Skin diseases can be caused by a variety of pathogens, including bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites. Common bacterial pathogens include Staphylococcus aureus and Streptococcus pyogenes, while viral infections like herpes simplex are also frequent. Bacterial skin infections can be primary, affecting healthy skin, or secondary, developing on already diseased skin. Examples of primary infections include impetigo and folliculitis, while secondary infections include intertrigo. Bacterial infections occur when bacteria penetrate the skin, often due to breaks or a compromised barrier. Risk factors include age (children under five and adults over 65), comorbid conditions like diabetes, and immune suppression.The symptoms of bacterial skin infections vary but typically include redness, swelling, warmth, and pain. More severe cases can result in abscesses, pus formation, and even systemic symptoms like fever and rapid infection spread. Complications include skin breakdown, abscess formation, sepsis, scarring, and antibiotic-resistant infections such as MRSA. Common bacterial infections like Impetigo: A common skin infection in children that presents with crusty lesions. Cellulitis: a conditions involving inflammation of the skin and subcutaneous tissue, with Streptococcus pyogenes being the primary pathogen and Folliculitis: An infection of hair follicles, which can be superficial or deep. Laboratory tests, such as swabs, blood cultures, and skin biopsies, are used to diagnose the infection and determine the specific bacteria responsible. Minor infections often resolve on their own, but more serious infections may require antibiotics.
