Bacterial skin infections

 

Your skin helps protect you from germs, but sometimes it can get infected by them. Impetigo and cellulitis are common skin infections caused by bacteria.

Impetigo is usually caused by staphylococcal (staph) bacteria, but it can also be caused by streptococcal (strep) bacteria. It is most common in children between the ages of 2 and 6. It usually starts when bacteria get into a break in the skin, such as a cut, scratch, or insect bite.

Symptoms start with red or pimple-like sores surrounded by red skin. These sores can be anywhere, but usually, they occur on your face, arms, and legs. The sores fill with pus, then break open after a few days and form a thick crust. They are often itchy, but scratching them can spread the sores.

Impetigo can spread by contact with sores or nasal discharge from an infected person.

Cellulitis is an infection of the skin and deep underlying tissues. Group A strep (streptococcal) bacteria is the most common cause. The bacteria enter your body when you get an injury such as a bruise, burn, surgical cut, or wound.

 

 

Symptoms include:

1. Fever and chills

2. Swollen glands or lymph nodes

3. A rash with painful, red, and tender skin

4. The skin may blister and scab over

Your doctor may take a sample or culture from your skin or do a blood test to identify the bacteria causing infection. Treatment is with antibiotics. They may be oral in mild cases, or intravenous (by IV) for more severe cases.