skin disorders
Overview of Bacterial Skin Infections
Prevention of Bacterial Skin Infections
Cleaning skin with soap and water Preventing bacterial skin infections involves keeping the skin undamaged and clean. When the skin is cut or scraped, the injury should be washed with soap and water and covered with a sterile bandage. Petrolatum may be applied to open areas to keep the tissue moist and to try to keep bacteria out. Doctors recommend that people do not use antibiotic ointments (prescription or nonprescription) onuninfectedminor wounds because of the risk of developing an allergy to the antibiotic. 