Bacterial Infections

Abstract

AbstractThis chapter starts by considering the resident bacterial population of the skin and how this has altered with our growing understanding of the skin microbiome. It then reviews the whole range of bacterial skin infections from primary Gram‐positive infections due to staphylococci and streptococci to the less common infections caused by Gram‐negative and anaerobic bacteria. The cutaneous manifestations of common and rare systemic bacterial infections such as staphylococcal septicaemia and melioidosis are described in practical detail. Using new work on antibiotics, the spread of drug resistance amongst skin bacterial pathogens is reviewed and its relevance clarified in the treatment algorithms. Rickettsial infections are also considered.