Video:The Most Common Bacterial Skin Infections

Transcript:The Most Common Bacterial Skin Infections

Hi I'm Doctor Howard Goldberg from the Cosmetic Dermatology and Aesthetic Laser Center in Swampscott, Massachusetts. Today for About.com I'll be discussing the most common bacterial skin infections.

Staphylococcus is the Most Common Bacterial Skin Infection

The most common bacterial skin infections that occur are due to bacteria Staphylococcus or Streptococcus. These can infect any open wound or open sore. When the infection is fairly superficial the condition is referred to as Impetigo. When the infection goes a bit deeper under the surface the condition forms an ulceration and then a thick crust and this is called Ecthyma.

Finally the more severe form of this disease is where the bacteria spread out onto the surrounding skin and cause redness, swelling and tenderness and the condition is referred to as Cellulitis. Cultures are necessary to determine the exact cause of the problem and then the appropriate antibiotic should be used. In recent years one of the problems that has occurred is that Staphylococcus in particular have developed resistance to the typical Penicillin or Methicillin type antibiotics that have been used to treat them. As a result the term MRSA referring to Methicilin Resistant Staphyococcus Aureus is now a common cause of bacterial infection in the community and has been becoming an increasing public health problem.

Treatments for Bacterial Skin Infections

It requires using different antibiotics, vigorous antiseptic measures, and if an abscess is present vigorous drainage of the abscess. Much more hand washing with antiseptic cleansers is necessary. Precautions have to be taken to try and prevent the spread of this type of bacteria in the community.

Conditions Where Infection Causing Bacteria Thrives

Another bacteria that has been associated with the use of hot tubs is becoming a significant problem these days as well. The hot tub provides a very good milia for the growth of bacteria since you have hot water and this is combined with some protein coming off the skin of people who use the hot tub. Bacteria love to grow in this type of situation. One bacteria that particularly thrives is one called Pseudomonas. When this bacteria gets on the skin it causes numerous tender pustules on the skin and these require antibiotics and topical measures. Therefore one should be very careful about using a hot tub with other people in particular making sure that the water is well chlorinated to try to prevent this type of infection from occurring.

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