Bacterial
Approximately 11,000 people in the United States are infected by forms of the Staphylococcus bacteria annually and go on to develop the disease. Of those infected, about 1,500 people die per year. Understanding the cause and seeking treatment is vital.
What is Bacterial skin infection?
Bacterial skin infections, also called pyodermas, develop due to excessive growth of certain types of bacteria or flora that naturally occur on parts of the human body ranging from the skin, nose, mouth, throat and genitals. These bacteria can spread between humans and also invade body parts where they are not usually present, causing disease. Therefore, bacteria and their infections are classified according to where they are located on the body and their severity.
Types of Skin Bacteria
Bacteria have traditionally been classified according to their colonization, but are now also classified according to the cell’s DNA sequencing. A 2006 study revealed that skin bacteria commonly fall into four classes:
- Actinobacteria (50 percent range) - includes Streptomyces used in antibiotics, and Gardnerella vaginalis causing bacterial vaginosis in women
- Firmicutes (20 percent range) - includes orders of Bacilli such as Staphylococcus, Clostridia such as Heliobacteria, and Erysipelotrichi
- Proteobacteria (16 percent range) - incudes pathogens such as Salmonella, Escherichia, Vibrio, and Helicobacter
- Bacteroidetes (6 percent range) - includes pathogens such as Bacteroidales found externally on the skin or in environment, Bacteroides found in faeces, and Porphyromonas found in the mouth
Types of Bacterial Skin Infections
Bacterial skin infections are grouped according to the type of bacterial colonization and disease classification, such as primary, secondary or other, and the type of bacterial colonization. Common bacterial skin infections include:
- Primary Skin Infections – Impetigo (rash, yellow crusty lesions to ulcers), Cellulitis and Erysipelas (tender inflamed skin), Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome (infected lesions), Folliculitis (pustules and boils), Erysipeloid (red skin on hands), Pitted Keratolysis (pit infections on the feet), Erythrasma (infected inflamed scales on feet and groin also called jock itch), and Trichomycosis (hair infection in genital area)
- Secondary Skin Infections – Interigo, Acute Infectious Eczematoid Dermatitis, Pseudofolliculitis of the Beard, and Toe Web Infection
- Other Skin Infections – Localized Skin Tuberculosis, Mycobacterium marinum Skin Disease, Mycobacterium ulcerans Skin Disease, Actinomycetoma, and Actinomycosis
Causes of Bacterial skin infections
Excess bacterial colonization and bacterial infections can occur for a number of reasons some of which include:
- Contact with bacteria in environmental, such as through soil, exposure to fresh or sea water, and faeces of humans or animals
- When natural skin bacteria multiply rapidly when exposed to too much moisture for too long (hot tubs) or if the skin is chaffed
- Poor hygiene, such as sharing towels and not washing hands when handling food or animals
- When body fluids are transferred to other parts of the body (such as touching the genitals, then touching the nose or mouth without washing hands)
- Sharing sexual stimulation devices
- Weak immune system such as with Diabetes, HIV and AIDS
- When having chemotherapy treatment
- Injuries or cracks in the skin
- Overcrowded and unhygienic living conditions
- Residing in hospitals or nursing homes (raises risk of exposure)
- When body piercing, hair cutting, or medical instruments are not sterilized properly
- Lifestyle factors such as smoking and sharing cigarettes or drinking glasses
Diagnosing and treating Bacterial skin infections
Diagnosis
In diagnosing a patient, a physician (or dermatologist) may examine the physical area of skin affected to check symptoms. Tests, such as blood, skin biopsy, and bacterial cultures may be done to determine the type of skin infection and the bacterial cause. Patient and family medical history may also be discussed, along with lifestyle factors, such as hygiene regimens. Knowing the phyllus of bacteria responsible and severity is what aids formation of the treatment plan.
Treatment
Treatments for bacterial skin infections do depend on the type of bacteria, the part of the body infected, how severe the infection is (such as if disease is present), and the patient’s overall well-being. Management plans are usually provided. Treatments may range from:
- Steroid-containing ointments such as corticosteroid cream
- Antibiotics, such as penicillin or amoxicillin or other (if allergic to penicillin), and flagyl or metrogyl may be prescribed for bacterial vaginosis
- Topical antibiotics such as mupirocin (Bactroban)
- Surgical draining and disinfection in cases of abscesses