Other Bacterial Skin Infections

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What are some other types of bacterial skin infections?

The following are other common bacterial skin infections:

Infection Symptoms Treatment
Erysipelas A skin infection caused by hemolytic streptococci, this condition usually affects the face, arms, legs, or where the skin is cut. Symptoms may include:
  • shiny, red, raised rash
  • small blisters
  • enlarged and tender lymph nodes
 Treatment may include:
  • penicillin
  • erythromycin
Erythrasma A skin infection of the top layers of skin, more prevalent in the tropics. The condition mainly affects adults and persons with diabetes. The condition usually appears in areas on the body where skin touches skin, such as under the breast and in the groin area. Symptoms may include irregular pink patches that turn into brown scales. Treatment may include:
  • antibiotics
  • antibacterial soap

The infection may recur, requiring another treatment.
Impetigo A skin infection, caused by a staphylococci infection, which is characterized by pus-filled blisters. Blisters can range in size from peas to large rings. Impetigo tends to occur on the face, arms, or legs. Immediate treatment may help prevent impetigo from infecting deeper layers of skin. Treatment often includes antibiotics.
Paronychia A skin infection around a fingernail or toenail. The infection can be caused by a break in the skin due to a hangnail, manicuring, or other chronic irritation. Symptoms may include:
  • pain
  • pus-filled abscess
 Treatment may include:
  • hot compresses
  • soaking in warm water
  • cutting the abscess to drain the pus
  • antibiotics
  • if caused by a fungus, an applications of antifungal cream or another antifungal medication

The symptoms of bacterial skin infections may resemble other skin conditions. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

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