There are many different bacteria to blame for skin infections such as Acinetobacter, Brevibacterium, Corynebacterium, and the Staphylococcus species.

 
Boils, impetigo, Methicillin resistant staph. aureus, folliculitis, staphylococcal scalded skin syndrome and toxic shock syndrome are all caused by Staphylococcus aureus bacteria.

 Cellulitis, erysipelas, impetigo, necrotising fasciitis and scarlet fever are all caused by Streptococcus pyogenes.

 Gonorrhoea, meningococcal disease, chancroid, athlete's foot, anthrax, syphilis, lyme disease, cat schratch fever, tuberculosis, leprosy and scalp folliculitis are also bacterial skin infections.

 Even though the skin acts as a barrier against bacteria, we actually have bacteria that live on our skin and it does not make us sick if it stays on the surface of our skin. A break in the skin either by a cut, would, abrasion, cracks from dry skin or breakage such as from sunburned skin and scratching because of itching are the most common ways for bacterial to enter the skin.

 There are conditions that individuals can have that may make them more prone to bacterial skin infections such as individuals who have diabetes, those with AIDS or those with burns.

 Staph skin infections are passed from one individual to another by close contact with an infected individual, which is why it is important not to share towels, bed linens or other personal items with someone who has a bacterial skin infection. It is also important not to touch items such as newspapers, books, utensils that have been touched by the infected person.

 Good personal hygiene is your best defense against a bacterial skin infection. Hand washing is especially important as we touch many surfaces with our hands and then touch our own skin.

 Bacterial skin infections are increasing among those who are in close contact with others such as schools, community organizations like hospitals, college dormitories, military barracks, jails, nursing homes, sports teams and childcare centers. These are all places where you would expect close personal contact to be among those who come to these places.

 
To help stop the spread of bacterial skin infections it is important to practice good hygiene, avoid those who are ill when possible and when not possible it is important to wash your hands before and after exposure to the illness. Casual contact cannot spread Staph infections, but close contact can. Drinking fountains, desks, and pencils are casual contact, towels, bed linens, hats, and other articles of clothing are close contacts.

 Delay in treating skin infection can increase the risk for complications. It is important to contact a doctor when you notice evidence of a skin infection, such as rashes, redness, warmth, tenderness, or raised bumps; especially if fever or pain is involved.