Coming Soon!What are Bacterial Infections?
Bacterial skin infections usually occur when bacteria enter the skin through a cut or another break in the skin. These usually begin as small, red bumps or splotches that appear on your skin that increase in size over time.
It is more common for bacterial infections to occur when a medication or disease has decreased the immune system but can occur in those with normal immune systems.
Impetigo
Impetigo is a common, contagious epidermal skin infection caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pyogenes
While people of any age can get impetigo, it’s most common in young children between the ages of 2-5. Red sores form on the skin, then grow into blisters that can become oozy and painful.
Impetigo can occur on injured skin, but can also form on healthy skin, and is most common in the summer and fall when the weather is hot and humid.
Skin Abscess
If you have a skin abscess, your Levy Dermatology Provider may perform an incision and drainage treatment, commonly known as an I&D.
During an I&D, a scalpel makes a tiny incision in the wall of the abscess so the pus can be safely drained. Once the pus has been removed, your provider may put a ribbon of gauze in the wound to help prevent the pus from building back up and reforming the abscess.
Learn More About Bacterial Infections
Treating Bacterial Skin Infection
Depending on the severity of your skin infection, you may be prescribed either an oral or topical medication to help heal the infection. If you have impetigo, the treatment option you receive will depend on the extent of the condition. Larger, spread-out areas of impetigo will likely require oral antibiotics, while a small area may be treated with a topical. A combination may also be prescribed.
If you have a skin abscess, your Levy Dermatology Provider may perform an incision and drainage treatment, commonly known as an I&D. During an I&D, a scalpel makes a tiny incision in the wall of the abscess so the pus can be safely drained. Once the pus has been removed, your provider may put a ribbon of gauze in the wound to help prevent the pus from building back up and reforming the abscess.
Treating Skin Abscess
A skin abscess is a pocket of pus that forms under the skin as a result of bacterial infection, usually from the bacteria Staphylococcus aureus. Abscesses often resemble pimples, but they are much larger. Abscesses are round, firm and usually painful with the overlying skin becoming very red.
How Can I Prevent A Skin Infection?
The easiest way to prevent bacterial skin infections is to wash your body and hands frequently to prevent bacteria from entering broken parts of your skin. Should you get a cut or scrape, be sure to treat it and cover it up to prevent unwanted bacteria from entering the body. Should you suspect a bacterial infection has formed, it’s best to get to a doctor rapidly so you can treat the concern as quickly as possible. Your Levy Dermatology provider will walk you through the steps needed to remove the bacterial infection and help prevent future ones from occurring.