Diagnostic Procedures

The Most Common Bacterial Skin Infections You Need to Know About

The skin of a human being is a multi-function part of their body. It covers the inner body parts, provides necessary support and protection, helps muscles and joints to works properly, and the skin does many other functions. 

Usually, human skin in self-sufficient, but sometimes it gets infected due to some internal or external factors. The most common skin infections occur due to bacterial infection, viral infection, fungal infection, and parasitic infection. Although there  

Let’s Look into Some of the Common Bacterial Skin Infections 

  • Cellulitis 

Cellulitis is one of the most commonly known bacterial skin infections. In the early stage of the infection, a red, swollen spot appears on the infected area. This spot can be painful and feel hot if touched. It often appears on the lower part of the leg, but the infection can occur anywhere, including face and any part of the body. The infection of cellulitis can spread very fast, and even though it affects the upper layer of skin, but can spread under the tissues as well. If cellulitis didn’t can be treated in time, it can spread in blood and lymph nodes and can become life-threatening. 

Symptoms of Cellulitis Include 

A person with cellulitis can feel pain, inflammation, and irritation in the affected area. Also, the skin near the affected area will become red and glossy and will start to swell. 

  • Impetigo 

Impetigo is also a widespread bacterial skin infection. It is also one of the infection which is contagious. In this condition, bacteria like staphylococcus aureus and streptococcus pyogenes affects the epidermis layer of the skin. This infection often affects the face, arm, and legs. Studies show that impetigo can occur to anyone, even children. In the early stage of the infection, it could be mistaken for insect bites, rash, or a cut. Impetigo tends to spread in a warm and humid climate, but it can occur at any time. 

Symptoms of Impetigo Include 

A person with impetigo will experience red bumps on the skin, nose, and lips. In time these bumps will start depositing pus and will burst. These bumps can be irritating and painful. 

  • Leprosy 

Leprosy is a chronic infection that occurs due to the bacteria called Mycobacterium leprae. Primarily it affects the skin, nerves of extremities, upper respiratory tract, and lining of the nose. Leprosy tends to cause several damages and disabilities like skin ulcers, muscle weakness, and nerve damage. Usually, it can take 5-7 years for leprosy symptoms to appear, and in some cases, people don’t recognize the disease till the last moment. The most common symptoms of leprosy include the appearance of a red patch. As the infection starts to spread, these patches begin to lose their sensitivity. After a while, the affected area loses its ability to feel temperature and pain. Due to this inability, the tissues stop to regenerate and start to decompose. At this stage, proper treatment is required to contain leprosy. Otherwise, it can spread throughout the body. Although there is leprosy treatment available, but leprosy can’t be cured completely. 

Symptoms of Leprosy Include 

A person with leprosy will experience muscle weakness, bruises on skin, numbness, and loss of sensation in hands, arms, and legs. As the numbness will increase, the affective person will lose the ability to feel pain and temperature around the affected area.  

  • Boils 

Boils, also known as furuncles, are small bumps that appear on the skin. They can be red and can be painful. It is a type of bacterial infection caused by staphylococcus aureus type of bacteria. In time boils can develop pus inside them, which can be released if it gets disturbs. Although boils can appear anywhere on the body but are main occur on infected hair follicles. It is because these have sweat around them. In the beginning, a boil can appear as small as a pea, and as it starts to produce pus, its size increases. In a time when the boil gets mature, a yellowish spot appears on the top of it and, after some time, bursts open, releasing the pus. If a large number of boils unites, it called a carbuncle, and a person with carbuncle can feel fever and uneasiness. 

Symptoms of Boils Include 

A person with boils will experience redness and itchiness of skin around the affected area. Also, it affects the area where sweat deposits around the hair follicle. 

Conclusion

Bacterial skin infection can turn into a major skin disease and it is very important to have it attended by a dermatologist in Indore.  So, if you experience any of these infection symptoms, don’t wait and consult with a dermatologist as soon as you can.   

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