Secondary bacterial infection of eczema and other common skin conditions: antimicrobial prescribing

Context

Breaks in the skin caused by common skin conditions are particularly susceptible to infection. This is because bacteria that live on the skin may infiltrate the damaged area. The most common bacterial pathogens are Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) or Streptococcus pyogenes (S. pyogenes). The most commonly infected skin conditions are eczema, psoriasis, chicken pox, shingles and scabies.