What kinds of Bacterial Skin Infections are there?
- Leprosy
Leprosy is caused by a slow-growing type of bacteria called Mycobacteriumleprae (M. leprae). Leprosy is also known as Hansen’s disease, after the scientist who discovered M. leprae in 1873. - Carbuncles
A carbuncle is a red, swollen, and painful cluster of boils that are connected to each other under the skin. - Staph Infection
The infection often begins with a little cut, which gets infected with bacteria. These staph infections range from a simple boil to antibiotic-resistant infections to flesh-eating infections. - Cellulitis
Cellulitis is a common infection of the skin and the soft tissues underneath. It happens when bacteria enter a break in the skin and spread. - Impetigo
Impetigo is a highly contagious bacterial skin infection. It can appear anywhere on the body but usually attacks exposed areas. - Boils
A boil is a skin infection that starts in a hair follicle or oil gland. At first, the skin turns red in the area of the infection, and a tender lump develops. After four to seven days, the lump starts turning white as pus collects under the skin. - Pilonidal Cyst and Abscess
A pilonidal cyst occurs at the bottom of the tailbone (coccyx) and can become infected and filled with pus. Once infected, the technical term is pilonidal abscess.
How does the Orlando Dermatology Center treat Bacterial Skin Infections?
The skin is the body’s first barrier against bacteria that cause infections. Even though many bacteria live on the surface of our skin, healthy skin can usually protect us from infection. However, bacterial skin infections can affect a small spot or may spread, affecting a large area. They can range from a treatable infection to a life-threatening skin condition.
Any one who has a break in the skin is at risk for infection. However, certain conditions or diseases can put a person at greater risk for infection, including the following:
- diabetes (which causes poor blood flow to the skin)
- acquired immune deficiency syndrome, or AIDS (because of a depressed immune system that is unable to fight the infection
- skin damaged by sunburn or scratching
There are many types of bacterial skin infections that require clinical care by a physician or other healthcare professional. Each has a different kind of treatment plan.