Bacterial skin infections may affect a single spot, appearing as a pimple, or may spread within hours, affecting a large area. Skin infections can range in seriousness from minor acne to a life-threatening condition, such as staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome. Many types of bacteria can infect the skin. The most common are Staphylococcus and Streptococcus. Infections from less common bacteria may develop in hospitals or nursing homes or while gardening or swimming in a pond, lake, or ocean.
Skin damaged by sunburn, scratching, or other irritation also is more likely to get infected.
In fact, any break in the skin predisposes a person to infection. For the most part, keeping the skin undamaged and clean prevents infections. When the skin is cut or scraped, washing the area with soap and water helps prevent infection. Although most antibiotic creams and ointments do little to prevent or treat skin infections, some newer creams such as mupirocin are effective for some skin infections. Warm soaks can increase the blood supply to an infected area and help clear up an infection confined to a small area.