What does a bacterial skin infection look like
Cellulitis Types by Cause, Location, and Symptoms
Cellulitis may have different symptoms depending on the type of bacteria involved and where on your body it affects. These factors may influence which antibiotics a doctor prescribes to treat cellulitis.
Cellulitis is an infection of the deep layers of your skin. You can get cellulitis on any part of your body, but most people get it in their leg or foot.
There are different ways doctors may classify cellulitis, which can determine which treatments may be most effective.
Keep reading to learn about the different types of cellulitis, the symptoms they cause, and when to contact a doctor for diagnosis and treatment.
Cellulitis is the result of bacteria. The type of bacteria at fault may influence your course of treatment.
Although
- Staphylococcus: Staphylococcus aureus is a
major cause of cellulitis. Staphylococcus (staph) infections are sometimes called purulent cellulitis, as pus, fluid, or abscesses are often among the symptoms. - Streptococcus: Streptococcus pyogenes is one of the
most common causes of cellulitis. Cellulitis from Streptococcus can happen after an incision, burn, wound, or trauma. - Pasteurella multocida: Cellulitis from these bacteria usually occurs within
12 days of an animal bite or scratch. - Capnocytophaga: These bacteria naturally live in the mouths of people, cats, and dogs but can cause an infection under the right circumstances. Infections in humans are
common after dog bites. - Vibrio vulnificus: These infections can start in open wounds that come in contact with salt water or undercooked seafood and
sometimes require hospitalization. - Aeromonas:
Various species of Aeromonas are responsible for wound and soft tissue infections like cellulitis, as well as gastrointestinal illness. - Haemophilus influenzae: These
invasive bacteria can cause cellulitis and other illnesses like meningitis and infectious arthritis. - Pseudomonas: These bacteria cause infections after surgery, with Pseudomonas aeruginosa
most likely to cause cellulitis.
Any area of your skin can have cellulitis. Doctors may classify cellulitis based on which part of your body it affects.
Lower limb (leg) cellulitis
Cellulitis
Risk factors for developing lower limb cellulitis include:
Perianal cellulitis
Perianal cellulitis develops in your anal area and is typically due to streptococcal infection. Also known as perianal streptococcal dermatitis, this type
Doctors usually treat perianal cellulitis with a combination of oral and topical medications.
Orbital cellulitis
Orbital cellulitis affects the fat and muscles around your eyes. It usually develops from a bacterial sinus infection that spreads to the area just behind your eyes. Its most common in children.
Antibiotics for
Periorbital cellulitis
Also known as preseptal cellulitis, periorbital cellulitis affects your eyelid or the skin around your eye. Like orbital cellulitis, it may be due to a sinus infection, but it can also be due to a wound. Staph and strep infections are often at fault, mostly affecting children.
Periorbital cellulitis is less serious and more common than orbital cellulitis. However, it may progress to orbital cellulitis without treatment. It usually resolves after
Facial cellulitis
Haemophilus influenzae was a common cause of cellulitis affecting the face, most often in children under age 5 years. However, increased vaccination rates have made this condition less common.
But other bacteria can also cause facial cellulitis, including
Breast cellulitis
Although it can develop from a wound, breast cellulitis typically occurs after breast cancer surgery,
According to a 2018 research review,
Doctors may also classify cellulitis as purulent or nonpurulent.
Purulent cellulitis means that symptoms include pus, an abscess, or phlegmon. A phlegmon is similar to an abscess but can spread beyond the main area of infection. Purulent cellulitis is usually due to Staphylococcus aureus infections like MRSA.
Nonpurulent cellulitis is usually due to group A, B, C, or G Streptococcus infections.
Erysipelas is a superficial skin infection that doesnt extend into the deeper layers of skin. Its typically in a clearly defined area of skin.
Cellulitis causes stronger skin discoloration than erysipelas.
You might experience swelling and pain for either condition. But if you feel generally unwell, its more likely you have erysipelas.
Staphylococcus or Streptococcus bacteria are common causes of both, but cellulitis is most commonly from Staphylococcus, while erysipelas is usually from Streptococcus.
