Signs of Bacterial Infection

• Painful rashes, large blisters and swollen, irritated skin may be signs of a bacterial infection, according to MayoClinic.com. A common bacterial infection, staph, is transmitted through physical contact and can live in extreme conditions, such as high temperatures.
  
  

Prescriptions for Skin Healing

• Penicillin, an antibiotic that previously cured bacterial infections, now works less than 10 percent of the time, according to MayoClinic.com. Stronger antibiotics, such as vancomycin, is a highly effective prescription for bacterial infections.
  
  

Discontinuing Medication

• Oftentimes, once their skin infection becomes better, patients forget to take their medication. MayoClinic.com, however, recommends taking antibiotics as prescribed. Stopping treatment early could allow the infection to come back.
  
  

When to Call a Doctor

• Developing a high fever, nausea and a rash on the palms that looks like a sunburn could be signs of toxic shock syndrome. This is a life-threatening complication of bacterial infections that is rare but can result from skin wounds. Seizures, unexplained muscle aches or confusion are also signs of this complication. People with these symptoms should seek emergency medical attention right away.
  
  

Preventing Skin Infection

• Taking precautions can minimize the chance of skin infection, according to MayoClinic.com. Wash hands for 30 seconds or longer, or use hand sanitizer (with 62 percent or higher alcohol content) when hand-washing facilities are unavailable.
  
  Keep cuts and wounds covered with clean bandages until they are completely healed. Also, avoid sharing personal items (such as towels and razors), which is a common way that bacterial infections spread.