How Do I Treat a Bacterial Skin Infection?

The skin is a good barrier against bacterial infections. Although there are many bacteria on normal skin, they usually do not cause infection. Bacterial skin infections can have a small effect with only small pustules and can spread to a large area of skin within a few hours. Skin infections range in severity from small acne to life-threatening, such as staphylococcal skin burn-like syndrome.

Skin bacterial infections

Overview of skin bacterial infections

The skin is a good barrier against bacterial infections. Although there are many bacteria on normal skin, they usually do not cause infection. Bacterial skin infections can have a small effect with only small pustules and can spread to a large area of skin within a few hours. Skin infections range in severity from small acne to life-threatening, such as staphylococcal skin burn-like syndrome.

Many types of bacteria can infect the skin, the most important being Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Swimming in hospitals, clinics, parks, or swimming pools, lakes, and oceans can be infected by rare bacteria.

Some people have a particularly high risk of skin infections. For example, people with diabetes because of poor blood circulation, especially hands and feet; people with AIDS because their immune systems are suppressed. Skin damage caused by sunburn, scratches, or other irritation is also likely to become infected. In fact, any skin damage can easily cause infection.

Skin bacterial infection prevention

In general, as long as the skin is kept clean and free from damage, skin infections can be prevented. When the skin is cut or bruised, washing with soap and water can help prevent infection. With a little antibiotic cream or ointment can prevent or treat skin infections, now a new generation of creams such as mupirocin is effective for some skin infections. Immersion in warm water can increase the blood supply to the infected area, which is conducive to the treatment of small-scale infections. Once the infection has spread, antibiotics must be taken orally or by injection.