follicles can get infected when they’re damaged. This can happen from friction from clothing, a blockage of the follicle, or even shaving. “Barber’s itch” is an infection of facial hair follicles, usually the upper lip. Shaving makes the condition worse.
- Boil: Painful, pus-filled infection of a hair follicle and the skin around it. Boils are common. They’re usually found on the face, neck, under the arms, thighs, and buttocks. Carbuncles are clusters of boils. These are usually found in the back of the neck or thigh.
- Scalded skin syndrome: This infection, which can be life-threatening, causes the skin to blister and peel. It’s more common in infants and young children, as well as in people who have immune system problems (for example, people who have AIDS).
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