Although our bodies are surrounded by bacteria in the air, soil, and water, our skin functions as a barrier to protect our bodies from harmful bacteria. However, sometimes they can cause an infection by entering a wound or spreading from one small area of our skin. A skin infection occurs when a harmful bacteria proliferates, which can lead to a wide range of symptoms and reactions.

Some common bacterial infections of the skin are:

• Cellulitis – Commonly caused by staph or strep bacteria, this deep bacterial infection causes redness, warmth, swelling, and pain in an area of the skin. Other symptoms may include fever, headaches, chills, weakness, and blisters.
• Folliculitis – When hair follicles become infected, they form pus-filled pockets underneath the skin. They often look like pimples, and can cause red, inflamed follicles and damaged hair. Sometimes people develop folliculitis after exposure to a poorly chlorinated pool or hot tub.
• Impetigo – Impetigo is an infection caused by staph or strep bacteria that causes itchy and painful pus-filled blisters that often ooze or scab. They are commonly seen in children and are very contagious.

In all of the above conditions, keeping the area clean, and dry and protected is important to prevent further infection. Treatments usually include antibiotics, which should only be prescribed after seeing a doctor. A dermatologist can help assess, diagnose, and treat bacterial skin infections and help you prevent recurrence.

Dr. Juan Vaillant of Old Bridge Dermatology uses his experience of over 30 years to help patients in the Old Bridge, NJ area with skin, hair, and nail conditions. His specialties in dermatology, anatomic and clinical pathology allows him to effectively treat common conditions such as acne, eczema, dandruff, skin cancer, hair loss, psoriasis, and age spots. For more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact our Old Bridge office at (732) 679-0222 today!