Bacterial skin infections often begin as small, red bumps that slowly increase in size and may even produce pus. They are typically somewhat painful. Some bacterial infections are mild and easily treated with topical antibiotics, but other infections require an oral antibiotic. Contact a doctor if you have pus-filled blisters or a skin infection that doesn’t improve or gets worse after a few days. Skin infections are also common when the skin is damaged by cuts, scapes or blisters.
Skin infections can also be caused by viruses, like herpes simplex or herpes zoster. These blistering infections require antiviral medications.