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Bacterial Skin Infections
Do you have a troublesome skin rash you think might be caused by a bacterial skin infection? A fairly common occurrence, bacterial skin infections can manifest in many different forms, range in mild to severe, and affect anyone of any age.
At Brentwood Dermatology, our board-certified dermatologists are experienced in diagnosing and treating bacterial skin infections to help our patients find relief. Learn more about bacterial skin infections by reading our guide below, or get in touch with us if you have any further questions!
What are Bacterial Skin Infections?
Bacterial skin infections encompass a wide range of skin conditions caused by harmful strains of bacteria. This bacteria most often enters the skin through a break, such as a cut, scratch, wound, surgical incision, piercing, insect bite, or even a pimple.
Once the bacteria has penetrated the skin, various skin conditions can occur, including hives, a rash, redness and irritation, boils, blistering, and more. Bacteria skin infections can show up anywhere on the body and can range in severity from mild to life-threatening.
Bacterial Skin Infection FAQs
There are many different symptoms and conditions associated with bacterial skin infections depending on the bacterial strain. This means they can show up and appear differently on the body.
Although, bacterial skin infections will most often cause a rash, redness and irritation, swelling, blisters, boils, red lumps, warm and tender skin, enlarged lymph nodes, and sometimes a fever.
There are many different types of bacteria that can infect the skin. Thus, there are several bacterial skin infections known today, far too many to list here. However, the most common bacterial skin infections include:
- Cellulitis
- Erysipelas
- Impetigo
- Bacterial Folliculitis
- Furuncle (Boils)
- Erythrasma
- Hot Tub Folliculitis
- Carbuncles
- MRSA Skin Infections
As mentioned above, there are too many bacterial skin infections to list here, which is why it’s important to visit a board-certified dermatologist if you think you might have a bacterial skin infection for a professional diagnosis.
Treatment for a bacterial skin infection depends on the type of infection and bacterial strain causing it. In most cases, bacterial skin infections can be easily treated with antibiotics.
Typically, a bacterial skin infection will cause the skin to show symptoms like a rash, hives, swelling, boils, bumps, or redness. If this occurs, it’s best to visit a board-certified dermatologist for a thorough skin evaluation and diagnosis.
You can take these steps to protect yourself from a bacterial skin infection:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap
- Use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer
- Keep cuts and scrapes clean
- Do not share personal items (such as towels, clothing, cosmetics, or bandages)
- Regularly clean sports equipment
- Avoid using public hot tubs, saunas, or whirlpools
Bacterial Skin Infefctions
Find Treatment for Bacterial Skin Infections at Brentwood Dermatology in Middle Tennessee
If you’re dealing with a troublesome rash, hives, boils, or another form of irritated skin, it might be a bacterial skin infection. Our team of experienced board-certified dermatologists are experts in examining, diagnosing, and treating many skin conditions, including bacterial skin infections.
Contact our Nashville or Franklin office to make an appointment or get in touch with us online. We look forward to helping you find relief!
Have questions or concerns? Please call us at 615.377.3448.