Antibiotics are the
A typical antibiotic course for cellulitis is at least
Oral antibiotics are the standard treatment for mild cellulitis. A doctor might consider intravenous (IV) antibiotic therapy if you have a more severe infection.
A doctor might recommend keeping the affected area elevated to prevent a new infection. In cases of purulent cellulitis, they may also try to remove the abscess or phlegmon.
Contact a doctor if you have symptoms of cellulitis
- swelling
- warm and tender skin
- painful area of skin
- color changes
Seek medical attention immediately if:
- skin discoloration spreads quickly
- you have a fever or chills
- you have an infection around your eye
Cellulitis is a bacterial infection that goes into the deeper layers of your skin. What type of bacteria causes the infection, where the infection occurs, and the presence of certain symptoms may influence what treatments a doctor prescribes.
Several days of antibiotic therapy is the standard treatment for mild cellulitis. If you have a severe case, a doctor might recommend IV antibiotic therapy.
Skin Infections in Dogs: Bacterial Infections
Symptoms of Skin Infection in Dogs
Clinical signs associated with a skin infection in dogs can vary depending on the specific cause, but early manifestations of the skin condition can be similar regardless of the cause. Commonly seen symptoms are itchiness, hair loss, and generalized discomfort. Skin flaking and crusting can also be seen in some cases of skin infection.
Generalized redness, erythema, and skin inflammation can also be observed in dogs with skin infections. Untreated and severe cases will eventually emit a pungent or foul odor, and can even be fatal to highly susceptible and immunocompromised animals.
Types of Skin Infection in Dogs
Skin infection in dogs can be generally classified into 2 types: bacterial and fungal. Several bacterial and fungal species can invade and penetrate the skin barrier and cause infection in canines. Inflammation and breaks on the skin barrier can increase the risk of these microorganisms taking over, leading to an infection.
Its important to determine what type of skin infection an affected animal has because the treatment for both types is different. Medications that can control and eliminate bacterial organisms will have no effect against fungal infections, and likewise, anti-fungal medications are ineffective against bacterial skin infections.
Proper identification and diagnosis are important to have a specific and targeted treatment for your dogs skin infection.
Common Bacterial Skin Infection Causes in Dogs
Pyoderma is the most common bacterial skin infection in dogs. This bacterial skin infection is characterized by the presence of purulent (pus-like) discharge from the skin and is commonly caused by several species of bacteria.
Pyoderma in dogs is differentiated based on the tissues of the skin involved in the disease. Infections that only affect the topmost layers are called superficial pyoderma, and pyoderma that infiltrates and infects the deeper layers of the skin are called deep pyodermas. Superficial pyoderma accounts for the majority of pyoderma cases in dogs.
Most superficial pyoderma cases occur spontaneously and often present with a localized skin lesion. Loss of hair, or alopecia, is typically seen in superficial pyoderma cases, along with erythema (redness) and purulent discharge. Superficial pyoderma lesions tend to cause severe discomfort and will result in affected dogs trying to scratch or bite on the lesions, making the condition worse. The most common bacteria that causes this type of pyoderma is Staphylococcus pseudointermedius.
Deep pyodermas, on the other hand, usually have a triggering cause. Oftentimes, deep pyodermas result from untreated superficial pyodermas. Some cases of deep pyoderma are caused by the same bacterial species, but other organisms like E. coli, Proteus sp., and Pseudomonas sp. can also cause infection. Deep pyoderma cases affect the deeper portions of the hair follicle which results in erythema, hyperpigmentation, swelling, and skin ruptures. Affected areas of the skin are often painful and swollen.
Diagnosing & Treating Bacterial Skin Infections in Dogs
As mentioned, treatment for skin infections in dogs will ultimately depend on proper identification and diagnosis. The best way to diagnose skin infection in canines is through skin cytology, bacterial and/or fungal culture, and identification. Several methods like skin scraping, smear biopsy, and acetate cytology have proven effective in determining whether a skin infection is bacterial or fungal in nature. Identification of specific bacterial or fungal causes will involve culturing and isolating the bacteria taken from skin samples.
