Bacterial skin infections are a common problem in general practice and hospitals. The most common skin infections include folliculitis, furuncles, carbuncles, impetigo, erysipelas and cellulitis. Folliculitis is the inflammation of hair follicles, commonly caused by Staphyloccocus aureus. The infection that involves deeper tissues and multiple follicles is called furuncle and/or carbuncle and usually requires surgical incision and drainage. Impetigo is caused by streptococci and staphylococci, which usually damage the top layer of the skin and often cause its separation and formation of blisters. Erysipelas is a superficial skin infection mostly caused by beta-hemolytic streptococci. Due to the available antimicrobial therapy, this infection may be quickly and successfully treated, although there is a tendency for relapse if predisposing disorders is left untreated. Cellulitis is an infection of the deeper layers of the skin caused by streptococci and staphylococci. Therefore, it is always necessary to apply antistaphylococcal antibiotic therapy. All infections are diagnosed on the basis of clinical presentation and treated empirically. Commonly applied antibiotics include penicillinase-resistant penicillins, cephalosporins, macrolides and newer fluorokinolons. Most of these infections may be successfully treated, although sometimes they may lead to complications, such s sepsis and shock, with lethal outcome. 

Key words:
carbuncle; cellulitis; erysipelas; folliculitis; furunculosis; impetigo; skin diseases, infectious