How Bacterial Skin Infections Develop

Bacterial skin infections can range from a simple rash to psoriasis or eczema, to more complex problems. There are a number of reasons a person can develop a bacterial skin infection. Most types of bacterial infections are caused by stapylococci, or staph, and strepococcus, or strep.


Poor hygiene is a major contributor to skin infections. If someone has a bacterial skin infection, such as Impetigo, someone else can easily catch it. Impetigo is a skin infection that causes itching and crusted sores. It is cause by staphylocci, which usually begins in a cut or an abrasion. If the cut is not cleaned and covered properly bacteria, can form and spread. By scratching the infected area and not washing your hands, it can be spread from one person to another. This happens most often in schools because children are exposed to the bacteria. The best way to prevent infection from starting is to make sure that the cut is cleaned and protected. Proper hand washing is also a must.


There are many other types of bacterial skin infections, and not all are contagious. Cellulitis is another type of infection. Most people who are in danger of catching this are people who work with contaminated materials without wearing gloves. It is very rare to catch this from another individual. Cellulitis is an infection that occurs in the soft tissues of the skin. It causes tissue swelling, redness, pain and fever. It is caused by streptococci. Celluitis is treated with antibiotics, and in more severe cases, it may even be necessary to drain the infection from the skin.


Folliculitis is a bacterial infection in the hair follicles. It is caused by staphylococci. The infection can begin by just one follicle being irritated, such as by shaving. It tends to make the skin itchy and burn with the formation of painful red bumps at the base of the hair. It can even cause them to develop pus in the bumps. Usually, no treatment is necessary unless the infection is very severe. In the more severe cases, systemic antibiotics may be needed. The more severe cases can be passed from one person to another by scratching the area of the skin and then touching someone elses skin. It can also be spread by sharing towels with someone else. It is always a good idea to use a new towel every time you shower or bath, and not use someone elses. Again, proper hand washing is also a good idea.

Boils or Carbuncles

Another bacterial skin infection is boils or carbuncles. Boils and carbuncles start out as small red bumps and then can fill with pus. Boils are usually found in the places you have hair, such as armpits, the face, thighs and even the buttocks. Carbuncles tend to appear on the back of the neck or shoulder and are a more serious infection. These tend to affect people who already have other skin infections, such as acne or dermatitis. They are caused by staphylococcus, and they can be caused by poor hygiene.

There are many reasons and causes of bacterial skin infections. The best way to protect yourself is to practice good hygiene and try not to come in contact with those infected.

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