Scientists continue to study the complexity of bacteria living off humans.
A bacterial lesion, or problem, can happen anywhere inside or outside the body. But the skin is particularly vulnerable to bacterial invasion due to its exposure to the outside world and without proper care, an opened wound may contract a bacterial infection. This is because the most common types of bacteria that cause skin infection are already living on the surface of healthy skin.
Streptococcus
Streptococcus and staphylococcus bacteria are two common types that cause skin lesions. Impetigo, for example, is an infection causing pus-filled lesions that pop with light pressure and leave behind red, raw skin. The infection may include one lesion or many, depending on the severity. The most common place to find them is on the face, lips, arms and legs; however, it can spread anywhere if a patient itches and touches other parts of her body. The bacteria are robust and can be spread to another person if she is exposed to the pus of an open sore.
Staphlococcus Aureus
Staphylococcus aureus is a bacteria that normally resides on the surface of the skin, but should it make it into the interior of the body, it is likely to cause infection. For example, boils are a common type of skin lesion caused by the bacteria staphylococcus aureus. The bacteria finds its way into the body through a hair follicle and infects an isolated area. Boils begin as a red, swollen area of skin. As they age they fill with pus and dead skin that can form a white or yellow center, or pustule.
Staphylococcus, or staph, has another strain that is resistant to antibotics called Methicillian-resistant staph, or MRSA. The skin lesions associated with this strain occur as breakouts and are difficult to treat.
Complications from Bacteria
A bacterial infection that goes unchecked has the potential to cause life-threatening complications. The infection can run rampant and move anywhere in the body where it can find resources to live on and a means of transport. This means that organs and the circulatory system are both at risk. Skin lesions that don't heal and reoccurring lesions need the attention of a doctor.
Prevention
Good hygiene is essential to keeping opportunistic bacterial infections at bay. This includes frequent hand washing and proper care of open wounds and primary infections. A section of skin that is suffering from an initial infection is immuno-compromised and is vulnerable to a secondary infection from staph or strep. Keep the area clean and change bandages regularly to help prevent a skin lesion from appearing.
Tags: aureus bacteria, bacteria that, bacterial infection, common types, lesions that, most common
