Bacterial Skin Infections

Bacteria are so important to our survival that life could not exist on our planet without them. Bacteria are so small that a line of 1,000 could fit across a pencil eraser. Bacteria help with food digestion, destroy disease-causing germs and deliver vitamins to the body. Bacteria are even used in making healthy foods like yogurt and cheese.
However, a small percentage of bacteria types are harmful. If picked up, they can reproduce quickly in your body and give off toxins, which can make you sick.  The skin provides a remarkably good barrier against bacterial infections. Many bacteria come in contact or live on the skin’s surface without being able to invade the body.
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Bad Bacteria

The two most common types of infectious bacteria are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus.

Staphylococcal Infections (Staph)

There are over 30 types of staph bacteria, but Staphylococcus aureus causes most staph infections. Approximately 20-30% of healthy people are carriers  of the infectious bacteria, but are not ill with it. They can pass it to others who can become infected.

Streptococcal Infections (Strep)

There are two types of strep bacteria, Group A, which is responsible for causing strep throat and scarlet fever, and Group B, which is often carried in the intestines and lower genital tract and is especially dangerous for newborns.

Common Bacterial Skin Infections

Together, staph and strep are responsible for most common bacterial skin infections.  Young children and people with weakened immune systems like those with HIV/AIDS, cancer, diabetes or autoimmune disorders are more susceptible to infection.

Boils and Carbuncles

Boils are painful, pus-filled bumps that form under your skin when bacteria infect and inflame one or more of your hair follicles, most often caused by a staph infection. They can grow to the size of a pea or as large as a baseball as they fills with pus until they rupture and drain. A carbuncle is a cluster of boils that form a connected area of infection under the skin.
People who have a boil or carbuncle may not feel well, and may experience fever and chills. Because the disease is contagious, family members may develop boils or carbuncles at the same time.

Cellulitis

The infection often begins with a minor cut or burn that gets infected, often through strep bacteria. The infection causes fever and chills, and swollen glands. Your skin becomes painful, red and tender, eventually severely swelling, blistering and then scabbing over. If left untreated, abscesses may form and the disease can destroy larger and larger areas of skin.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a highly contagious strep bacterial skin infection that is especially common in children aged two to six. Symptoms start with pimple-like bumps surrounded by reddened skin. These sores can be anywhere on your body, but mostly on your face, arms, and legs. The itchy sores fill with pus, then break open after a few days and form a thick crust.

MRSA

MRSA is a serious staff infection that is resistant to antibacterial treatment, and because it is easily spread through provider-patient contact or by using infected bed sheets, towels or medical equipment at hospitals.

Do You Think You Might Have A Bacterial Infection?

If you suspect you might have a bacterial infection, contact High Valley Dermatology to set up an appointment with an experienced provider today.  It is important to take special care not to spread the bacterial infection. Until the infection clears, minimize the chances of spreading the bacteria:

• Don’t scratch or pick at rash or bumps.

• Don’t participate in sports such as wrestling, gymnastics and swimming.

• Don’t work out at a gym or use locker rooms.

• Do not share towels, washcloths, clothing or other personal items.

• Don’t shave skin of the affected area.

• Don’t have intercourse.

  If you have atopic dermatitis schedule an appointment to discuss the best treatment options for you.  Call High Valley Dermatology at 208-522-SKIN (7546).