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Image result for common bacteria causing skin infectionBacterial skin infections are common, ranging in severity from mild and annoying to life-threatening. The majority of these infections are caused by two types of bacteria: Staphylococcus aureus or a variant of Streptococcus (the same bacteria responsible for strep throat).

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An infection can take many different forms depending on the location, bacterial type, and even the age of the affected individual. Many bacterial infections may be treated by a general physician. More complex ones may require the input of a dermatologist or even a rheumatologist.

Cellulitis


Cellulitis on the foot.
Richard Wareham/Getty Images

Cellulitis is a bacterial skin infection affecting the two deeper layers of the skin: the dermis and the subcutaneous tissue. Cellulitis is associated with both Staphylococcus and Streptococcus, although many other types of bacteria can cause the condition.
Cellulitis typically develops in areas where the skin has been broken, such as near ulcers or recent surgical wounds.


Erysipelas on leg
bleex / Getty Images

Erysipelas is a bacterial infection that occurs in the top two layers of skin. It is also commonly referred to as St. Anthony's Fire because it can be very painful and cause an intense, burning sensation.
Erysipelas is similar to cellulitis but affects different skin layers. Streptococcus is the usual culprit.
With erysipelas, the skin infection is usually very red and swollen, and there will be a sharply defined border between the normal and infected skin tissue.

Folliculitis


Folliculitis on a child’s back.
Jodi Jacobson/Getty Images

Folliculitis is a relatively common infection of the hair follicles. It may be caused by bacteria and fungus and is characterized by tiny, red bumps that are filled with pus.
Folliculitis is more common among people with acne. Shaving and plucking can also increase the risk.While most cases resolve on their own without treatment, severe infections can cause permanent hair loss or scarring and may require a course of antibiotics.

Hot Tub Folliculitis


Hot Tub Folliculitis.
Joel Carillet/Getty Images

Hot tub folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles caused by the bacteria Pseudomonas aeruginosa.
The bacterium is commonly found in contaminated whirlpools, hot tubs, water slides, physiotherapy pools, or even loofah sponges.
Children tend to get it more than adults (in part, because their skin is more vulnerable, and they tend to stay in the water longer).

Furuncles


A furuncle.
Mahdouch/Wikimedia Commons//CC BY 1.0

While folliculitis involves the infection of a hair follicle, a furuncle (also called a boil) is an infection of the entire pilosebaceous unit.
Pilosebaceous units are made up of the shaft, follicle, sebaceous gland, and erector pili muscle and are located throughout the body with the exception of the palms, soles of the feet, and lower lip.
A furuncle is most commonly found on the face, neck, armpit, buttocks and thighs and can develop into an abscess if left untreated. Warm compresses can often help the furuncle mature and drain. In severe cases, the boil may need to be lanced in the doctor's office.

Carbuncles


Carbuncle
Drvgaikwad/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 3.0

A carbuncle is a cluster of several furuncles densely packed together. It is a much more serious infection than a furuncle, typically requiring medical attention.

Impetigo


Impetigo on child's mouth
CFCF/Wikimedia Commons/CC BY 4.0

Impetigo is a bacterial infection of the top layer of skin called the epidermis. It is highly contagious and more commonly seen in children than adults.
The hallmark of impetigo is a honey-colored crust. The sores usually occur around the nose and mouth but can be spread to other parts of the body through skin-to-skin contact, clothing, and towels. Impetigo can be caused by either ​Streptococcus and Staphylococcus aureus.
Impetigo is usually treated with a topical rather than oral antibiotic.

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Erythrasma


Erythrasma on armpit
Caliendo/Custom Medical Stock Photo

Erythrasma is a bacterial skin infection that develops in areas where skin touches skin (such as the armpits, groin, or between the toes). Due to its location and appearance, erythrasma is often confused with fungal infections such as athlete's foot and jock itch.
If an infection in these areas does not respond to antifungal treatment, you may, in fact, have erythrasma and require a short course of antibiotics.

MRSA Infections


A MRSA skin infection
CDC/Bruno Coignard, M.D.; Jeff Hageman, M.H.S.
/Wikimedia Commons/Public Domain

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a concerning bacterium that is resistant to standard antibiotic treatment.
It will often cause a mild, ulcerative sore on the skin but can sometimes lead to serious infections and spread (disseminate) through the bloodstream to infect other organs such as the lungs or urinary tract.
If left untreated, systemic MRSA can be life-threatening. It is easily spread for person-to-person and is often contracted in the hospital following surgery.
Treatment may involve multiple antibiotics such as (Bactrim) sulfamethoxazole, Cleocin (clindamycin), trimethoprim, and rifampin depending on the severity of the infection.

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