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Dermatology

Bacterial Skin Infections

Bacterial Skin Infections | Cellulitis | Folliculitis, Boils, and Carbuncles | Other Bacterial Skin Infections | Staphylococcal Scalded Skin Syndrome

The skin is the body's first barrier against bacteria that cause infections. Even though many bacteria live on the surface of our skin, healthy skin can usually protect us from infection. However, bacterial skin infections can affect a small spot or may spread, affecting a large area. They can range from a treatable infection to a life-threatening skin condition.

Any one who has a break in the skin is at risk for infection. However, certain conditions or diseases can put a person at greater risk for infection, including:

There are many types of bacterial skin infections. Listed in the directory to the left are some, for which we have provided a brief overview.

If you cannot find the condition in which you are interested, please visit the Dermatology Online Resources page in this web site for an Internet/World Wide Web address that may contain additional information on that topic.


This page was last updated on: February 25, 2008.

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