Patient Information
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. Listed in the directory below are some, for which we have provided a brief overview.
Folliculitis, Boils, and Carbuncles
Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome
Other Bacterial Skin Infections
If you cannot find the information in which you are interested, please visit the Dermatology Online Resources page in the UTMB web site for an Web address that may contain additional information on that topic.