Most bacterial skin infections respond well to antibacterial medications. Localized and solitary bacterial infections can easily be treated with topical medications such as antibacterial creams and ointments. A more generalized infection will often need systemic antibacterial therapy for treatment.
Similarly, fungal infections are mostly treated with topical medications such as ointments or medicated shampoos, depending on how widespread the lesions are. Systemic antifungal medications are usually only prescribed in severe cases of fungal skin infections because of their potential liver and kidney side effects.
Read more:
Skin Infections in Dogs: Fungal & Yeast Infections
Common Skin Parasites in Dogs
My Dog Wont Stop Licking His Paws - Help!
Need to speak with a veterinarian regarding your dogs skin infection or another condition?
Click here to schedule a video consult to speak to one of our vets. You can also download the FirstVet app from the Apple App Store and Google Play Stores.
Dog Bacterial Skin Infections [With Pictures & Vet Advice]
Canine skin disease is a common problem that can affect any breed. Most dog lovers have had some experience caring for dogs with red, itchy skin.While all dogs are vulnerable to canine skin disease, some breeds are more susceptible.
For example, Shar Peis and French Bulldogs are prone to infections in their skin folds. Labradors and Golden Retrievers attract hot spots, while Basset hounds are prime real estate for yeast and bacterial growth.Dermatological problems can be very frustrating.Not only is your pooch uncomfortable, but the necessary treatments can often be prolonged.
Working as a veterinary technician in a busy veterinary hospital, Ive treated many dogs suffering from itchy, painful skin. From what I have seen, the surest path to resolving the problem is to obtain an accurate diagnosis right from the start.
Symptoms of bacterial skin disease
The majority of canine skin infections are bacterial.They are usually secondary to another disease process.Here are some of the main symptoms to watch out for that many indicate bacterial skin infection (also known as pyodermas):
- Redness, pustules, or papules
- Crusty lesions or flaky skin
- Swelling, oozing or draining of a blood-tinged fluid or pus
- Small red bumps
The picture below shows a red, circular lesion that is quite inflamed (staphylococcus bacterial infection). This is sometimes called a bullseye lesion:
With bacterial infections, there is usually inflammation of the hair follicle called folliculitis. This can lead to the build-up of crusts (scabs form). There may be small bumps (papules), raised hairs (tufted papules) and hair loss. Learn more about Folliculitis.
The picture below shows several pustules and inflamed red skin from a bacterial skin infection.
Skin infections can lead to skin irritation that may result in hyperpigmentation and black spots on a dogs skin. As hyperpigmentation results from chronic irritation, these spots will lie flat as part of the skin and will not have a mass-like appearance.
Bacterial skin infections (usually Staphylococcus sp.) cause black spots on the skin in the same manner as injuries, as the infection damages the skins barrier. This damage is a result of the inflammation present secondary to the infection.
When the infection clears in response to treatment, the spots should fade as well. It is normal to see black spots remain much longer after the infection is resolved. The circular sores associated with bacterial infections are referred to as epidermal collarettes. As these sores resolve, the skin becomes hyperpigmented.
Some of these signs are shared by other diseases, like certain immune disorders and neoplasias.Your veterinarian will be able to determine the true cause of the symptoms using their experience and diagnostic tools.
Four Common causes of bacterial skin infections in dogs
Any illness that weakens your dogs immune system increases the chance of a bacterial skin infection. The following interfere with the skins health in a more direct way:
1. Cushings Disease
Cushings Disease decreases the amount of normal collagen found in the skin, causing the skin to become weak and thin with extra folds. The skin may develop dark lesions as well as small raised bumps.Unfortunately, this makes the dog a prime candidate for a secondary bacterial infection.View pictures of dogs with Cushings disease.
2. Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism decreases the activity of certain enzymes resulting in changes to the natural skin barriers.The skin develops a darker pigment, there are areas of hair loss and the skin becomes more susceptible to bacterial infection.
