Bacterial infections in humans can be serious if left untreated. People are keen to know more about the list of bacterial infections as it adds to their knowledge coffer.
Many types of bacteria are rather found all over human skin. The typical skin infection happens to b rather minor and does resolve by itself in a few days without requiring any kind of advanced treatment. Yet, few infections if left untreated can lead to serious symptoms and be harmful to health.
Bacterial skin infections usually occur when bacteria enter the skin via broken skin, cuts, scrapes, or scratches; or when one’s native bacteria overgrow. Infection can indeed occur even in the most minor cuts, such as pores that are aggravated by shaving.
Bacterial skin infections often do start with small, raised, red bumps or pustules, and then can increase in size over time. They are not always painful or warm to one’s touch.
Few infections can be easily treated with topical antibiotics, whereas severe infections can require oral or even IV antibiotic treatment.
Bacterial skin infections are no doubt common, ranging in severity from mild as well as annoying to life-threatening. It is interesting to know more about the list of bacterial infections.
Table of Contents
MRSA
MRSA, Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus Aureus, is considered to be the most serious form of staph infection. It is rather resistant to certain antibiotic treatments. Symptoms differ but may involve swelling, redness, or pus. MRSA is indeed quite common and can spread in families as well as close contacts.
Impetigo
Impetigo is also referred to as school sores and is a highly contagious infection that is more common in children than adults. The term impetigo does simply imply a bacterial infection, but often we see sores around the nose as well as the mouth in children. This is usually caused by staph or strep.
Furuncle
A furuncle is also known as a large boil and is a pus-filled bump forming around an infected hair follicle. As boils grow, they can rupture and drain on their own. If Large boils, or lasting longer than 2 weeks, it is better to see the doctor. This is one of the bacterial infections in humans.
Carbuncle
A carbuncle does happen to be a cluster of boils and they look separate above the skin, and the infection under the skin can be connected. Large carbuncles can indeed be drained by a doctor. Avoid attempting to drain a boil or carbuncle at home.
Hot-Tub Folliculitis
Pseudomonas Folliculitis can most likely occur in a pool or hot tub. The itchy rash or pus-filled bumps often do appear where the swimsuit holds water against one’s skin. It is also common in children, who often stay in the water much longer than adults.
Folliculitis
This happens to be a common infection of the hair follicles and can be due to bacteria or fungus. Shaving or plucking hairs does increase the risk of folliculitis. The infection most commonly does occur when pores get blocked by ingrown hairs or aggravated by dry shaving.
Erythrasma
Erythrasma is rather often mistaken for fungal infection as it tends to occur in areas where one’s skin touches the skin, such as under the arms, between toes, or even in the groin area. The infection initially appears as pink, wrinkly patches of skin which do turn brown as well as scaly over time. It can be treated by a dermatologist.
Cellulitis
Cellulitis does occur where the skin has been rather broken or wounded and does affect the deepest layers of one’s skin. It does appear as a red, swollen area that is often hot to the touch. Cellulitis is caused by the bacteria Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, the two most common types of bacteria that are found in skin infections. If left untreated, it can spread to the lymph nodes and become life-threatening.
Erysipelas
This bacterial skin infection is referred to as St. Anthony’s Fire for the severe burning sensation it tends to cause. The infected tissue is red, swollen, and sharply differentiated from the surrounding skin. Fevers and chills can rather accompany this infection and it does require antibiotics. Erysipelas can rather arise from untreated athlete’s foot.
Conclusion
Bacterial infections need to be treated.