Bacterial Infections Of The Skin

By Skin & Hair Academy  |   October 30, 2017

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Bacterial infections of the skin are caused by a strain of Staphylococcus aureus or beta-hemolytic streptococcus. These infections can be treated with antibiotics. If the bacterial infection worsens, the affected area has to be surgically drained. Hence, a dermatologist should be consulted right away to get an accurate diagnosis and be prescribed the correct treatment.
The following are 3 commonly faced infections along with their cures:

Types	Cause	Symptoms	Affected Area	Cure	Preventive Measure
Cellulitus	Scratches on the skin or from animal bites.	Redness, pain, swelling in the infected area.	Mostly affects the leg.	Oral antibiotics or intravenous antibiotics.	Apply lotion and maintain good skin hygiene.
Folliculitis	Infection of the hair follicles	A) Red pimples. B) Furuncles/Boils - deeper infections leading to pus in the follicles. C) Carbuncles - group of infected hair follicles.	Any part of the body with hair such as the face, scalp, thighs, underarms, and groin area.	Topical antibiotics or surgical cut and drainage in severe cases.	Wash affected area with antibacterial soap, follow up with antibiotic ointment.
Impetigo	Contagious skin infection.	Tenderness, itching, sores, or blisters that burst and form a yellow crust.	Children are susceptible to spread through direct contact. Different parts of the body like the face, arms, legs, armpits, neck folds, and diaper areas.	Topical ointment or oral antibiotic.	Avoid scratching the blisters or sores. Cut the fingernails and cover the affected areas with bandages or gauze.

  It takes just a cut on the skin for bacteria to enter and proliferate. Our feet are also prone to contact with bacteria from the floor.
1. Firstly, maintain good skin cleanliness and hygiene.
2. Do not share personal care items like razors, makeup, towels, linens or clothing.
3. Wash exposed cuts, with antiseptic liquid, and keep the area clean and dry.
4. Wear foot coverings to prevent contamination through contact, and cover any affected area with clean dry bandages. 
These are the steps to prevent and manage skin infection.  Reference Link -  1.Bacterial Skin Infections: Impetigo and MRSA -https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/athletic_skin_infections/bacterial.htm
2.What are Bacteria?- http://www.onhealth.com/content/1/bacterial_infections