Although you might not like to think about it, millions of microorganisms, including bacteria, are living on the surface
of your skin. Most of the time they are harmless, but, if you get a cut or even an insect bite everyday bacteria may take the opportunity to slip under the skin and cause an infection.
Streptococcus and
Staphylococcus are two types of bacteria that may sound familiar. They are responsible for a wide range of infections seen throughout the body including strep throat and toxic shock syndrome. But when focusing on the skin, the most common infections caused by these bacteria are
folliculitis, cellulitis and impetigo.
What is folliculitis?Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicle caused by
Staphylococcus bacteria. It causes inflammation when the bacteria leaves the surface of the skin and enters the hair follicle where it begins to reproduce. Men and women who shave are most at risk for folliculitis. Most often, it appears as pus bumps on the legs and bikini areas of women and the beard area of men. But folliculitis is more common among women when the weather gets warm and they start shaving more often.
How can folliculitis be prevented?It’s helpful if people can stop shaving. If people do choose to shave, shaving in a downward fashion, as opposed to against the hair growth, can help. Shaving with a sharp razor so you only need one pass reduces risk. Sometimes using shaving creams that contain benzoyl peroxide or antibacterial agents can also help.
How is folliculitis treated?Folliculitis is treated with topical and/or oral
antibiotics, for example, dicloxacillin, erythromycin, cephalexin, for one to two weeks. Over-the-counter antibiotics such as Neosporin can have a mild antibacterial effect.
What is cellulitis? Cellulitis is a bacterial infection of the skin that is much less common than folliculitis. It''s usually caused by either
Streptococcus or
Staphylococcus. Usually, there''s some kind of injury or opening of the skin that that allows the bacteria to slip beneath the surface. Sometimes even a significant scratch can cause an infection.
What are the symptoms?The skin becomes hot, tender and swollen, and the surface may resemble the skin of an orange peel. With a severe infection, you can sometimes see a red streak across the affected area. Patients sometimes develop a fever or nausea. Symptoms usually develop within 24 hours after the skin has been injured and infected. There can be serious consequences if cellulitis spreads to the face or hands. For example, in the hands, swelling can compress nerves and tendons, so you wouldn''t be able to use your fingers
Who is most at risk?There are some people who seem more prone to cellulitis, particularly those with poorly-controlled diabetes or severe peripheral vascular disease. People with uncontrolled diabetes are more likely to develop leg ulcers, which are open wounds that allow the bacteria to easily enter the body. A cellulitis infection can also happen after surgeries because surgical wounds can create an entryway for the bacteria. Though the infection is not contagious, if left unattended, it can result in long-term medical treatment or even surgery.
How is cellulitis treated?Warm compresses or soaks, and pain relievers, which can also reduce fever, can help. Doctors can also prescribe topical antibiotics like mupirocin or oral antibiotics, like dicloxacillin, although intravenous antibiotics are sometimes necessary.
What is impetigo?Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection caused by both types of bacteria. It''s generally seen in children, although it can occur in adults. Usually, you will see what''s described as a honeycomb on the surface of the skin, which is a yellow, sticky type of crusting. It can be painful, though you don''t usually have a fever. There is also another variety of the infectbullous impetigo that causes fluid filled blisters that ooze. Impetigo can affect any part of the body, including the face, hands and arms. Impetigo is highly contagious. People, especially children, can spread the infection by touching the infected area and then touching other parts of their bodies. The infection can also spread through inanimate objects like clothing, towels, and bed linens.
And how is it treated? Depending on the type and cause of impetigo, your doctor may prescribe topical antibiotics, like mupirocin ointment, or oral antibiotics, like penicillin. However, penicillin can only be used on impetigo caused by the
Streptococcus bacteria. Everyone wants clear and flawless skin but, more importantly, it is a necessary line of defense against infection. Any cut, scrape or bug bite can cause a weakness in your armor, so it’s important to make sure the harmless bacteria that resides on your skin doesn’t become a harmful problem inside your body