Bacterial Skin Infections

Bacterial skin infections occur following the entry of bacteria through a disrupted skin barrier as a result of wounds, scratches, animal or insect bites, and preexisting eczematous lesions and other dermatoses. Staphylococcal and streptococcal infections of the skin are common where the climate is hot and humid, where the standard of hygiene is low, and among immunodeficient patients. Streptococcus pyogenes (group A Streptococcus) causes infections ranging from mild superficial skin infections (impetigo, erysipelas, cellulitis) to life-threatening systemic diseases (necrotizing fasciitis). Corynebacterium bacteria are saprophytic and commonly found in the skin folds. Their cutaneous growth is responsible for erythrasma and pitted keratolysis. Species of the genus Mycobacterium produce tuberculosis, nontuberculous (atypical) mycobacterial infections, and leprosy.