Causes of impetigo include streptococci and the staphylococci bacteria. Poor hygiene, tropical climates, and improper sanitation can contribute to infections. Topical treatment may resolve mild infections, but most cases require oral antibiotics to resolve. Folliculitis Staphlococci are usually the culprit of this bacterial infection of hair follicles . The basic lesion is a red spot or bump surrounding the hair follicle.
Poor hygiene can contribute to folliculitis.
If not treated properly, with appropriate antibiotics, the infection can extend into deeper skin layers. Irritation and poor hygiene can contribute to boil development. Usually these lesions appear as a small reddish bump that is tender. A carbuncle is a larger staphylococcal abscess that drains from the furuncle lesion. These occur most often in the elderly , the ill, or in diabetics.