Bacteria & the Skin

Articles about bacterial infections affecting skin and soft tissues. Topics include common conditions like boils and impetigo plus serious infections such as gangrene and necrotizing fasciitis.

Bacteria, Boils and Spots

Spots form when excess skin oil blocks hair follicles and traps bacteria, causing infection and inflammation under the skin.

Flesh Eating Bacteria

Necrotizing fasciitis is a rare but serious skin infection caused by common bacteria that destroys tissue layers and kills about a third of those infected.

Friendly Bacteria on the Skin

Your skin hosts millions of helpful bacteria that protect you from harmful germs and infection.

What Is Cellulitis?

Cellulitis is a serious bacterial skin infection that causes redness, swelling and pain, starting from a break in the skin.

What Is Gangrene?

Gangrene is tissue death caused by poor blood supply or deep infection, and it comes in different types depending on where it occurs.

What Is Impetigo?

A common bacterial skin infection in children that spreads through contact and causes fluid-filled blisters that crust over.

What Is Scalded Baby Syndrome?

Scalded baby syndrome is a rare staphylococcal infection that makes a newborn's skin peel dramatically, though most babies recover well with treatment.