The two major types of bacterial skin infections are folliculitis and impetigo. Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicles. Impetigo is a superficial infection of the skin itself. Impetigo usually begins with flat, red, 1-2 mm lesions, which quickly rise to little blisters or pustules, and eventually to open sores, often with a soft yellow-brown scab. These lesions can spread locally or under the skin and pop up at distant sites.

Each lesion is teeming with aggressive bacteria, but the bacteria cannot enter intact, healthy skin. Each time you touch the impetigo and then scratch another part of the skin with that finger, you can start a new spot of impetigo. (It is wise to keep your nails trimmed and to wash your hands often with an antibacterial soap). Others can catch impetigo from you if the bacteria come in contact with a break in their stratum corneum.

Two types of bacteria are the main culprits: staphylococcus (staph) and streptococcus (strep). Gentle washing with a bactericidal cleanser can help prevent local spread and reoccurrence, but antibiotics are the mainstay of therapy.

Topical antibiotic ointments are very effective for staph impetigo (which is more commonly seen around the nose and on the trunk or arms). Bactroban ointment is the most effective topical antibiotic. It can also work for strep impetigo (more commonly seen on the legs, in the diaper area, and on hot, moist skin), but failures and relapses are more common. Bacteria live under the yellow-brown scabs. If these are present, they must be removed in order for a topical antibiotic to work. Soaking in warm water with a liquid antibacterial soap is usually effective in removing them, but gentle rubbing is sometimes necessary. Oral antibiotics are a faster and more reliable therapy in stubborn cases of impetigo.

Alan Greene MD FAAP

April 9, 1996

Reviewed By: 

Khanh-Van Le-Bucklin MD & Rebecca Hicks M.D.

Last Reviewed: 

July 29, 2008

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