3. Flea bite dermatitis
Flea bite dermatitis is an allergic reaction to flea saliva.Your dog will develop itchy skin with hair loss starting on the back and extending to the base of the tail. If left untreated it can progress forward up to the neck and head.Your dogs licking and chewing the itchy skin causes scabs and red bumps, leaving the skin vulnerable to secondary bacterial infection.
4. Sarcoptic scabies and demodex
Sarcoptic scabies and demodex are two parasitic mites that can infect a dogs skin.Demodex is a natural inhabitant of dog skin and only becomes an issue when a dogs immune system is compromised.On the other hand, scabies is spread from dog to dog.
Both of these infections cause great damage to the skin and increase the chance of a bacterial infection setting in.An infection of scabies or demodex is commonly called mange. You will see hair loss and red, scaly skin.
Note: Sarcoptic mange or scabies is contagious to people.
More types and causes of bacterial skin infections
Pyodermas can be classified by the depth of tissue affected. Allergies, immune disorders, and some cancers often underly a bacterial infection.
Surface pyoderma
Only the outermost layer of skin, the epidermis is affected. Hot spots or acute moist dermatitis and skin fold pyoderma are examples of a surface pyoderma.
Hot spots
Canine hot spots are self-induced.When a dog scratches and chews at an itch they may cause small breaks in the skin.As they continue to chew the nerves become inflamed and cause more itching which leads to more chewing.
A hot spot can start as a tiny red spot and very quickly become a large red lesion infected with bacteria. Often they ooze blood-tinged fluid.
The initial itch can be due to fleas, insect bites, allergies, anal sac impaction, or matted fur that pulls at the skin and causes an itch. Additionally, boredom or anxiety can make a dog chew or lick incessantly causing a hot spot.
Skin fold pyoderma (intertrigo)
The friction caused by skin rubbing against skin causes inflammation.The area becomes moist and therefore an ideal place for bacteria to grow.Yeast also likes this environment and is often an additional pathogen (disease-causing organism).
Skin fold pyoderma appears as reddened skin with discharge. There may be a foul odor. The skin folds may need to be spread open to see the inflammation.
Superficial pyoderma
The outer layer of the skin, the epidermis is affected along with the hair follicles.Hair loss, redness, crusty lesions and bumps may be seen.Puppy pyoderma and folliculitis are examples of superficial pyodermas.
Puppy pyoderma
This is one bacterial skin infection that doesnt typically have an underlying disease involved.Puppies skin is sensitive and when it becomes irritated from things in the environment the bacteria that normally live on the surface of a dogs skin cause an infection.
It usually occurs on sparsely haired areas such as the belly, armpits and groin.Puppy pyoderma appears as red bumps or lesions that are sometimes scaly and itchy.
Folliculitis
A common ailment of dogs, folliculitis causes a moth eaten appearance to the hair coat along with redness and itching.Raised red bumps or pustules and flaking, crusty skin may be seen.Sometimes a foul odor may be noticed.Folliculitis is often seen secondary to allergies. View more pictures of folliculitis in dogs.
Deep pyoderma
In deep pyoderma, the deeper levels of the skin, the dermis and the subcutis are affected.This may start as superficial pyoderma and progress to a deep infection. In some cases, a deep pyoderma may arise on its own.Its often secondary to ademodex infection.
Redness, swelling, nodules, or fistulous tracts draining bloody fluid or pus may seen.There may be a foul odor.This is a painful condition, so prompt veterinarian care is necessary.
There are different types of deep pyodermas, including furunculosis and lick granulomas. Furunculosis is when the deep layers of the skin closest to the hair follicles become infected or red and painful nodules are seen. These usually occur in between the toes, around the anus, and on the face.
Also known as acral lick dermatitis, lick granulomas cause a localized lesion that is red, bumpy, and raised.It starts with excessive licking of the same spot.The licking may come from an allergic itch or it could be behavioral.These granulomas usually occur on the wrist, ankles, hocks, or feet.They can become fairly large and unsightly, looking like a tumor.
Diagnosing bacterial skin infections in dogs
Like any disease, obtaining a diagnosis starts with the clinical signs or symptoms. Your veterinarian is familiar with the different types of lesions affecting various areas of the body and this information aids in diagnoses.
