Overview of Bacterial Skin Infections - Skin Disorders - Merck Manuals Consumer Version (2024)

• Carbuncles Skin Abscesses

• Ecthyma Impetigo and Ecthyma Impetigo is a superficial skin infection that leads to the formation of scabby, yellow-crusted sores and, sometimes, small blisters filled with yellow fluid. It is caused by Staphylococcus... read more

• Erythrasma Erythrasma Erythrasma is infection of the top layers of the skin caused by the bacterium Corynebacterium minutissimum. (See also Overview of Bacterial Skin Infections.) Erythrasma affects mostly... read more

• Folliculitis Folliculitis and Skin Abscesses Folliculitis and skin abscesses are pus-filled pockets in the skin resulting from bacterial infection. They may be superficial or deep, affecting just hair follicles or deeper structures within... read more

• Furuncles Folliculitis and Skin Abscesses Folliculitis and skin abscesses are pus-filled pockets in the skin resulting from bacterial infection. They may be superficial or deep, affecting just hair follicles or deeper structures within... read more

• Impetigo Impetigo and Ecthyma Impetigo is a superficial skin infection that leads to the formation of scabby, yellow-crusted sores and, sometimes, small blisters filled with yellow fluid. It is caused by Staphylococcus... read more

• Lymphadenitis Lymphadenitis Lymphadenitis is infection of one or more lymph nodes, which usually become swollen and tender. (See also Overview of Bacterial Skin Infections.) Lymph is a fluid that oozes out of the body's... read more

• Small skin abscesses Skin Abscesses Folliculitis and skin abscesses are pus-filled pockets in the skin resulting from bacterial infection. They may be superficial or deep, affecting just hair follicles or deeper structures within... read more (pus-filled pockets in the skin)

• Cellulitis Cellulitis Cellulitis is a spreading bacterial infection of the skin and the tissues immediately beneath the skin. This infection is most often caused by streptococci or staphylococci. Redness, pain, and... read more

• Erysipelas Erysipelas Erysipelas is a superficial form of skin infection ( cellulitis) typically caused by streptococci. (See also Overview of Bacterial Skin Infections.) Erysipelas is most commonly caused by Streptococcus... read more

• Large skin abscesses Folliculitis and Skin Abscesses Folliculitis and skin abscesses are pus-filled pockets in the skin resulting from bacterial infection. They may be superficial or deep, affecting just hair follicles or deeper structures within... read more

• Lymphangitis Lymphangitis Lymphangitis is infection of one or more lymphatic vessels, usually caused by streptococci. (See also Overview of Bacterial Skin Infections.) Lymph is a fluid that oozes out of the body's tiniest... read more

• Necrotizing skin infections Necrotizing Skin Infections Necrotizing skin infections, including necrotizing cellulitis and necrotizing fasciitis, are severe forms of cellulitis. These infections cause infected skin and tissues to die (necrosis). The... read more

• Wound infections

  See Also

  Is it a Bacterial Infection or Virus?

Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome Staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome is a complication of a staphylococcal skin infection in which the skin blisters and peels off as though burned. In addition to the blistered, peeling skin... read more , scarlet fever Streptococcal Infections Streptococcal infections are caused by any one of several species of Streptococcus. These gram-positive, sphere-shaped (coccal) bacteria (see figure ) cause many disorders, including... read more , and toxic shock syndrome Toxic Shock Syndrome Toxic shock syndrome is a group of rapidly progressive and severe symptoms that include fever, rash, dangerously low blood pressure, and failure of several organs. It is caused by toxins produced... read more are skin-related consequences of bacterial infections.

Many types of bacteria can infect the skin. The most common are Staphylococcus Staphylococcus aureus Infections Staphylococcus aureus is the most dangerous of all of the many common staphylococcal bacteria. These gram-positive, sphere-shaped (coccal) bacteria (see figure ) often cause skin infections... read more and Streptococcus Streptococcal Infections Streptococcal infections are caused by any one of several species of Streptococcus. These gram-positive, sphere-shaped (coccal) bacteria (see figure ) cause many disorders, including... read more .

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (also known as MRSA Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) Staphylococcus aureus is the most dangerous of all of the many common staphylococcal bacteria. These gram-positive, sphere-shaped (coccal) bacteria (see figure ) often cause skin infections... read more ) is a common bacteria causing skin infections in the United States. MRSA is resistant to many commonly used antibiotics because it has undergone genetic changes that allow it to survive despite exposure to some antibiotics. Because MRSA is resistant to several antibiotics Antibiotic resistance Bacteria are microscopic, single-celled organisms. They are among the earliest known life forms on earth. There are thousands of different kinds of bacteria, and they live in every conceivable... read more that used to kill it, doctors tailor their treatment based on how often MRSA is found in the local area and whether or not it has been found to be resistant to commonly used antibiotics.

• People with diabetes, who are likely to have poor blood flow (especially to the hands and feet), have a high level of sugar (glucose) in their blood, which decreases their ability to fight infections

• People who are hospitalized or living in a nursing home

• People who are older

• People who have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), AIDS or other immune disorders, or hepatitis

• People who are undergoing chemotherapy or treatment with other medications that suppress the immune system

• Antibiotics

• Drainage of abscesses

• Cleaning skin with soap and water