Skin Rashes

• Lists of bacteria that cause a skin rash or skin infections

• Take Away

Your skin is the most important and largest organ of the body that functions to protect the body from any skin infection. Sometimes skin itself get infected caused by various germs and the symptoms vary from person to person. Mild infections may be treated with homemade remedies or medications but severe skin rash or infections requires medical attention. Some infections may be viral, bacterial or fungal infections. Some skin infections are common among women and need proper treatment and skin care.

Bacterial skin rash or infection is very common among people and can be life-threatening. Bacterial infections cause some red itchy spots on the skin and some red small spots on skin not itchy due to infections of rash. Most bacterial infections are caused bacteria Staphylococcus aureus which may cause red spots on the skin. According to some dermatologists, it is said that some bacterial infections may spread to the bloodstream and could be life-threatening known as septicemia. It is also very important to know the type of bacterial infections and how to identify them.

Bacterial skin rash or infections are often small, red bumps or spots that increase in size gradually and can be mild and can be easily treated with topical creams or antibiotics and some require oral infections. There are various types of bacterial skin rash or infection that include:

• Impetigo
• Boils
• Leprosy - Hansen’s disease
• cellulitis

Some bacteria live on normal skin and do no harm to skin and some may cause acne. Few bacteria enter the normal skin through some broken skin that causes infection or wound knowns as dermatitis or eczema and result in rashes form.

Lists of bacteria that cause a skin rash or skin infections

Skin rash/ infections caused by Staphylococcus aureus:

• Folliculitis
• Abscesses
• Impetigo
• Furunculosis
• Tropical pyomyositis

Skin rash/ infections caused by Streptococcus pyogenes:

• Erysipelas
• Cellulitis
• Impetigo
• Scarlet fever
• Rheumatic fever

Skin rash/ infections caused by Corynebacterium species :

• Pitted keratolysis
• Trichomycosis axillaris
• Erythrasma

Cellulitis

Cellulitis affects the deepest inner layer of the skin is the dermis and subcutaneous tissues that often appear swollen with red spots and feel soft and tender when touched. Some bacteria that cause cellulitis enters through the broken skin such as ulcers, burns or bruises. This cellulitis also spread through lymph nodes and bloodstream and may require some medical attention.

Erysipelas

Erysipelas infects the upper two layers of the skin and is known as St. Anthony's fire due to their burning sensation. Redness, swelling and infected skin are the symptoms that cause erysipelas. This is very similar to cellulitis only differ in the skin layer of infections. The bacteria causing erysipelas are spread through nasal passages causing nose or short infections.

Impetigo

Impetigo is a bacterial skin infection that occurs on the upper layer of the skin and is highly contagious. Impetigo is mostly seen in children than adults. Impetigo is caused by bacteria Streptococcus and Staphylococcus. Impetigo ash occurs around the nose and mouth and can spread to any part of the body through direct skin to skin contact, via clothes and towels. This skin rash can be treated with any antibiotics and topical creams prescribed by a doctor.

Erythrasma

Erythrasma is a skin infection that is caused by the bacteria Corynebacterium minutissimum with the pink or red patches on the skin causing wrinkles. The rash on the skin is red, brown and scaly skin. Erythrasma occurs in the armpits, groin and between the toes where skin touches other skin. People who have this skin rash usually have no symptoms but may cause mild itchiness and burning sensation, especially in the groin area. 

Erythrasma may be caused due to warm and humid climates. Some factors like poor hygiene, sweating, obesity, diabetes, etc cause erythrasma.

Folliculitis

Bacterial folliculitis is a common infection that occurs on the hair follicles and is generally caused by a fungus, ingrown hair or blockages that is caused by products used on the skin. Plucking or threading hair can also cause folliculitis. Folliculitis generally causes whiteheads and blackheads filled with pus and has red tiny bumps. If folliculitis left untreated may cause permanent hair loss.

Carbuncles

Carbuncles are the cluster of many furuncles that are packed together. This infection also causes fever, weakness and exhaustion. Carbuncles usually occur on the back, thighs and back of the neck. The bacteria that causes carbuncles are Staph bacteria. Carbuncles infections cause the risk of skin scarring. Medical attention and talking to a dermatologist is very important when a person deals with carbuncles. Carbuncles are contagious and spread from one person to other.

Hot Tub Folliculitis

Hot tub follicles are also called Pseudomonas folliculitis causing bumps filled with pus that are itchy red rash. Hot tub folliculitis is usually caused by loofah sponges, pools, etc. They occur in the chest and groin areas where the bacteria get trapped with water and leading to infection. More than adults, hot tub folliculitis occurs among children. People who have dermatitis or acne Vulgaris are more to hot tub folliculitis. The bacteria that causes hot tub folliculitis survive in chlorinated water so it becomes difficult to kill those bacteria.

Take Away

Bacterial skin infections are a very common infection that may cause red spots or patches that may be itchy or may not be itchy but can be treated with various topical antibiotics. If you notice any skin infection caused on the skin, always consult the doctor and take the right treatment.