But because most skin infections have similar clinical signs, tissue sampling is important.Tissue samples can be obtained via impression smear, skin scraping, or fine needle aspirates.
The samples are examined microscopically and may be submitted for culture and sensitivity testing.Any bacteria cultured is then tested for its sensitivity to various antibiotics.This lets the doctors know which antibiotic will be the most effective for your dog.
Red, itchy skin!Do I need to take my dog to the vet?
Besides the most minor cases, its a good idea to have skin irritations checked by a vet.Skin disease can progress quickly, so its smart to check for any serious diseases that may be the underlying cause.
Here are some reasons your dog needs to be seen by a veterinarian immediately:
- The skin disease is extensive, covering a large portion of your dogs body
- Your dog is showing other signs of illness such as trembling, vomiting, or not eating
- If your dogs skin is bleeding or oozing
Let your vet know the severity of the symptoms so that they will get you in to have your dog seen right away. Untreated skin infections can lead to systemic disease causing serious illness. Moreover, if your dog seems uncomfortable or in pain from constant itching and scratching, you may want to see a vet on an emergency basis to relieve the discomfort.
If the affected area is small and the symptoms are mild, you can try treating your dog on your own with commercial products.There are many shampoos, ointments and all natural remedies for your dogs itchy, inflamed skin. However, its a good idea to consult your veterinarian before using any at home treatment options so that they can recommend ones that are safe and effective.
When attempting a home remedy monitor your dog closely. If the symptoms worsen or there is no improvement after a few days, you need to see a veterinarian.Its imperative to get your dog on the right course of medications quickly to ensure a good outcome.
Treatment options
Surface pyodermas and some superficial pyodermas may resolve with daily bathing using a medicated shampoo prescribed by your veterinarian.
Oral antibiotics are often necessary to cure bacterial skin infections. In addition, medicated shampoos, sprays, or ointments are normally prescribed.It may take three to four weeks to be rid of the infection. Resistant cases may take eight to twelve weeks to cure. As the dog parent you must be diligent, bathing your dog as often as the vet prescribes.
Its necessary for your vet to treat the underlying disease to fully rid your dog of the infection. The cost to treat your dogs pyoderma varies depending on the severity of the infection and how quickly your dog responds to treatment.A mild infection may cost from $200 to $400 to treat.A serious infection could go much higher, costing from $500 to $1000.
These estimates include the exam fee, bloodwork, tissue sampling, cytology (microscopic evaluation of cells), culture and sensitivity, antibiotics, medicated shampoos and sprays.The underlying disease will also need to be addressed and that will involve further diagnostics and medications.
Zoonosis: can I catch my dogs nasty skin infection?
The majority of canine bacterial skin infections are caused by Staphylococcus species, some of which are contagious to people.People with compromised immune systems should use care to not come into contact with the infected dog and the dogs bedding.Healthy individuals should wash hands after handling the dog and perhaps temporarily forgo sharing the bed.
What can I do to prevent a bacterial skin infection in my dog?
Prevention of any disease starts with good nutrition and good hygiene. Regular bathing, keeping their ears clean and wiping skin folds daily goes a long way for skin health. Good grooming, trimming excess hairs of the feet and regular brushing to avoid mats is also important.Keeping up with flea and tick preventative is helpful as well.
Regular exercise helps keep your dog mentally healthy and may keep them from the excessive licking and self mutilation that bored, anxious dogs engage in.
Elana Benasutti is a Certified Veterinary Technician in the state of Pennsylvania. She earned her degree from Harcum College located in Bryn Mawr, Pa. Elana spent her first ten years as a certified technician working as the ultrasound technician in the Radiology Department at the University of Pennsylvanias veterinary teaching hospital, MJR VHUP. Elana spent the next seventeen years as a critical care nurse in the Intensive Care Unit of MJR VHUP.
View all posts
Disclaimer: This website's content is not a substitute for veterinary care. Always consult with your veterinarian for healthcare decisions. Read More.
