Bacterial Skin Infections: Types, Symptoms and Care

Understanding bacterial skin infections

The skin is the body's largest barrier against infection, but cuts, bites, scratches and existing skin conditions can let bacteria in. Most bacterial skin infections are caused by Staphylococcus or Streptococcus species, which are common on the skin and in the environment.

These infections range from mild and surface-level to deeper and more serious, so recognising the type and severity helps guide the right care.

Common types

• Impetigo — a highly contagious infection, common in children, causing golden, crusted sores usually around the nose and mouth.
• Cellulitis — a deeper infection of the skin and underlying tissue that causes spreading redness, warmth, swelling and pain, often on the lower legs.
• Folliculitis — inflammation of hair follicles producing small, pus-filled spots.
• Boils and abscesses — painful, pus-filled lumps caused by infection deeper in the skin.
• Infected wounds — cuts or surgical sites that become red, swollen, painful or start to ooze.

Recognising the symptoms

Watch for redness, swelling, warmth, pain or tenderness, pus or discharge, and crusting. Signs that an infection may be spreading or becoming serious include:

• Redness that expands quickly or develops red streaks
• Fever or feeling generally unwell
• Increasing pain out of proportion to the wound
• Swollen glands near the affected area

Deep, rapidly spreading or severely painful infections need urgent medical assessment.

How they are treated

Mild infections such as small areas of impetigo may be managed with topical antibiotic or antiseptic treatments. More extensive or deeper infections like cellulitis usually require oral antibiotics prescribed by a doctor. Penicillins such as flucloxacillin and amoxicillin are often used for skin infections; you can read more in our Amoxicillin guide and explore the antibiotics range.

When any antibiotic is prescribed:

• Complete the whole course as directed
• Do not share or reuse antibiotics
• Declare allergies to penicillin or sulfa medicines
• Read the patient information leaflet before starting

Remember that antibiotics treat bacteria, not viruses — they will not help conditions such as cold sores or warts, which are viral.

Self-care and prevention

Good wound care reduces the risk of infection:

• Clean cuts and grazes promptly and keep them covered
• Avoid scratching insect bites or existing skin conditions
• Keep skin moisturised if you have eczema or very dry skin
• Wash hands well, especially when caring for contagious infections like impetigo
• Do not squeeze boils, which can spread infection

For an overview of how bacteria cause illness, see bacterial infections explained.

When to see a doctor

Seek medical advice if redness spreads, you develop a fever, an abscess does not drain, an infection is on the face, or you have diabetes or a weakened immune system. Rapidly spreading infection with severe pain is a medical emergency.

Key takeaways

Many minor skin infections respond to careful wound care and, where needed, prescribed antibiotics. Acting early, watching for spreading signs and using antibiotics responsibly all help you heal safely and avoid complications.

General information only — not medical advice. Always read the patient information leaflet and consult a doctor or pharmacist before starting any medication.